Project Manager – Drought Emergency (Ref.:2022/002)

Department: Country Programming

Grade: 9

Reports To: Emergency Coordinator

Country/Location: Somalia/Mogadishu

Length of Contract: 7 months**

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

CRS has worked in Somalia since 1964. Over the years, CRS’ focus shifted from direct Humanitarian, relief and recovery programming and works with partners and enhances local capacity. CRS programs now supports communities affected by humanitarian crises in south Central Somalia

Background:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has been working closely with and channelling resources and support to local organizations in Somalia since the 1960s and has implemented activities in Mogadishu since 2011, in Baidoa since 2012, and in Gedo region since 2014 with OFDA, FFP and other foundation and private donor funding. More than 350,000 people have benefited from CRS’ programs in Somalia since 2011. Currently CRS Somalia is leading SHARPEN III, in partnership with Save Somalia Women and Children (SSWC), SOS Somalia and TROCAIRE (BHA, 12 months, 7,650,000 USD, South Central Somalia, WASH, Health, Protection and Nutrition).

Following three failed rainy seasons and some of the lowest rainfall in 40 years, Somalia’s drought is dangerously escalating, with the Federal Government of Somalia declaring a state of emergency in November 2021. Since December 2021, the situation has significantly worsened, with 4.3 million people experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions. CRS has secured private funding for a drought response, focusing on water provision, hygiene promotion activities and multipurpose cash assistance. Together with its partner Save Somali Women & Children (SSWC), CRS will implement these activities in Kahda, Daynile and Dharkinley districts of Banadir region. CRS will be prepositioning to expand the drought response with other donors, with a possible expansion of activities through SHARPEN III.

Job Summary:

You will manage programming in the Country Program (CP) for drought response, providing technical and management oversight of the emergency response, inclusive of multipurpose cash assistance (MPCA) and Water and Hygiene (WASH) activities, 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.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

· Manage and implement all activities throughout relevant project cycles – assessments, 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 project team staff use the appropriate systems and tools.

· Effectively manage talent and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, contribute to the recruitment process of project staff, and complete performance management for direct reports.

· Champion learning with project staff. Analyze and evaluate project performance data following MEAL policy. Proactively identify issues and concerns and use participatory processes to overcome implementation obstacles.

· Act as a key resource person in project design and proposal development in respective programming area (Emergency WASH and Cash), gap-filling and taking on growth responsibilities, as needed.

· Coordinate the identification of staff capacity and technical assistance needs and capacity strengthening and required interventions to support quality project implementation.

· Coordinate and monitor financial, material and human resources relevant to project needs and quality implementation. Through planning and oversight ensure efficient use of project resources.

· Engage and strengthen relevant partnerships, applying appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches.

· Coordinate with other WASH and cash actors including through participation in relevant clusters and working groups. Ensure CRS approaches (targeting, modalities, transfer values, etc.) are aligned with recommendation and with other actors.

Basic Qualifications

· Master’s Degree in International Development, International Relations or relevant field. Additional experience may substitute for some education.

· Minimum of 3 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing light to moderately complex projects required, preferably with an international NGO.

Required Languages – English and Somali language abilities required.

Travel – Position will be based in Mogadishu, Somalia. Must be willing and able to travel up to 30% to project locations, as security conditions permit.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities **

· Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.

· 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.

· Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented.

· Demonstrated commitment to respect, equity, diversity and inclusion including gender equality

Preferred Qualifications

· Project management experience in cash/livelihoods programming is highly desirable.

· Experience contributing to the development of technical proposals.

· MEAL skills and experience preferred.

· Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems.

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

Supervisory Responsibilities

The Drought Emergency Program Manager will have two direct reports: a WASH Project Officer and MEAL Officer (who will have a dotted line to the MEAL Manager).

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Emergency Coordinator, Head of Office, Program Managers, Senior Project Officer-Protection, MEAL Manager, Grants & Compliance Officer, Administrative Assistant, Deputy Finance Manager (Kenya), Kenya/Somalia Risk & Compliance Manager, HRD and regional technical advisors.

External: Implementing Partner (Save Somali Women & Children (SSWC) and possible other NGOs) staff, key coordination forums.

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

What we offer:

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

CRS’ emphasis on family values supports benefits, including maternity and paternity leave, policies that promote exclusive breastfeeding, the availability of a baby room at the office, and flexible working hours where possible.

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. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS Somalia strives to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and work, stay, and do their best.

CRS provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or handicap, medical condition and any other status protected by law. As an equal opportunity employer, CRS will recruit, hire, train and promote persons solely on their qualifications and abilities. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

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.