RRM Program Manager I at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Job Ref Code: RPM51219
Location: Maiduguri, Borno (with frequent field travel)
Department: Programs
Reports To: Emergency Response Program Manager II
Band: 8

Project Background
It is estimated that 3.5 million people will require shelter and non-food items (NFIs) assistance in 2019, showing a significant increase over 2018 and representing the second and third highest priority need across all IDPs. These needs are excepted to continue growing, with a regular influx of new IDPs on a regular basis. In July 2019 over 8,000 new IDP arrivals were recorded in the NE, with the rainy season (July-September) putting these already vulnerable populations at further risk. While NGOs, UN and other actors have ongoing support programs, only 39% of the estimated funding need has been committed to the 2019-2020 response plan, leaving a large gap for immediate responses.

With initial funding in 2019 the CRS emergency team was able to train a core team of over 20 staff in rapid response best practices related to both program quality and supply chain and carried out rapid NFI and food assistance to over 400 HHs affected by severe flooding in August/September 2019. Following the Rapid Response Mechanism (RRM) pilot in FY19, new funding has been secured through September 2020 to support the expansion and immediate staffing needs of the RRM while seeking longer-term funding from other sources. With current funding, CRS aims to provide immediate life-saving WASH and shelter NFI and food interventions for 1,000 sudden onset disaster and conflict-affected households in Borno State, with emphasis on, but not limited to, Gubio, Jere/MMC, Kaga, Magumeri, Mobbar, Gujba and Gulani LGAs.

Primary Function
You will manage programming in the Country Program (CP) for Rapid Response Mechanisms, designing and implementing projects advancing Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work in serving the poor and vulnerable. Your management skills and knowledge will ensure that the CP delivers high-quality programming and continuously works towards improving the impact of its programming. Reporting to the OFDA PM II for Emergency Response, the RRM PM I will undertake the following responsibilities related to project cycle management, technical direction, and program development:

Program Quality and Implementation:

• Manage and implement all activities throughout relevant project cycles - project design, start-up, implementation and close-out - to ensure efficient and effective implementation in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices
• Ensure quality and timely field level implementation of the RRM program against set objectives, targets and work plans
• Ensure that RRM programing utilizes international best practices, policies and guidelines, in line with CRS’ RRM SOPs, developing new SOPs as needed
• In coordination with the MEAL team, ensure adherence to CRS MEAL Policies and Procedures (MPP) and actively monitor activities through field visits, surveys and/or exchange of information with partners to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and take timely decisions to resolve issues
• Provide inputs to relevant Sector leads within CRS emergency teams and represent CRS at working group meetings and coordination forums for RRM coordination as needed at the LGA and state level
• Develop new and manage existing relationships with key stakeholders and potential collaborators for RRM programs.

Budget Management:

• Coordinate and monitor financial and material resources relevant to project needs. Through planning and oversight ensure efficient use of project resources
• Conduct monthly budget reviews, ensuring on track project spending, in line with budget and DIP
• Program Development and Strategic Planning
• Identify opportunities for program and proposal development in line with CRS and donor guidelines
• Participate in proposal writing and budget development processes for RRM programs, focusing on opportunities from rapid funding streams, such as START Network
• Lead technical assessments as a basis for RRM program development when necessary to monitor evolving needs of the target communities and adjust programmatic priorities as necessary.

Capacity Building:

• Identify training needs and develop capacity building sessions for CRS emergency teams-pertaining to RRM best practice, on-job training, technical guidance and coaching sessions
• Ensure appropriate support to the RRM field activity teams through regular field visits and providing targeted technical feedback
• Monitor staffing needs for field activities and coordinate with the OFDA PM II for requesting staff time from emergency program staff, providing input/feedback to relevant supervisors on performance of their staff in the field.

Reporting:

• Support the development of field-based reports and ensure proper documentation of all distributions
• Work with MEAL teams to develop success stories following activities
• Complete donor reports according to donor reporting schedule

Key Working Relationships:

• Internal: Emergency Response PM IIs (OFDA and FFP), Emergency Coordinator, emergency programming teams, OFDA MEAL team, MEAL coordinator,security team and operations (supply chain, HR, admin, finance) team
• External: WASH,CCCM/Shelter/NFI and Food Security Coordination Mechanism, IOM, UN agencies, local leaders and community members, partner agencies

Qualifications and Skills

• Master's Degree in International Development, International Relations or relevant field. Additional experience may substitute for some education.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant field-based experience in managing light to moderately complex NFI and/or food projects required, preferably with an international NGO.
• Proven experience in project design and implementation, budgeting and ï¬Financial management in RRM
• Strong understanding of the humanitarian emergency operating context, including Sphere, the humanitarian system, donors, security, and program management
• Experience contributing to the development of technical proposals
• MEAL skills and experience preferred
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Kobo Collect, RedRose, Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems
• Preferred Skills and Experience
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to organize and prioritize a variety of initiatives
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with culturally diverse groups
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to write reports
• Fluency in local languages, Hausa and Kanuri.

Travel:

• Regular travel within Borno State and some occasional travel to other BAY states

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)
These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results:

• Serves With Integrity
• Models Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning.

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Important Information/Notice

• CRS is an equal - opportunity employer, does not discriminate based on race, color, religion and we are committed to gender sensitive programming and management. etc.
• Qualified women are strongly
• By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics.
• CRS recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation
• The above job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
• CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
• Equal Opportunity Employer.