Job Opportunity in the Palestinian Territories

CRS is responding to what has become a chronic humanitarian crisis in Gaza with on-going emergency response activities funded by several donors. Given Israel’s recent easing of its blockade, CRS is now including early recovery activities in its Gaza programming. As part of a consortium, CRS has submitted a three-year, $15 million proposal to USAID for the Palestinian Community Assistance Program(PCAP). The Program Manager II will be responsible for managing CRS’ humanitarian assistance programs in Gaza, training and coaching CRS staff and partners in emergency preparedness and response, and expanding the Cash-for-Work and Cash-for-Internship programs.

Job Responsibilities: Program Quality: 1. With key program staff and stakeholders, ensure program’s strategic objectives and results are fully accomplished and meet expected technical quality standards.
2. Ensure that vision and plans for the program are innovative and are in line with CRS and donor strategies.
3. Oversee periodic technical reviews and manage changes in program direction and focus.
4. In collaboration with program staff, provide guidance and technical oversight to partners and other collaborating agencies to ensure that lessons of sound practice are documented and disseminated.
5. Oversee program's monitoring and evaluation system, using data analysis as the basis for measuring performance. Ensure that M&E learning is incorporated into evolving program plans.
6. Ensure integration of program interventions with other CRS programs or through linkages with other service providers.
7. With program staff, ensure the delivery of quality training, technical assistance and administrative and financial support to all partner organizations, including the selection and coordination of consultants.

Management and Administration: 1. Manage program budgets, including tracking of financial and material resources.
2. Ensure accurate and timely reporting of program finances and progress status, review actual financial performance against the budget, and explain variances on a regular basis.
3. Ensure compliance with all CRS administrative and operational procedures and policies, as well as applicable donor regulations.
4. Approve program expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modification requests to donors.

Monitoring and Evaluation: 1. Visit project sites regularly to monitor CRS and partner activities.
2. Develop monitoring check list for field staff, in order to track activities and necessary follow up for Gaza-based programs.
3. Monitor project finances to ensure funds are being used according to the approved budget and project objectives, while coordinating and liaising with the CRS/Palestine Finance Department on all aspects of grant management.
4. Oversee correct financial reporting on projects and release payments or advances as per agreement.
5. Compile and submit narrative reports as per donor requirements.

Key Working Relationships: Internal: Deputy CR (Jerusalem-based), Gaza Head of Office, Gaza Field Manager, Gaza programming staff, Operations Manager (Jerusalem-based), Senior Finance Officer (Jerusalem-based)
External: Local partners, USAID, consortium members, UN agencies, and other INGOs.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Commodity Project Officer, Emergency Capacity Building Project Officer, and Cash-for-Work/Cash-for-Internship Project Officer.

Qualifications:
1. Masters degree in international development, humanitarian studies, international management or relevant field.
2. Strong communication skills and ability to closely coordinate with a variety of UN organizations, donors, INGOs and local partner organizations;
3. Minimum of five years of overseas experience managing humanitarian response programs;
4. Minimum of one year of emergency management experience.
5. Minimum of three years of experience in USG grant management, including financial management;
6. Demonstrated success in supervising multi-cultural staff in emergency and transition programming;
7. Experience in vulnerability assessments, beneficiary registration, distributions, cash for work, and monitoring and evaluation in emergency situations;
8. Strong organizational skills and ability to handle multiple tasks in a fast-moving environment;
9. Strong coordination and inter-agency collaboration skills;
10. Knowledge of CRS purchasing procedures, financial systems and protocols.
11. Proficient in the use of computer software, including Excel, Word, Outlook.

Working Conditions: Context of social tension and potential conflict. Limited social opportunities. Position requires flexibility and the capacity to deal with ambiguity and change.

NOTE: Gaza is an unaccompanied post with danger pay and two R&R leaves annually.

Language Required: None, although Arabic will be an advantage

Major Responsibilities of Position: Administration, Program Design, Finance, Monitoring/Evaluation, Mentoring/Training, Supervision, Report Writing and Needs Assessment

For further information, please check out: http://www.idealist.org/if/i/en/av/Job/401148-63