Deputy Program Director, SPICES

CRS has been active in Madagascar for over 60 years implementing programs on agriculture and livelihoods, emergency response, health, nutrition, WASH and education. Aligned with CRS 2030 Strategy, CRS Madagascar is a priority country for the Landscapes & Livelihoods, Youth, Malaria and Social Cohesion platforms focused on a market driven land restoration model aimed at improving productivity of degraded land and improving the well-being of Malagasy small holder farming households and their communities through integrated programming. To drive this work, CRS Madagascar initiated the Securing and Protecting Investments & Capacity for Environmental Sustainability (SPICES) program with a goal to contribute improving the well-being and resiliency of small holder farmer households and communities (most affected by climate change) living in the eastern landscapes of Madagascar. The program is now funded by both private and institutional donors and imp lemented in collaboration with local church partners, research institutions and multiple private sector partners.
Job Summary
As Deputy Program Director, you will be responsible for providing technical and managerial oversight to the environment, biodiversity, agriculture production (focus on agroforestry) and MEAL teams working in the east, southeast and north within the SPICES program. You will work as part of a team over 50 staff with 8 local partners to ensure high quality technical programming and relationship building with partners and communities. As a senior leader you will proactively manage security and mitigate security risks.

Required Languages – English and French (some Malagasy would be a plus)
Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 30 %.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Very good strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions.
• Experience with business related models (value chain, private sector), especially in Agriculture sector
• Very good relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.
• Team leadership abilities with diverse/multi-disciplinary teams.
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented.

Preferred Qualifications

• Recognized technical experience and qualifications in agriculture, value chain and/or environment, experience in Madagascar context a plus
• Demonstrated experience of successful management, including management of functions of complex, multi-activity projects funded by USAID or other institutional donors
• Ability to develop high quality reports in English that meet donor requirements
• Innovative and creative spirit, open to bringing new ideas and ways of working to the program and team
• Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment.
• Experience engaging partners (church, private, government) and strengthening partnerships. Knowledge of CRS partnership strategy a plus
• Experience in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications, and information and budget management systems.

Supervisory Responsibilities : Regional Coordinators x 2, Agriculture/Livelihoods PM, MEAL PM, Biodiversity PM
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Program Director, SPICES, TSIRO Chief of Party, Private Sector Program Manager, Youth Program Manager, Malaria Program Manager, Head of Programming, Deputy Heads of Programming (x2), Regional Technical Teams in Southern Africa Region and HQ based Platform and Technical teams
External : Partners including Centre ValBio, church partners, church leaders, government counterparts, private sector partners and other NGOs/associations working in SPICES zones
Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Agriculture, Value Chain (agri-business) or Environment related technical area, International Development, International Relations or a relevant technical area.
• 5 years’ relevant management and technical experience.
• 3 years’ experience managing donor funds. Knowledge and experience in budget management.

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.
· Integrity
· Continuous Improvement & Innovation
· Builds Relationships
· Develops Talent
· Strategic Mindset
· Accountability & Stewardship
*Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.
*Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.*** Note: All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside their home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical examination. CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer**

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.