Program Manager I � Emergency Response, Shelter

Req.#: I 10 172

Job Background/Summary:

One of CRS’ strategic objectives, as defined by its Emergency Strategy, is to become a more innovative and effective emergency prevention, preparedness and response organization. To this end, the Emergency Operations Department (EOPs) provides leadership and responsive support for systemic improvements in CRS emergency programming. EOPs strengthens CRS’ impact through high quality, innovative programs; improved technical and management capacity at the field level; and active engagement in global efforts to promote excellence and learning in humanitarian response. EOPs has technical staff on the Emergency Response Team (ERT) based in Nairobi and at Headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland who support emergency program planning, rapid response, and capacity strengthening of staff and partners worldwide.

During large-scale disasters, CRS responds immediately (within 48 hours), often alongside partners, with technical support and staffing presence. The organizational systems, structures and operating norms require that staff deployed have significant CRS and emergency management experience in order to set up the relief delivery infrastructure immediately and to accompany local staff and partners.

The PM I provides CRS with an experienced general relief professional who can be deployed to fill critical relief management roles in the event of small, medium, and large-scale emergencies. In addition the PMI will also have a specific focus on shelter and will work closely with the ERT Technical Advisor for Shelter to design and implement emergency and transitional shelter programs. The position is ideal for a candidate with an architecture or engineering background and who has the capacity and flexibility to work on all aspects of an emergency response. Although emergency situations vary, key responsibilities of the PM I-(Shelter) are listed below.

Key Responsibilities:

1. As a member of CRS' ERT will be required to travel at least 50% of time, often at very short notice (within 48 hours) and for an average of two to six weeks (with a maximum of two consecutive months under exceptional circumstances).
2. Deploy to emergency as a member of a rapid emergency assessment team at the onset of humanitarian crisis to gather data.
3. Assist country programs in analysis of assessment information and development of emergency response proposals, program development, and strategic planning.
4. Oversee and ensure the successful implementation of emergency response projects likely to focus on shelter, distributions of relief supplies, WASH, and protection. This position will have a specific leaning towards supporting emergency shelter programs.
5. Lead or assist with set up and/or management of emergency field offices, teams, and relief operations including ensuring supply chains are capable of meeting program needs.
6. Provide emergency management assistance as requested, following CRS program and management quality standards, and international accountability standards such as Sphere standards and the Good Enough Guide.
7. Use appropriate project management tools to plan, review and track progress on project implementation as well as on the utilization of project resources.
8. Collaborate with emergency M&E unit and non-emergency departments to ensure effective program coordination and a high level of stewardship.
9. Represent the agency and partners at cluster, donor and coordination meetings.
10. Identify training needs and requirements for County Program and Partner emergency program staff.
11. Work with ERT/EOPs Technical Advisors to develop, facilitate and implement various trainings including emergency response and preparedness trainings for country program staff and partners in the field.
12. Work collaboratively with country program staff and provide on-the-job training to country program and partner staff during an emergency response.
13. Identify technical assistant needs for CRS and partners. Contribute to developing SOWs and following up with potential TAs from the region or externally as appropriate.
14. Participate in EOPs/ERT activities as necessary

Emergency Competencies:

Each CRS staff member working in emergencies is expected to use the following competencies to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.

• Communicates strategically under pressure
• Manages stress and complexity
• Actively promotes safety and security
• Manages and implements high-quality emergency programs

Supervisory Responsibility: Situational during emergency responses.

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Emergency Operations, ERT, Country Representatives, Regional Representatives, Regional Technical Advisors (RTAs) for Emergencies, Program & Management Quality staff, and Human Resources
External: Caritas Internationalis, Emergency PVO Community, UN agencies, shelter cluster, Donor agencies, partners, and people affected by disasters

Qualifications:

1. Masters degree preferred or similar professional qualification in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or related technical field, or equivalent field experience.
2. 2-3 years experience working within international development and/or relief. Experience in emergency environments, strongly preferred
3. Experience in design, construction, planning and construction project management, including contract administration, preferred. Knowledge of Sphere Shelter standards and indicators.
4. Experience in multi-sector program design, proposal development, implementation, administration and financial oversight, coordination, monitoring and evaluation, and reporting.
5. Strong proposal development and writing skills preferred
6. Demonstrated ability with project grants management, including project design, budget preparation, expenditure tracking, etc.
7. Experience working with and through local partner organizations.
8. Basic knowledge of design requirements and regulations of major donors including the United States Government, Caritas, the EU, and UN agencies.
9. Experience with and enthusiasm for coaching, mentoring and on the job training, capacity strengthening and partnership building.
10. Proficient in application of CRS security protocols.
11. Familiarity with humanitarian codes, principles and practice
12. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
13. Ability to maintain performance expectations and strong working relationships in diverse cultural contexts, psychologically & physically stressful environments.
14. Strong cross cultural skills and experience working with national staff in overseas offices
15. Knowledge of French, Spanish, Arabic, Portuguese or other languages is desirable.

Physical Requirement: Travel is expected be at least 50% for this position. Candidates should have capacity to live and work in difficult and stressful environments, and serve wherever agency needs dictate.

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

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