Senior Program Manager at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Application Ref. Code: SPMF7119
Location: Abuja, F.C.T
Department: Programs/FASTER
Job Band: 9
Reports To: Project Director

Project Summary

• FASTER (Faith-based Action for Scaling up Testing and Treatment for the Epidemic Response) project is designed as a new component of the global FOCUS (Faith-based Organization Capacity Strengthening for Universal HIV Services) project. Funded by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FOCUS was developed with the intent of building FBO network capacity, assisting FBOs to contribute to HIV multi-sector planning for expanded service delivery, and documenting successful approaches. Led by CRS, FOCUS builds understanding of how to leverage the faith-based community’s contributions at sub-national and national levels, reinforcing mutual responsibility and country-driven leadership.
• FASTER takes FOCUS’ objectives to the next level by creating an enabling environment in Nigeria where government, civil society, the private sector, and FBOs can accelerate normative pediatric HIV case finding, testing, linkage to care and treatment, and adherence support by strengthening and streamlining joint coordination and provision of pediatric HIV service delivery.

Job Summary

• The Senior Program Manager provides support for effective FASTER Program management. The role ensures timeliness and efficiency of all program activities for achieving FASTER objectives and targets in line with the CRS partnership management approach.
• Working closely with the Project Director, the Senior Program Manager coordinates establishment and effective management of the project sub-recipients and other strategic partnerships, leads program planning and reviews and accountable reporting in line with FASTER program and grants management manual and process.

Specific Job Responsibilities
Program Quality:

• Lead FASTER program development and implementation strategy. Support the Program Director in the planning, implementation and management of the project in line with program goals and objectives in a timely and cost-effective manner and to ensure program results/targets are met
• Coordinate all program planning, reviews and reporting in line with donor requirements
• Promote CRS partnership management approach and foster engagement with faith-based institutions.
• Develop and ensure adoption of mechanisms for achieving program accountability to partners, communities and beneficiaries.

Program Management Oversight:

• Provide Program management oversight to all program sub-offices supporting the Zonal Offices to facilitate efficient field program operations
• Oversee administrative, operational and security aspects of the FASTER field offices
• Facilitate transparency among and between members to promote team coordination and effectiveness.
• Promote program linkages between FASTER and consortium partners.
• Support Grants Management team to coordinate an effective sub-granting process to subrecipients and technical support to partners in line with USAID obligations and regulations
• Ensure timely, and complete submission of work plans, quarterly and annual reports, financial reports, and any other reports required by the donor or the government

Representation and Learning:

• In consultation with the Project Director, represent the consortium on relevant technical forums including high level representation, advocacy and donor engagement as required
• Provide high level technical support for program innovation and learning; foster regular discussions with key stakeholders as appropriate; to facilitate cross sector learning.

Qualifications and Skills

• Master’s degree minimum in Public Health, Child/Youth Development, International Development, Social Science or related field.
• Strong knowledge of the HIV, OVC, social welfare and health sectors in Nigeria preferred
• Minimum 7 years in the developing world in project management positions with progressive management responsibilities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of USAID project/awards management including USAID rules and regulation and reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated knowledge of achieving project targets through applied learning, rigorous knowledge management, and innovation.
• Experience collaborating with state governments and local partners to implement development projects.
• Experience managing teams and building partnerships in complex situations
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Proven leadership qualities, depth and breadth of technical and management expertise and experience, and strong interpersonal, writing, and oral presentation skills.
• Strong interpersonal, writing and oral presentation skills in English
• Willingness to travel significantly throughout all FASTER project locations
• Proven leadership qualities, depth and breadth of technical expertise and experience, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Required Foreign Language: Excellent written and spoken English.
• Required Travel: Ability to travel up to 50% of time

Key Working Relationships:

• Internal: Global FASTER team, Project Director and team, Deputy Country Representative (Health and Livelihood), RTAs for Health and OVC, Country Representatives, Heads of Operations, and Security Managers/Focal Points.
• External: NASCP, NACA, CDC LAM, other donors, HIV and OVC Program Implementing Partners

Agency Wide Competencies
These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results:

• Integrity
• Strategic Mindset
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Develops Talent
• Builds Relationships
• Accountability & Stewardship