Deputy Head of Programming

Deputy Head of Programming International Development Sierra Leone , Freetown March 13, 2026 Full Time Application ends: March 27, 2026 Apply Now Apply for this job Email * You accept our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Job Description CRS JOB ADVERT – INTERNAL/EXTERNAL WOMEN ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY CRS is recruiting for Position: X 1 – Deputy Head of Programming. If you are interested and your profile matches the requirements, please read the below job descriptions, and follow the instructions to submit your application package. Job Title: Deputy Head of Programming Department: Programs Reports To: Country Manager Country:             Catholic Relief Services Sierra Leone Duty Location: CRS Freetown Job Summary: You will contribute to providing strategic direction and management of the Program office (PO) programming complementing the Head of Programming (HOP) efforts at ensuring the establishment and successful implementation of high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable. Your management and programming skills will ensure that the CP delivers high-quality programming and continuously works towards improving the impact of its programming. Roles and Key Responsibilities: Complement the Country Manager in providing strategic direction for the design of Program Office’s strategic frameworks and plans, including resource mobilization strategies to optimize the impact of programming interventions in line with regional and agency strategic priorities. Lead where appropriate and contribute to high-quality project design incorporating project management standards and MEAL methods, appropriate to scope, context and technical requirements of projects. Coordinate planning of activities for projects 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 tailored individual development plans, and complete performance assessment for direct reports. Contribute to creating and maintaining the proper conditions for learning. Help establish a safe environment for the sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to small deficiencies. Promote accountability, learning and knowledge management as part of the implementation of the MEAL policy. Coordinate with CP operations staff to ensure appropriate project budgeting and efficient use and stewardship of project material sources. Coordinate the identification, assessment and strengthening of appropriate partnerships and the appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches. Coordinate where needed in the business development cycle to ensure quality proposals per agency and donor standards. Coordinate technical assistance and capacity strengthening for project teams and partners in project management standards and related MEAL, business development and operational activities. Help identify training opportunities, develop training curriculums, and deliver training. Collaborate closely with MEAL and Communications staff to produce quality visibility materials and learning events. Support PMs to establish systems to capture, document, and share learning within internal and external stakeholders, maintaining trust and open doors for increased resources. Organize and coordinate regular program reporting and conduct reviews of content, ensuring on-time submission of high-quality reports responsive to CRS and donor standards. Basic Qualifications Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, International Relations or relevant field. Minimum of 3-5 years’ work experience in a program management position with progressive responsibilities for an international NGO. Good 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. Preferred Qualifications Experience engaging partners and strengthening partnerships. Experience working with Church partners is a plus. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Excellent English writing skills. Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment. Some experience and abilities in capacity strengthening – developing curricula and facilitating trainings. Experience using MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information and budget management systems, and knowledge sharing networks. Strong 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 approac