Head of Programming I, El Salvador

As a member of the Country Program (CP) Senior Management Team, you will provide strategic direction, leadership, and management of the CP’s programming to ensure the establishment and successful implementation of high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable. Your leadership, management and knowledge will ensure that the CP delivers high-quality programming and continuously works towards improving the impact of its programming. As part of the Senior Management Team you will proactively manage security and mitigate security risks.

• →In collaboration with the Country Representative (CR) provide strategic direction for the design of the CP strategic frameworks and plans, including the development of resource mobilization strategies to optimize the impact of programming interventions in line with regional and agency strategic priorities.
• →Lead high-quality project design incorporating project management standards and MEAL methods, appropriate to scope, context and technical requirements of projects. Lead planning of activities across various projects from different sectors to ensure integration of program interventions and efficiency in implementation.
• →Effectively manage talent and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, and complete performance assessment for direct reports. Contribute to developing staffing plans for projects and to the recruitment process of senior project staff. 
• →Create and maintain proper conditions for learning. Establish a safe environment for sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to deficiencies. Promote accountability, learning and knowledge management overseeing implementation of the MEAL policy, cross-sectoral and cross-department learning, and use of the Feedback, Complaint, and Response Mechanism (FCRM).
• →Coordinate with CP operations leads to ensure appropriate project budgeting and efficient use and stewardship of project material sources.
• →In coordination with resource mobilization staff, lead the business development cycle of growth opportunities to ensure quality proposals per agency and donor standards. Lead intelligence gathering and positioning. Leverage evidence and effective communication to position the CP for business development and influence with strategic ecosystems and stakeholders.
• →Champion private sector engagement and support innovative financing models to capture new types and sources of funding for CP growth. Leverage CRS’ flagship programs for strategic business development.  
• →Oversee the identification, assessment and strengthening of appropriate partnerships and the appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches.
• →Ensure technical assistance and capacity strengthening for project teams and partners in project management standards and related MEAL, business development and operational activities. Identify training opportunities, develop training curriculums and deliver trainings.
• →Represent and promote CRS. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• →Excellent English writing skills.
• →Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment.
• →Knowledgeable in using MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information and budget management systems, and knowledge sharing networks.
• →Excellent strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions.
• →Strong relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.
• →Team leadership abilities
• →Presentation and facilitation skills
• →Proactive, resourceful, solutions oriented and results-oriented

Required Languages – Fluency in Spanish and English required.

Travel - 30% within the country.

• →Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, International Relations or relevant field.
• →Minimum of five years of relevant field-based program management, at least three years of middle/senior management experience. 
• →Experience in the development of successful proposals, reports, strategic alliances, project design, project management, and monitoring and evaluation. 
• →Experience in partner capacity strengthening, staff development, training, and mentoring, as well as in team building and strategic planning initiatives. Experience working with Church partners a plus
• →Experience in community development, community mobilization, or similar grassroots, self-help initiatives.
• →Experience in project grants management, including project design, budget preparation, expenditure tracking, monitoring and evaluation, reporting, etc., preferably for projects funded by multiple public donors, including USAID.
• →Experience with successful business development activities capturing public and/or private donor funding.

• Master’s Degree
• Experience working with Church partners

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 U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan.  Benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role.  CRS´ work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.