Country: Democratic Republic of the Congo
Closing date: 28 Aug 2015
Job Title: Program Manager II - 4Children, Program -
DR Congo (DRC)
Area of Interest: Programing for Orphan and Vulnerable Children (OVC); Child
Protection and Welfare/Social Welfare and Protection; Capacity and
System Strengthening; Community Based Household Economic
Strengthening (HES); Referral System (RS) for children and families affected by HIV/AIDS
Position Type: Full Time
Location: Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
Band: D
FLSA: Exempt
Reports to: Deputy Country Representative/Programs, DRC
About CRS:
Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.
About 4Children Project:
The Coordinating Comprehensive Care for Children (4Children) project is a five-year, USAID-funded project designed to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) affected by HIV and AIDS and other adversities.
4Children is a consortium of organizations that brings together decades of experience, expertise and commitment to strengthening the capacity of key actors within a child’s system of care and support in order to improve the lives of children. 4Children is led by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) with partners IntraHealth, Maestral, Pact, Plan International USA, and Westat. African Child Policy Forum (ACPF), Parenting Africa Network (PAN) and the Regional Psychosocial Support Initiative (REPSSI) also serve as collaborating partners.
The 4Children team is comprised of international and regional leaders in the field of family strengthening, community development, and child welfare and protection workforce and system strengthening. The team also has significant experience and expertise in the areas of monitoring, evaluation and research, capacity building, quality improvement, and linking community-based and clinical services to promote comprehensive care of children.
Background:
4Children led by CRS is implementing a USAID/ PEPFAR Project for children and families affected by HIV and other adversities in the DRC. 4Children seeks to strengthen HIV Sensitive Social Welfare System for Vulnerable Children by building the capacity of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Humanitarian Action, and National Solidarity (MINAS) at the national level (MINAS National Capacity Building Project) and strengthening households socio-economic capacity for children and families affected by HIV in selected health zones of Kinshasa (Kinshasa Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) Household Socio-Economic Strengthening Project).
At the national level, building on Intrahealth-led CapacityPlus investments in organizational capacity strengthening, 4Children will provide technical assistance to the Secretary General’s Office and the Divisions for Child Protection (DISPE) and Planning (DEP) with an increased focus on child protection and welfare, monitoring and evaluation, and strengthening linkages to pediatric HIV treatment. The main strategic objectives of the MINAS National Capacity Building Project are as follows:• HIV sensitive child protection and welfare legal and regulatory framework in the DRC has been strengthened;
• DISPE, DEP and the SG Office’s leadership and governance with other ministries and NGOs has improved;
• Human Resources for HIV sensitive child protection and welfare are strengthened and institutional capacity of SG, DISPE and DEP is better aligned to meet MINAS’ mandate;
• MINAS has an increased capacity to monitor, evaluate and report (MER) on its national HIV Sensitive child welfare and protection response.
In Kinshasa, 4Children will support children affected by HIV and their caregivers through economic strengthening and Positive Parenting interventions, and pilot an enhanced referral system in 7 health zones of Kinshasa that are most affected by HIV and AIDS. The main objectives of the Kinshasa OVC Household Socio-Economic Strengthening Project are as follows:
• Improved Continuum of Care for OVC and their caregivers, including HIV testing and counseling (HTC), Early Infant Diagnosis (EID), and treatment uptake and adherence.
• OVC caregivers (including those living with HIV) have increased capacity to support children in their care.
Job Responsibilities:
The Program Manager will lead a team to achieve the project objectives as outlined above and overall technically sound and high quality program. Under the leadership and supervision of the CRS DRC Deputy Country Representative/Program, and with support from the CRS 4Children HQ technical team and management team, s/he is responsible for overall management of the project as well as partnerships, both at national and provincial (Kinshasa) level, with USG, the Child Welfare sector and in particular the Ministry of Social Affairs (MINAS), other sectors and in particular the Health sector, the Ministry of Health/PNLS (National HIV/AIDS Program), Child Protection NGOs, USG Implementing partners, and community-based organizations in Kinshasa. S/he coordinates operational implementation, including adherence to PEPFAR/USAID program requirements, ensuring project resources are managed according to CRS and USG rules and regulations, and process and results are documented in a timely manner. S/he will support daily management and coordination of project staff, with regular coordination and collaboration with 4Children consortium partners. The Program Manager will bring technical expertise and experience in OVC Programing and Child Protection and Welfare as well as experience with organization development and capacity building.
A. Program Quality
• With key program staff, the Program Manager ensures project objectives and results are fully accomplished and meet expected technical quality standards.
