Project Director, Central African Interreligious Peacebuilding, CAR

About CRS: Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

Job Summary:
CRS, in partnership with World Vision, Aegis Trust, Islamic Relief, Palo Alto University, John’s Hopkins University and the Central African Interreligious Platform is pursuing funding to support civil society, government and private sector actors to promote peace in CAR. The main objectives of the project are as follows:

1. Central African institutions assert their leadership role in building peace in CAR;
2. Livelihood security is strengthened as a foundation for peace;
3. Trauma healing and peace education programs contribute to social cohesion.

The Project Director leads a team to achieve objectives as outlined above. S/he is responsible for overall management and representation of the program. The Project Director coordinates technical and operational implementation, including security for the project. Key components of the project are peace building and livelihoods, thus the Project Director is responsible for ensuring effective capacity building and skills transfer is provided to local partners. The Project Director will bring expertise and experience in at least two of the following areas: peacebuilding, conflict mitigation, interfaith collaboration and religious dialogue, and institutional strengthening.

Job Responsibilities:

A. Program Quality:

1. With key program staff and stakeholders, ensure program’s strategic objectives and results are fully accomplished and meet expected technical quality standards.
2. Ensure that vision and plans for the program are innovative and are in line with CRS agency, country program, and consortium strategies.
3. Oversee periodic technical reviews and manage changes in program direction and focus.
4. In collaboration with program staff, provide guidance and technical oversight to partners and other collaborating agencies to ensure that lessons of sound practice are documented and disseminated.
5. Oversee program’s monitoring and evaluation system, using data analysis as the basis for measuring performance. Ensure that M&E learning is incorporated into evolving program plans.
6. Ensure integration of program interventions with other Consortium programs or through linkages with other service providers.
7. With program staff, ensure the delivery of quality training, technical assistance and administrative and financial support to all partner agencies, including the selection and coordination of consultants.
8. Spearhead media efforts to publicize the work of the CIPP and increase its visibility domestically and abroad

B. Management and Administration:

1. Act as point of contact for consortium agencies, religious leaders, and USAID and any potential future partners that join the consortium
2. Manage program budgets, including tracking of financial and material resources.
3. Ensure accurate and timely reporting of program finances and progress status; review actual financial performance against the budget, and explain variances on a regular basis.
4. Ensure staff compliance with all CRS administrative and operational procedures and policies, as well as applicable donor regulations.
5. Approve program expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modification requests to donors.

C. Representation and Advocacy:

1. In collaboration with Consortium Members, act as primary program contact to donor and other local and international stakeholders, responsible for addressing all program matters.
2. In collaboration with the Consortium Team, strengthen linkages with existing and potential partner agencies.
3. In collaboration with Consortium Team, oversee program communication strategies, including compliance with donor’s branding and marketing requirements as well as CRS marketing and communication procedures.
4. In collaboration with Consortium Team, liaise with private sector partners in all phases of the project cycle, pursuing additional opportunities for funding and partnership when possible

D. Human Resource Management:

1. Lead, manage and supervise a team consortium staff to meet program objectives.
2. Conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with CRS’ performance management system and mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork.
3. Manage recruitment portfolio for the program, in collaboration with Human Resources, CRS country program management, and consortium management to ensure optimum service delivery through recruitment of competent and qualified staff.

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

Program Manager Competencies:
These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each program manager to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.
• Sets clear goals and manages toward them.
• Collaborates effectively with staff and stakeholders.
• Manages financial resources with integrity.
• Applies program quality standards to project design and organizational learning

Qualifications and Skills:

1. Minimum Masters Degree in Development Studies, International Relations or related field required.
2. At least 7 years of relevant management, supervisory, and technical experience working with programs related to peacebuilding, conflict mitigation and institutional strengthening.
3. Experience working in complex projects in CAR similar environments required.
4. Proven experience coordinating with humanitarian actors in emergency contexts
5. Technical expertise in two or more of the following areas: peacebuilding, conflict mitigation and institutional strengthening. Experience in gender-based analysis.
6. Experience managing USG-funded programs required; Knowledge of key USG and particularly USAID regulations.
7. Proven leadership and inter-personal skills and ability to build and motivate diverse and talented teams.
8. Proven experience in building and maintaining institutional linkages required. Public relations skills required.
9. Flexibility to work both in a team and independently.
10. Cultural sensitivity, patience and flexibility.
11. Demonstrated personal accountability and driven to serve others.
12. Understanding of and experience with faith-based organizations, local structures, and accompaniment and capacity-building principles in local partnerships highly desired. Experience with community-based participatory methods.
13. Knowledge of CAR context preferred.
14. Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required, up to 40%.
15. Excellent English and French language oral and written communication skills required; Knowledge of Sango or other local languages desired.
16. Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook required.

Disclaimer: This 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.

EOE/M/F/D/V

HOW TO APPLY:

Apply online: https://www5.apply2jobs.com/CRS/ProfExt/index.cfm?fuseaction=mExternal.s...