Job Summary:

The Program Manager I for Social Services will manage programming within the CRS Malawi Country Program, specifically overseeing the SCORE ECD and Reintegration projects. Reporting into the Program Manager II / Unit Manager for Health & Nutrition, the role will ensure high‑quality implementation of social services programming and continuous improvement of project impact.

The PMI will apply strong management skills and technical knowledge to guide project teams, strengthen partner collaboration, and ensure timely, sustainable delivery of activities. Key responsibilities include oversight of project planning, monitoring, and reporting, as well as ensuring compliance with CRS standards and donor requirements.

This position is based in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and implement all activities throughout relevant project cycles – project design, start-up, implementation, and close-out – to ensure efficient and effective implementation in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.
• Ensure project team and partner staff use the appropriate systems and tools.
• Effectively manage talent and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, contribute to the recruitment process of project staff, and complete performance management for direct reports.
• Champion learning with project staff and partner teams. Analyze and evaluate project performance data following MEAL policy. Proactively identify issues and concerns and use participatory processes to overcome implementation obstacles.
• Act as a key resource person in project design and proposal development in the respective programming area, gap-filling and taking on growth responsibilities, as needed.
• Coordinate the identification of partner capacity and technical assistance needs of the government and capacity strengthening and required interventions to support quality project implementation.
• Help identify, assess, and strengthen partnerships relevant to SCORE ECD IV and Reintegration.
• Coordinate and monitor financial and material resources relevant to project needs. Through planning and oversight ensure efficient use of project resources.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with culturally diverse groups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to write reports.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in in the field of Health or Nutrition, Social studies or community development. Master’s degree will an added advantage.
• Minimum of 2-3 years of work experience in a project management position with an international NGO.
• Project management experience is highly desirable.
• Experience engaging with partner organizations, donors, and government.
• Experience with Social protection, ECD, Health and Nutrition Interventions.
• Experience contributing to the development of technical proposals.
• MEAL skills and experience.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems.

Required Languages: Strong written and oral communication skills in English required.

Travel: Must be willing and able to travel up to 20%.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Head of Programming, CRS Program Manager II, Regional SCORE III Program Manager, SCORE IV Program Managers from Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana, Regional and HQ Technical Advisors.

External: Consultants, Government Stakeholders, CSOs and partners.