Catholic Relief Services Program Manager Job Vacancy in Rwanda

Catholic Relief Services is seeking strong candidates for the position of
Program Manager for Expansion of Savings Groups in Rwanda project commissioned
by Access to Finance Rwanda and sponsored by DFID and the World Bank.

The Program Manager will oversee and guide all program activities implemented
by CRS and partner organizations related to this project. S/he will serve as
the primary point of contact to the donors, partners’ organizations, Government
of Rwanda at central and decentralized levels, and other external
parties.  S/he must effectively manage relationships with CRS and partner
staff to establish and oversee all program activities.

JOB DESPRITION

Job Title:        Program Manager
Location:         Kigali, Rwanda
Reports to:         Economic Strengthening Team
Leader

Job Background /Summary

Catholic Relief Service is seeking a Program Manager for Expansion of Savings
Groups in Rwanda project commissioned by Access to Finance Rwanda and sponsored
by DFID and the World Bank.  The program’s goal is to provide improved
livelihood options and social capital primarily for the rural poor.

The program targets the following objectives:

1.    Reach 300,000 new members over four years
2.    Reach a further 150,000 new members  through
Community- Based trainers (CBTs) in the three years following the end of field
operations in without continuing AFR support

The Program Manager will oversee and guide all program activities implemented
by CRS and partner organizations.  S/he will serve as the primary point of
contact to the donors, partners’ organizations, Government of Rwanda at
national and local levels, and other external parties.  S/he must effectively
manage relationships with CRS and partner staff to establish and oversee all
program activities.  The Program Manager will ensure that the Expansion of
Savings Groups in Rwanda project is managed in accordance with cost/beneficiary
targeting.

Job Responsibilities:
A.  Leadership and Program Quality:
1.    Ensure program’s strategic objectives and results are
fully accomplished and meet expected technical quality standards, with key
program staff and partners.
2.    Ensure that vision and plans for the program are
innovative and are in line with the approved program and CRS agency and country
program strategies.
3.    Ensure strong linkages are built between CRS, partners and
relevant Government of Rwanda authorities at national and district levels.
4.    Oversee periodic technical reviews and manage changes in
program direction and focus.
5.    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.
6.    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.
7.    Ensure integration of program interventions with other CRS
programs or through linkages with other service providers.
8.    With program staff, ensure the delivery of quality
training, technical assistance and administrative and financial support to all
partner agencies, including the selection and coordination of consultants.
9.    Liaise with relevant regional and HQ technical and
management staff to ensure appropriate and timely technical assistance is
provided to achieve program goals.

B. Management and Administration:
1.    Ensure staff compliance with all CRS administrative and
operational procedures and policies, as well as applicable donor regulations.
2.    Manage program budgets, including tracking of financial
and material resources.
3.    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.
4.    Approve program expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost
modification requests to donors.
5.    In collaboration with CRS CR, oversee program
communication strategies, including compliance with donor’s branding and
marketing requirements as well as CRS marketing and communication procedures.

C. Human Resource Management:
1.    Lead, manage and supervise a team of CRS and partner staff
to meet program objectives.
2.    Conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping
with CRS’ performance management system and mentor staff to ensure high levels
of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork.
3.    Manage recruitment portfolio for the program, in
collaboration with Human Resources and CRS country program management, to
ensure optimum service delivery through recruitment of competent and qualified
staff.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff): These are rooted in the mission,
values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill
his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
•    Serves with Integrity
•    Models Stewardship
•    Cultivates Constructive Relationships
•    Promotes Learning

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
•    Internal: Economic Strengthening Team Leader, other
Economic Strengthening team members, M&E unit members, Head of Programs,
Administrative Operations Coordinator, Unit Heads, Country Representative,
•    External:  Access to Finance Rwanda, local
organizations, local government, other local and international organizations

Qualifications and Skills:
1.    Minimum Masters Degree in Microfinance, Development
Studies, or related field required.
2.    Minimum 10 years experience with savings and lending
groups in urban and/or rural areas, and project management
3.    Minimum 3 years managing significant programs required.

4.    Proven leadership and inter-personal skills and ability to
build and motivate diverse and talented teams.
5.    Proven experience in building and maintaining
institutional linkages required.
6.    Proven ability to think strategically.
7.    Cultural sensitivity, patience and flexibility.
8.    Demonstrated personal accountability and driven to serve
others.
9.    Ability to travel nationally and internationally as
required.
10.    Excellent English language oral and written communication
skills required.
11.    Professional fluency in French highly desirable. 
Kinyarwanda helpful.
12.    Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word,
Excel and Outlook required.