About CRS

CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Job Summary:

As Deputy Country Representative you will manage and advance the programming objectives under the guidance of the Country Representative in support of CRS mission to serve the poor and vulnerable. Your strategic management skills will enable you to advance CRS’ reputation and impact, while you proactively manage security and mitigate security risks and liabilities. This position will be based in Port Sudan, focusing on programs in agriculture, resilience, peace-building and social cohesion. However changing circumstances could change the work location and the program focus

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the design of medium and long-term goals under the guidance of the Country Representative. Harmonize program and operations objectives in alignment with the strategy.
• Oversee the management of projects to ensure they all meet and exceed donor expectations and are designed and implemented for maximum impact and reach. Ensure the CRS program quality standards are adhered to per MEAL policy and procedures.
• Effectively manage senior talent and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Strategically tailor individual development plans and complete performance assessments for direct reports. Oversee the development of staffing plans and contribute to the recruitment process of senior staff.
• Develop strategic partnerships with national and international organizations that leverage resources, reputation, and expertise in line with CRS partnership principles. Ensure strong representation to key stakeholders, including Church partners, local and national government, US government and international donors.
• Manage and mitigate risk through monitoring national and regional issues that may impact staff and programming. Ensure all staff understand and adhere to CRS staff safety and security policies and plans and ensure the updating of such plans.
• Promote, uphold and model a commitment to the efficient use of agency and donor resources. Ensure compliance in operations functions. Provide oversight regarding monthly expenditures.
• Oversee the pursuit of strategic growth opportunities, prepositioning and capture planning.
• Maintain proper conditions for learning. Ensure 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 application of the MEAL policy, as well as cross-sectoral and cross-department learning.

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in international development, International Relations or a related field. Additional experience may substitute for some education.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience managing high value relief and development programs.

Required Languages – Fluent written and spoken English is required; written and spoken Arabic would be an advantage.

Travel – Must be able and willing to travel in Sudan up to 50%, including remote field locations. This position will be based in Port Sudan, focusing on programs in agriculture, resilience, peace-building and social cohesion. However changing circumstances could change the work location and the program focus. Depending on visas, the post holder may spend time working from home, Nairobi, or another location in East Africa. This position is open to international applicants, though applicants from Sudanese passport holders would be welcome.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Strong strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions.
• Very good relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally.
• Team leadership abilities.
• Very good communications and presentation skills.
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience successfully managing high-value projects from multiple international donors, including USAID, FCDO, World Bank, European donors and UN agencies; knowledge of relevant donor regulations.
• Experience engaging partners and strengthening partnerships. Experience working with Church partners a plus.
• Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment.
• Ability to represent the agency at high levels.
• Experience in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications, and information and budget management systems.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. 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.

• 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

The DCR Programs supervises the Deputy Heads of Programming, the Chiefs of Party, the Program Managers, the Business Development Specialist, the MEAL/Program Quality Manager

Key Working Relationships: 

Internal: Colleagues from CRS Sudan Country Program, East Africa Regional Office, and the Global team

External: Donors, INGOs and NNGOs, Government and UN representatives, community members

***Our identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. CRS carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. 

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.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer