Country Manager, Senegal

Manage the Senegal Program Office (PO), including people, partners, resources and deliverables in alignment with the objectives and mission of Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Act as a representative and ambassador on behalf of CRS and the USCCB to key stakeholders, including local government, partners and donors. 

Identify funding opportunities to advance CRS’ strategy and raise critical resources to ensure the continuation of CRS’ work to serve the poor and marginalized. Ensure the PO delivers high-quality programming and continuously works towards improving the impact of its programming. Coordinate activities across various projects from different sectors to ensure integration of program interventions and efficiency in implementation.

• →Develop strategic partnerships with national and international organizations. Ensure strong representation to key stakeholders, including local partners, international organizations, host government, and donors.
• →Effectively manage workforce planning, team development and staff well-being in an environment that reflects CRS values and principles. Provide coaching and mentoring. Ensure all staff understand and adhere to CRS' staff policies.
• →Maintain a healthy and empowering office environment that encourages participation and open communication, and high levels of staff engagement and well-being. 
• →Ensure that all projects meet and exceed donor expectations and are designed and implemented for maximum impact and reach. Ensure adherence to CRS' program quality standards and that effective quality assurance systems are in place.
• →Ensure a consistent commitment to the efficient use of agency and donor resources through monitoring and modeling.
• →Ensure operations compliance in alignment with donor expectations and guidelines. Provide oversight and analysis regarding monthly expenditures, with a focus on the most impactful use of financial and people resources. 
• →Cultivate effective donor relationships, enabling lead generation and identifying strategic growth opportunities. Support prepositioning, capture planning and pursuit of opportunities for appropriate expansion and growth of programs. 
• →Promote accountability, learning and knowledge management overseeing application of the MEAL standards. 
• →Under the strategic guidance of the Regional Director, manage the annual planning process and provide medium to long-term direction for the country program in line with regional and agency strategic priorities.
• →Manage and mitigate risk through monitoring national and regional issues that may impact staff and programming. Respond to and oversee emergency concerns as needed.
• →Develop a strong leadership team. Identify and develop future leaders as a part of ongoing workforce and succession planning
• →Champion safeguarding amongst CRS and partner staff. Ensure quality implementation of CRS' safeguarding policy and principles across all functions. Support compliance with CRS' safeguarding allegation management policy and fraud prevention guidelines. 
• →Champion local leadership development and steward capacity strengthening of partners to maximize social impact.

• Bachelor’s degree in International Development, International Relations or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing high value relief and development programs.

• Senegalese national candidates highly preferred
• Master’s degree in international development, International Relations or a related field.
• Experience in complex development settings.
• Demonstrated experience successfully managing high-value projects from multiple international donors and knowledge of relevant donor regulations.
• Demonstrated experience in business development and private sector engagement. 
• Experience engaging partners and strengthening partnerships. Experience working with Church partners a plus.
• Proven track record of managing staff and developing leaders. 
• Experience in Microsoft 360 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, etc.), and information and budget management systems.
• Strong strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions. 

• Ability to represent the agency at high levels.

   

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Strong relationship management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. 
• Team leadership abilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.

• Ability to remain proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented.

   

Required Languages – Fluent in English and French, written and verbal

Travel- Must be willing and able to travel up to 30%

Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes

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.  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.

What we offer

CRS offers nationally recruited staff a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including competitive compensation and benefits such as medical, dental, life insurance, and vision coverage, in accordance with local market practices and country office policies.

CRS fosters a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven work culture committed to improving the lives of vulnerable communities around the world, while supporting staff well-being, professional growth, and development.