Program Manager II, Emergency and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) - Syria

Country: Syrian Arab Republic Organization: Catholic Relief Services Closing date: 16 Aug 2026 Job Summary You will manage and provide technical oversight of the development and implementation of the Syria Emergency & DRR programming, particularly for large and complex projects, ensuring effective systems and processes are in place that support high-quality programming advancing Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work in serving the poor and vulnerable. Your management skills and knowledge will ensure that the Syria office delivers high-quality programming and continuously works towards improving the impact of its programming. This role is based in Damascus, Syria. Roles and Key Responsibilities • Provide management, guidance, and technical oversight of all new and existing projects within Syria Emergency and DRR portfolio throughout the project cycle to ensure project design, start-up, implementation and close-out are in line with CRS quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. • Effectively manage talent for Emergency and DRR and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailored individual development plans, and complete performance management for direct reports. • Lead the development of program learning - identify opportunities for learning, research and publications in assigned program areas and implementation of MEAL policy. Facilitate the dissemination of promising practices and lessons learned to contribute to the agency's knowledge management agenda. Ensure integration of innovations and best practices. • Contribute to the proactive pursuit of opportunities for new funding to ensure growth of the CO portfolio in line with agency, regional, and CO strategic priorities. Serve as the technical lead and technical writer to ensure quality proposals in assigned program areas per agency and donor standards. Contribute to budgeting and staffing plans and activities for proposals. • Oversee technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities in assigned program areas for staff, partner organizations, and government counterparts to enhance program quality and impact. • Oversee the updating and actioning of CRS’ emergency and DRR strategy in Syria, as well as emergency preparedness and anticipatory action efforts. • Oversee the identification, assessment and strengthening of partnerships relevant to Emergency and DRR and the appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches. • Ensure timely and appropriate project expenditures in line with financial plans and efficient use and stewardship of project material sources • Represent CRS in relevant working groups and clusters, with key donors, and other local stakeholders. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities • Excellent relationship management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship. • Strong oral and written communication and facilitation skills • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make sound judgments, develop practical solutions, and achieve results. • Excellent training, mentoring and coaching skills • Proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented. • Knowledge of humanitarian principles, standards and systems, with specific knowledge of CRS and Caritas Internationalis programming standards a plus. • Demonstrated ability to write high quality technical proposals. • Understanding of MEAL for learning and adaptive management required, understanding of data management and ability to use ICT4D (CommCare, PowerBi, etc) is a plus. • Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment. • Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems. Required Languages: English and Arabic fluency (written and verbal) are required. Travel: Up to 30% of field travel within Syria. Supervisory Responsibilities: No. Qualifications Basic Qualifications • Bachelor’s Degree in Humanitarian Assistance, International Development, International Relations or related field required. • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in relevant field-based project management experience required, with preferably at least 3 years working in complex emergencies. • Strong experience in project grants management and knowledge of requirements and regulations of major emergency donors, including US Government entities. • Experience in managing moderately complex projects, preferably for an international NGO prime. • Experience in humanitarian and sector coordination Preferred Qualifications • Master’s Degree in Humanitarian Assistance, International Development, International Relations or related field is preferred. • Minimum of 8 years’ experience in relevant field-based project management is preferred. • Experience in DRR or relevant topics is preferred. • Prior experience in the Syria context is a plus. • Experience working with partner organizations on project management and accompaniment, capacity strengthening and institutional development. • Experience in system-strengthening programming, working with government institutions. Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff): • 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. About Us Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. 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 safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse. The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS ́ Code of Conduct. CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm. Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. How to apply Application Submissions Guideline: Program Manager II, Emergency and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) - Syria - CRS Careers