Senior Program Manager at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Department: USAID Feed the Future Nigeria Livelihoods Project
Band: E1
Reports to: Technical Program Director
Based in: Sokoto
Duration: 2 Years (with possibility of extension)

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
1.    Works closely with technical team leads and be responsible for ensuring program implementation by CSOs adhere to technical standards
2.    Serve as the point person for CSO program implementation including supporting CSOs in developing work plans including targets as set by the program and monitor program implementation, addressing issue and challenges effectively and in a timely manner
3.    Ensure that CSO partners prepare regular/timely cash forecasts and keep the program leadership informed on any irregularities or delays in provision of resources.
4.    Together with the Technical Program Director and partners, identify capacity building needs for partner/CSO staff
5.    Support CSO budget development and timely signing of annual agreements with project. Monitor compliance with agreements
6.    Ensure CSOs submit their reports on time and with high quality.
7.    Provide strong representation of the program and with support from the State Coordinators and Program Managers, ensure govemmentsupport and establish result-yielding relationship with state government
8.    Support assessments of CSO/partners sub grantees, provides mentorship to CSOs in the design and implementation of service delivery
9.    With Technical Program Director, State Coordinators and Team leads, organize and support technical trainings and community of practice meetings.
10.    Contribute generally to the process of seeking government support to program implementation and prioritization, including the identification and allocation of specific overnment resources to the project
11.    Work with the Technical Program Director and program staff to identify and implement appropriate ICf4D solutions to improve timeliness and quality of M&E and project implementation by CSOs
12.    Provide support to any formal or informal training events organized by the project for staff and/or partners, including learning assessments, planning and facilitation guides.
13.    In collaboration with Technical Program Director; coordinate program communication strategies with CSOs/partners, including compliance with donor's branding and marketing requirements, as well as CRS marketing and communication procedures
14.    Manage state coordination and CSO coordination to ensure consistency and quality in program implementation as well as communication in target communities.
15.    Assume other duties as requested by the Technical Program Director

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS:
1.    Master's degree in Agriculture, Development Studies or related field
2.    At least six years of working experience in agriculture, development odood security programs including focus on at least one ofthe following sectors agriculture, livelihoods, nutrition, or governance
3.    Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook
4.    Experience with participatory methods and partnerships
5.    Excellent English language oral and written communication, training and facilitation skills. Fluency in Hausa language is an added advantage as well as experience with northern Nigerian agriculture. Sokoto or Kebbi State indigenes are strongly encouraged to apply.
6.    Proven experience in analyzing gender and applying gender-responsive methods to project implementation.
7.    Understanding offaith-based organizations and capacity-building in local partnerships
8.    Experience in staff development and partner capacity
9.    Understanding of U.S Government grant provisions, policies and guidelines, including reporting
requirements and Caritas agencies
10.    Willingness and abilityto travel at least 50% of time