Project Manager

Job Summary

The Project Manager will lead and oversee the implementation of the "– Civil Society Voices in Gender, Water, Energy and Climate Change" project. The role ensures that project activities are effectively planned, executed, and monitored while maintaining alignment with donor requirements and organizational standards. The Project Manager will also provide strategic oversight for capacity strengthening of civil society organizations (CSOs) and community-based organizations (CBOs), multi-stakeholder coordination, and policy advocacy in the WASH and clean energy sectors.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide overall technical and operational leadership for project implementation, ensuring quality, timeliness, and compliance with donor and internal requirements.

• Develop and execute detailed work plans, ensuring integration of capacity building, advocacy, and governance components.

• Lead the selection, engagement, and capacity strengthening of CSOs and CBOs, fostering their role in policy advocacy and community-driven governance.

• Strengthen coordination mechanisms between CSOs, government agencies, and private sector actors, ensuring meaningful engagement in policy processes.

• Facilitate evidence-based advocacy, policy dialogues, and multi-stakeholder engagements to promote inclusive governance in WASH and clean energy sectors.

• Oversee project staff, including Field Coordinators, MEAL officers, and financial management personnel, ensuring effective performance and teamwork.

• Manage project budgets, financial reporting, and grant compliance, working closely with finance teams.

• Establish and oversee monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) processes to track project impact and inform adaptive management.

• Represent the project in strategic forums, including government coordination meetings, donor discussions, and civil society networks.

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Integrated Water Resources Management, Development Studies, Public Administration, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, or a related field.

• At least 5-7 years of experience managing development projects, preferably in governance, advocacy, WASH, or renewable energy.

• Strong background in civil society strengthening, policy engagement, and multi-stakeholder coordination.

• Proven experience in project management, donor compliance, and financial oversight.

• Knowledge of Lesotho’s WASH and clean energy policy landscape is an advantage.

• Excellent leadership, team management, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Strong analytical and communication skills, including report writing and public speaking.

Languages:

• Excellent written and spoken Sesotho and English

Please be advised that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, all successful candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and their personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate their behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics.

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.

General Requirements

CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements. All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.