About CRS
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. 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 is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding. The CRS approach to Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience (DRR/R) supports programs and partners to achieve the goals, guiding principles, and priorities for action of the global Sendai Framework for Action on DRR (2015-2030) which aims for the substantial reduction of disaster risk and losses in lives, livelihoods, health and assets.
Job Summary
The DRR/R Technical Advisor I will provide technical advice and support to a range of program design and implementation needs in Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience (DRR/R) in line with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) program quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices to Country Program (CP) teams to advance the delivery of high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable. Your advice, knowledge, and support will contribute to determining how effective, adaptive, and innovative CRS’ DRR/R programming is across the globe.
The DRR/R TA I will support in the advancement of activities that will strengthen the capacity of CRS country programs and partners to implement projects which work with vulnerable communities to prepare for, respond to and recover from disasters, through the Community Led Disaster Risk Management (CLDRM) approach and capacity strengthening of government authorities.
NOTE: This is a global remote position; CRS will only consider candidates who are based in countries where we have existing offices. CRS does not sponsor visas for telecommuting employees.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide accompaniment and technical support to CRS country programs and regions implementing work relating to DRR/R, including CLDRM, early warning systems (EWS), Anticipatory Action (AA), Climate change, and nature based solutions (NbS)
- Lead/support in the design, planning, and facilitation of training material, tools and resources to support DRR/R across CRS regions implementing DRR programming.
- