Catholic Relief Services is implementing a global emergency response initiative designed to deliver timely, life-saving humanitarian assistance in rapidly evolving crises worldwide. Over 18 months, the program enables fast, flexible action to address urgent needs arising from sudden shocks and protracted emergencies. It supports critical humanitarian sectors through context-appropriate assistance while emphasizing operational readiness, locally led implementation, accountability to affected communities, and safe, dignified programming.

Emergency Program Managers will support Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia providing readiness and response support based on evolving needs, with the composition of countries adapted according to context and operational priorities.

Position Duration: Tentative July 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027

Travel: Must be able and willing to travel at least 50% of time often at very short notice (within 48 hours) and for an average of four-six weeks.

Job Summary:

You will manage and provide technical oversight of the development and implementation of the emergency response and recovery programming, particularly for large and complex projects, ensuring effective systems and processes are in place that support high-quality programming advancing Catholic Relief Services' work in serving the poor and vulnerable.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

Provide management, guidance, and technical oversight of all new and existing emergency response and recovery projects throughout the project cycle to ensure project design, start-up, implementation and close-out are in line with CRS quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices

Effectively manage talent for emergency response and recovery programs and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailored individual development plans, and complete performance management for direct reports

Oversee technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities in emergency response and recovery for staff and partner organizations to enhance program quality and impact

Lead the development of program learning – identify opportunities for learning, research and publications in emergency response and recovery and implementation of MEAL policy. Facilitate the dissemination of promising practices and lessons learned to contribute to the agency's knowledge management agenda. Ensure integration of innovations and best practices

Contribute to the proactive pursuit of opportunities for new funding to ensure growth of the program office (PO) emergency response and recovery portfolio in line with agency, regional, and PO strategic priorities. Serve as the technical lead and technical writer to ensure quality emergency response and recovery proposals per agency and donor standards. Contribute to budgeting and staffing plans and activities for proposals

Oversee the identification, assessment and strengthening of partnerships relevant to emergency response and recovery and the appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches

Ensure timely and appropriate project expenditures in line with financial plans and efficient use and stewardship of project material sources

Represent CRS in relevant working groups and clusters, with key donors, and other local stakeholders

Basic Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in international development, International Relations, Community Development, or in the field of WASH, shelter, livelihoods, or food security required

Minimum of 2 years' experience in relevant field-based project management experience

Experience in managing moderately complex projects

Experience in an international NGO

Experience working closely with local partner organizations

Located in or able to cover Eastern and Southern Africa time zonesPreferred Qualifications:

Master's Degree in International Development, International Relations, Community Development, or in the field of WASH, shelter, livelihoods, or food security

At least 1 year working experience in the area of emergency programming, including WASH, shelter, livelihoods, and/or food security programming

Required Languages: Proficiency (verbal and written) in English is required; French and Portuguese is preferred

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

MEAL skills and experience

Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment

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

Good experience in project grants management, including project design, preferably for grants from multiple public donors, including US government and UN

Demonstrated ability to write high quality technical proposals

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to make sound judgment and decisions and offer innovative solutions

Strong relations management abilities

Good presentation and facilitation skills

Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one's own actions

Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission

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

What We Offer:

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. CRS' work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

Application Procedure:

All interested and qualified candidates are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted exclusively through the following link:

Application Link: https://eipn.fa.us2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/job/3002601/?utm_medium=jobshare&utm_source=External+Job+Share

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.