Cluster Manager( SPO) -
SPHF Project

About CRS 

Catholic Relief Services is United States Based International NGO. 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 are accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

CRS has been operational in Pakistan since 1954. CRS’ relief and development work are accomplished through program of emergency response, food security/livelihood, education, and disaster risk reduction (DRR). Currently, CRS is responding to monsoon floods in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. CRS has been working with local national partners to support government led efforts for implementation of 2022 flood response and recovery in Pakistan.

Job Summary  

CRS is currently seeking for multiple positions of Cluster Manager (SPO) for 06-month project on Climate Resilient Settlement Development Plan in multiple districts (District Sukkur, Larkana, Dadu and Mirpur Khas) of Sindh. This project aims to develop Climate Resilient Settlement Development Plan (CRSDP) to introduce and demonstrate an efficient multi-sectoral planning tool by integrating technological and social methodologies for comprehensive recovery and sustainable development. The multi-sectoral recovery needs of the area will be assessed through detailed household socio-economic survey, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, detail technical assessments of community infrastructures, estimating the total budget for total settlement recovery and improvement. The Cluster Manager will be responsible for overseeing and implementing project activities, providing leadership, and offering technical expertise to project staff during assessments. The responsibilities include oversee all project phases, from start-up through close-out, ensuring alignment with defined standards and donor requirements. The Cluster Manager will lead efforts to establish effective monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) systems, ensuring seamless integration across project activities and adopting people-centered approaches, collaboration with local authorities and relevant stakeholders to ensure comprehensive interventions. Your management skills and expertise will play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality programming and continuously enhancing the impact of CRS's initiatives. Moreover, you will focus on building the capacity of the country program and partner staff, collaborating closely with them to coordinate the development and implementation of various advance interventions.

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

• Oversee and implement all project phases—start-up, implementation, and close-out—to ensure adherence to CRS program quality standards, donor requirements, and best practices. Ensure the project team uses appropriate systems and tools effectively.
• Manage team dynamics, provide coaching, and develop individual plans. Supervise staff, support their well-being, contribute to recruitment, and handle performance management to ensure efficient and effective project implementation
• Champion learning with project staff and program partner teams. Analyze and evaluate project performance data following MEAL policy. Proactively identify issues and concerns and use participatory processes to overcome implementation obstacles.
• Develop detailed project plans with clear objectives, timelines, and resource allocations. Efficiently manage resources and adjust as needed to meet project goals.
• Manage field staff, ensuring clarity in roles. Monitor performance, manage schedules, and address issues promptly.
• Track project progress, provide regular updates, and maintain detailed records. Ensure accurate reporting of progress and issues.
• Schedule and lead productive meetings with staff and stakeholders. Set agendas, document outcomes, and follow up on action items.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders, communicate progress, and integrate feedback into project plans.
• Identify and address conflicts professionally. Implement resolution strategies and mediate disputes to find fair solutions.
• Ensure adherence to organization policies and standards. Implement quality control processes and conduct regular reviews.
• Continuously monitor and adjust risk strategies as needed.
• Develop and deliver capacity building programs for field staff. Provide ongoing support to enhance their skills and performance.
• Oversee the project budget, ensure spending aligns with objectives, and provide regular financial reports. Address budget issues as they arise.
• Represent CRS Pakistan in engagements with donors, working groups, UN agencies, relevant actors and stakeholders, and local government and community stakeholders for this project.
• Review and manage implementation procedures, policies, and guidelines.
• Assist the Project Manager in ensuring timely, appropriate expenditures and effective use of project resources.
• Support the identification of staff capacity and technical assistance needs and required interventions to support quality project implementation.
• Ensure gender equality, social inclusion, and youth empowerment across all interventions.
• Ensure programming is aligned to targets and indicators contained in the project proposal and use the information from the MEAL systems and tools to improve program effectiveness and ensure the program is gender responsive.
• Compile and share lessons learned and best practices with relevant stakeholders and working groups.
• Offer technical assistance to ensure the successful application of new skills and technologies and monitor external factors affecting project implementation.
• Submit comprehensive documentation, including photos and videos.
• Submit Final report of the project, supplemented by an infographic report.

Basic Qualifications 

• BSc in Civil Engineering or equivalent qualifications from a reputable University – is required. Master’s degree in social science or a related field required would be a plus.
• Minimum of five years relevant field-based experience in implementation and or supervisory role with progressive responsibilities, ideally with an international NGO and UN agencies.
• Demonstrated application of technical principles and concepts. General knowledge of other related disciplines to ensure proper cross-sectoral approach.
• Experience in mentoring, coaching, facilitation, and training applying learning principles and practices.
• Experience with program monitoring and evaluation, including applying data collection tools and methodologies, data analysis, and data presentation.
• Experience and skills in networking and relations with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based and civil society partners. Understanding of partnership principles.
• Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Autocade, Web Conferencing Applications, information and budget management systems, knowledge-sharing networks.

Required Languages - English required. Sindhi spoken, is preferable.

Travel – The position will be based in Sukkur/Larkana/Dadu/Mirpur Khas and must be willing and able to travel to Karachi, Islamabad and other program areas in the country where applicable. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Excellent relationship supervisory skills with ability to influence and get buy-in from people not under direct supervision and to work with individuals in diverse geographical and cultural settings.
• Strong strategic, analytical, problem-solving and systems thinking skills with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills
• Proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with stakeholders at various level and strengthening community partnerships.
• Staff supervision experience.
• Ability to contribute to the development of technical proposal, a plus.
• Experience analyzing data and contributing to evaluation reports.
• Experience using MS Windows, and MS office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

 Duration: 6 months (Possible extension) 

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:

• Project Engineers
• Field Supervisors
• Field Engineers
• Data Collectors
• Admin/logistic Officer

Key Working Relationships:  

Internal: Country Manager, HOP, HoOP, National Coordinator, Project Manager, Program Managers, HR and Finance, CRS Pakistan Teams.

External:  Local Partner, SPHF, INGOs; Peer organizations (international and national); Academia, relevant Government departments/entities and Working Groups

*** 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.

Applications are considered on an ongoing basis.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.