• Ensure that the project execution is in line with the program vision and all the program plans are effectively implemented and in line with CRS agency and country program strategies.
• Ensure key changes in program direction and focus are done in consultation with the Deputy Country Representative/Programs, 4Children Technical Capacity Building Director and/or COP, 4Children DRC Consortium focal points in particular IntraHealth and Maestral International.
• In collaboration with program staff, provide guidance and technical oversight to partners and other collaborating agencies to ensure that objectives are achieved and that lessons of sound practice are documented and disseminated.
• Work closely with the Program Manager, Social Service Workforce Program & Technical Advisor (SSWTA), MINAS Technical Advisor (MINAS TA) and the DRC MEAL Manager to ensure that data are used and analyzed as the basis for process documentation, program planning, learning and orientation and program performance measurement.
• Ensure integration of program interventions to the extent feasible with other CRS programs and through linkages with other relevant organizations, in particular with the 4Children DRC Consortium.
• In collaboration with the 4Children DRC consortium, identify needs for technical assistance in a timely manner and contribute to the development of scopes of work (SoW) as well as supervision of technical support.
B. Management and Administration:
• Manage program budgets, including tracking of financial and material resources.
• Ensure staff compliance with all CRS and IntraHealth (for the two positions employed by IntraHealth and seconded to CRS ) administrative and operational procedures and policies, as well as applicable to the donor regulations.
• Request approval in a timely manner for program expenditures, budget adjustments, and cost modification from the Deputy Country Representative/Programs.
• Ensure that the project has all the necessary documentation to support all expenses and achievement.
C. Representation and Advocacy:
• In collaboration with the Country Representative and Deputy Country Representative/Programs of DRC and the 4Children DRC Consortium, act as primary program contact to the donor and other local and international stakeholders responsible for addressing all program matters.
• In collaboration with the Country Representative, Deputy Country Representative/Programs and 4Children DRC Consortium, strengthen linkages with existing and potential partner agencies.
• In collaboration with the Deputy Country Representative/Programs, ensure that the program communication strategies, including compliance with 4Children and the donor’s branding and marketing requirements as well as CRS marketing and communication procedures are followed.
D. Human Resource Management:
• Lead, manage and supervise a team of CRS and partner (IntraHealth ) staff to meet program objectives. While the Program Manager will supervise IntraHealth staff seconded to CRS on a day to day basis, IntraHealth will maintain dotted line supervision for technical components and IntraHealth-related administrative tasks.
• Mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork. Conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with CRS’ performance management system and provide input for IntraHealth’s performance management system.
• Participate in the recruitment of other program staff and the selection and coordination of consultants.**Supervisory Responsibilities:** Program Manager (PM), Social Service Workforce Program & Technical Advisor (SSWTA), MINAS Technical Advisor (MINAS TA) and MEAL Manager.
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Deputy Country Representative/Programs, Country Representative, 4Children Headquarter COP/ Technical Capacity Building Director, Finance and Compliance Manager, MEAL Coordinator, and other CRS country program staff/managers as needed.
External: USAID, 4Children Consortium, National and Local (Kinshasa) government and line ministries (MINAS Secretariat General/ DISPE / DEP, PNLS, PNMLS, DUAS, EBZS), local and international NGOs, USG Implementing partners; donors; affected communities.
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
Qualifications and Skills:
• Minimum Master’s Degree in Development, Health or Social Services, or related field required
• At least 10 years of relevant management, supervisory, and technical experience in OVC programs; child protection and welfare; and/or capacity and system strengthening.
• Proven experience coordinating with national and local social welfare and health authorities in developing contexts
• Minimum 5 years managing significant USG-funded or programs of similar complexity required; knowledge of key USG regulations including, but not limited to, USAID 22 CFR and Part 226 Administration of Assistance Awards to U.S. Non-Governmental Organizations, 22 CFR Part 145 Grants and Agreements with Non-Profits, OMB Circulars A-122, Cost principles for non-profit organizations and A-133 Audit of states, local governments, and non-profits preferred.
• Experience in Household Economic Strengthening; Referral System Strengthening and Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting a plus.
• Previous experience in DRC or in the Central African Region preferred.
• Proven leadership and inter-personal skills and ability to build and motivate diverse and talented teams
• Proven experience in building and maintaining institutional linkages required. Advocacy skills and facilitation skills are a plus
• Flexibility to work both in a team and independently
• Cultural sensitivity, patience and flexibility
• Demonstrated personal accountability and driven to serve others
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required, up to 30%
• Excellent English and French oral and written communication skills required
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook required
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
EOE/M/F/D/V
How to apply: