Program Manager II at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Job Summary

• As Program Manager, you will provide overall leadership to the BASICS-II project program team and be responsible for the overall management of the project including the quality of programmatic implementation (including monitoring, evaluation and learning) and administrative elements of the project to serve the poor and vulnerable. You are responsible for ensuring that project results are achieved on time and on budget, including strategies for phase out and sustainability, and that the budget is consumed as planned. As a senior leader, you will proactively manage security and mitigate security risks.
• CRS Nigeria is implementing the Development of Cassava Seed Entrepreneur (DCSE) component of Building An Economically Sustainable Integrated Cassava Seed System, Phase 2 (BASICS-II) in Benue and Kogi State. BASICS-II is being implemented by a consortium of organizations led by IITA and covers the entire cassava seed value chain, ranging from breeder to farmer seed. The project’s vision is to provide farmers with access to affordable, quality-assured seeds of the cassava varieties in demand by local food and processor markets through the establishment of a commercially viable seed value chain operating across breeder, foundation, and commercial seed levels. This value chain will enable more efficient dissemination and adoption of new varieties to improve productivity, raise incomes of cassava growers and seed entrepreneurs, enhance gender equity, and contribute to inclusive agricultural transformation in Nigeria and Tanzania. The DCSE component of the BASICS-II project which is being implemented by CRS will include the aggregation of Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs (CSEs) and cover production and marketing of certified planting materials of improved cassava varieties to farmers within and outside of Kogi and Benue states. In implementing the component, CRS will identify, train and work with the Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs (CSEs) to plan and organize their seed production and marketing activities. They will be supported to be organized as formidable Seed Entrepreneurs Networks (SENs) operational in the implementation states.

Roles And Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation and consolidation of the BASICS-II project. Provide oversight for all aspects of program quality, program management, representation, and human resources. Serve as the primary point of contact to DONOR as well as public, private and non-government stakeholders.
• As a lead for the Building an Economically Sustainable and Integrated Cassava Seed System, Phase 2 (BASICS-II) project team, facilitate the achievement of project objectives through coordinating and reporting on all project activities and providing technical guidance and advice to staff and implementing partner(s) advancing Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable.
• Ensure strategic objectives and results are accomplished and meet technical quality standards through annual and quarterly activity planning and budget forecasts. Lead quarterly technical review of implementation plans.
• Effectively manage talent and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching and mentoring. Strategically tailor development plans and complete performance assessments for direct reports. Oversee the development of staffing plans and recruitment process of senior staff
• Coordinate with M&E department to oversee the design and implementation of the monitoring and evaluation system, using appropriate forms, procedures, and tools for data collection and analysis as the basis for measuring, documenting and reporting outcomes.
• Manage and mitigate risk. Ensure compliance in DONOR grants including oversight of partner budgets, finance and administration, and reporting to DONOR.
• Coordinate relationships with consortium partner organizations. Contribute to coordination of roles and activities of staff from consortium member organizations in implementation in line with CRS partnership principles.
• Create and maintain proper conditions for learning. Establish a safe environment for sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to deficiencies. Identify performance gaps and training opportunities for CRS and partner staff and ensure the design and delivery of high-quality training and technical assistance.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Proven leadership and ability to build and motivate diverse and talented teams
• Proven experience in building and maintaining institutional linkages
• Ability to work to meet deadlines in multiple tasking environments
• Excellent organization, planning and analytical skills; detail oriented
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated strength in relationship management

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of CRS Partnership strategy and Partner management experience an advantage.
• Knowledge of vegetatively propagated Seed System
• Previous management experience with agriculture projects
• Solid understanding of key issues facing small-scale farmers
• Experience with and commitment to working in a team structure
• Excellent report writing skills.
• Excellent knowledge and experience in budget management and project management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Publisher, Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Agriculture, International Development, International Relations or a related field.
• At least 7 years of experience managing large scale development grants, preferably focusing on Seed systems development.
• Proven track record of successful USG funded program management, including management of multi-activity projects, complicated logistics and large budgets, as well as commodities.
• At least 5 years of supervisory experience, including performance evaluation, coaching and mentoring.