The OVC (Orphans & Vulnerable Children) Program Manager will supervise team staff members and will be responsible for the overall financial and programmatic management of the PEPFAR OVC program. The PM will maintain close relations with local partners, oversee technical assistance, and provide strategic vision for the program. The Program Manager will be the primary liaison to USAID and the OVC team at CRS headquarters. The OVC Program Manager will also provide efficient intervention implementation, financial supervision, and will coordinate monitoring coordination with the M&E team.

Specific Responsibilities:


I. Program Development:


1. Lead the OVC Team in implementing the OVC project. Ensure the application of the multiyear plan and work to diversify the financial resource acquisition portfolio for future years, in conjunction with partners, to pursue the protection of orphans and vulnerable children infected/affected by HIV.


2. Develop and ensure implantation of a protection strategy to strengthen the partners’ institutional capacity to provide comprehensive and sustainable care to vulnerable children and to guide overall program implementation and priorities.





II. Program Management and Administration:


1. Provide project oversight, leadership and technical expertise for CRS and partner implementation of project funds, and other potential related projects, following set project strategies, goals, objectives, and detailed implementation plans.


2. Follow thoroughly established management and reporting systems for OVC projects.


3. Assist CRS’ staff and partners in building capacities and knowledge of best practices in current trends in OVC programming.


4. Prepare and submit all reports and other project documents, including case studies and stories of human interest, to donors and other stakeholders as needed.


5. Work closely with the Monitoring and Evaluation Coordinator to ensure efficient progress in project implementation and impact.


6. Implement sound financial and administrative management of projects: manage and monitor all aspects of project planning and budgeting to include spending vs. approved budgets, regular reviews of program budgets, submission of cash forecasts and timely and accurate financial reporting.


7. Collaborate with the Finance and Compliance and Audit Unit to ensure program compliance with financial and audit requirements and recommendations.


8. Conduct regular monitoring visits to partner institutions and project sites.


9. Ensure effective coordination and information sharing with key CRS Programming Departments, Commodity Management, HIV Program, and Education to foster increased and creative collaboration among the departments and better program integration.





III. Supervision:


1. Provide ongoing guidance and support to OVC Program staff.


2. Develop and execute a mentoring plan for the OVC Project Officer for gradual development.


3. Ensure staff compliance and adherence to CRS Guiding Principles, strategies, policies and rules and regulations.


4. Supervise the Safety Net/OVC Program staff performance management processes (evaluation, planning, and staff development) and ensure that performance plans and development plans are completed and systematically followed through.





IV. Networking:


1. Collaborate headquarters staff in sharing best practices, development of position papers and other activities related to CRS’ legislative policies on OVC.


2. Establish and maintain professional and productive relationships with Church partners, other faith-based organizations and other program partners, agencies working in similar sectors, USAID Mission, donor community, local NGOs, UN agencies and the host government.

Qualifications:

 Bachelors (BA) degree or equivalent related to development such as social sciences, child protection, education, grassroots development.
 At least 5 years experience in development programs in a position of responsibility, with at least some experience in HIV programming.
 Past experience working on USAID and Global Fund projects preferred.
 Must be detail-oriented and have strong analytical skills.
 Excellent oral and writing capacity in French, Creole and English required.
 Demonstrated strength in technical writing, report and proposal writing.
 Excellent facilitation, communication and animation skills for community level partners and beneficiaries.
 Demonstrated ability to manage staff and consultants, and capacity in planning and coordination.
 Self-motivated, cultural sensitivity and solid track record as a team player.
 Good understanding of standard computer programs: Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint;
 Willingness to travel to the field up to 30% of the time.
 Flexibility and capacity to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment.

Interested candidates should send their curriculum vitae with a cover letter, and copy of certificates in a sealed envelope with the mention of OVC-PM-1008 to the Human Resources Department

2008-11-07