Job Description

Job Title:                             Project Manager I – Cash Vouchers Assistance, KAAFIA+ (Ref. 2024/012)

Department:                      Country Programming – Emergency Programs

Grade:                                  9

Reports To:                         Program Manager II – KAAFIA+

Country/Location:           Somalia/Mogadishu       

Length of Contract:         12 months renewable

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) 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 a long history of supporting local civil-society organizations in Somalia and has implemented development and emergency programming in multiple sectors, primarily supported by the United States Agency for International Development. CRS’ work in Somalia supports populations across 5 regions of Somalia, with emergency presence concentrated in the South-Central area.

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. Hundreds of thousands of people have benefited from CRS’ programs in Somalia since 2011. Currently CRS Somalia is leading Kaafia plus project, in partnership with Save Somalia Women and Children (SSWC), New ways organization, SOS Somalia and TROCAIRE.

Job Summary:

The Project Manager I – Cash and Vouchers assistance (CVA) in KAAFIA+ will take lead in oversight role, coordination, evaluation and ensure timely reporting of KAAFIA+ Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) activities, with support from the KAAFIA+ PM, CRS CVA advisors, other KAAFIA+ sector leads and officers. Your management skills, technical knowledge and professional experience will ensure that KAAFIA+ programme delivers high-quality CVA programming and continuously works towards improving the impact of its programming.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Organize and lead the implementation of all assigned MCPA activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality and accountability principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.
• Lead the development of MPCA strategies and adaptations into new proposals in line with the CRS program strategy, donor requirements and sector best practices.
• Ensure learning is evident in the project activities throughout the project cycle. Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and guiding partners in their efforts to reflect on project experiences.
• Analyze implementation challenges and report any inconsistencies and/or gaps to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules.
• Coordinate and oversee working relationships with all local project stakeholders and serve as the liaison between them and the project team to mobilize local actors and promote project activities and impact.
• Supervise the various processes, activities, and resources at project sites to ensure timely project activities implementation and adherence to established process standards and procedures.
• Ensure close proper tracking of resource use for project activities through periodic budget reviews and follow-up with and assistance to implementing partner.
• Coordinate with partners to ensure the proposed MCPA activities are implemented as per the approved DIPP and Procurement plans.
• Ensure all MCPA activity reports are submitted on time to in country CVA coordination forums reporting databases/ platforms by CRS.
• Actively participate in CVA coordination fora, at National and subnational level to strengthen CRS visibility within Somalia Humanitarian ecosystem.
• Ensure project documentation for assigned activities is complete with all required documents and is filed per agency and donor requirements. Assist with preparation of trends analysis reports and documentation of case studies and promising practices.
• Work closely with CRS MEAL manager, Patners MEAL and MCPA programme team lead to develop MCPA M&E tools for tracking KAAFIA+ implementation progress.
• Lead the integration of MPCA with other subsectors such as Food Security, Nutrition, WASH and Protection
• Support capacity strengthening initiatives in relation to Cash and Market based programming for staff and partners through helping develop learning and training strategies and agendas/curriculums, conducting trainings and workshops, and coaching.

Experiences and Qualifications

 Master’s degree in humanitarian assistance, social policy, economics, or related field required- adequate professional work experience may substitute education requirements.

• Minimum of three years relevant work experience with progressive responsibilities, ideally with an international NGO, with minimum of two years relevant field-based experience in cash and market-based programming, including in protracted and rapid onset emergency contexts.
• Knowledge of technical principles and concepts in cash and market-based programming. General knowledge of other related disciplines to ensure proper cross-sectoral approach.
• Demonstrated experience in designing Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) programs, particularly for BHA, and designing and implementing cash programs related to Food Security, Nutrition, and/or Protection. Experience in other sectoral cash programming, such as Shelter and Settlements, WASH, Nutrition, DRR, and/or Protection, desirable.

Required Languages - English and Somali required.  

Supervisory Responsibilities: (Partner MPCA Officer staffs).

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 50% of the time to KAAFIA+ MCPA project locations for supportive supervision and strengthen CRS and Patners Sectoral teams’ coordination.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong programme management and report writing skills.
• Strong relationship and team player skills, and the ability to work effectively with culturally diverse groups.
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented
• Sound knowledge and skills in training and facilitation.
• Good coordination, creative and innovative skills.
• Should be very adaptive and responsive, due to the fragile nature of Programme context.
• Great writing and review skills to develop and review high quality success stories.
• Demonstrated commitment to respect, equity, diversity, and inclusion including gender equality.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience engaging and coordinating partner organizations.
• Experience in conducting partners routine supportive supervision and capacity building of Patner staffs to improve programme quality.
• Experience in working with Cluster coordination platforms and familiar with Cluster reporting requirements.
• Experience contributing to the development of concept notes and technical proposals.
• Strong MEAL skills and experience preferred.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems.
• Knowledge of, and experience in, conducting market assessments and response analysis to inform modality decisions across different areas of programming, particularly in humanitarian contexts.
• Experience in project design for cash programming in a diversity of contexts.
• Experience in proposal development. Experience in writing content for proposals.
• Knowledge of capacity strengthening best practices.
• Experience with program monitoring and evaluation and analysis.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. 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. 

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships:  

Internal: Country Manager, Programme Manager, Emergency Coordinator Technical Advisors, Programmes team (KAAFIA+), MEAL Manager, Officer, Accountability Officer, procurement, Security, Fleet, Finance and Admin Officers.

External: Partner staff, consultants, Enumerators, Vendors, Other stakeholders (CVA sector country Coordinators, Community leaders and members.

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.

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 based on 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.

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. Women and persons with disabilities 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.

The protection of your personal data is important to Catholic Relief Services. By submitting your application, you consent to CRS using your personal data only for the recruitment process to have all the information and documents necessary to proceed with the recruitment, validation of your application and selection of the most suitable candidate. Your personal data will be treated confidentially. CRS will not use your personal data in any other way other than for purposes of recruitment.

Skills Required

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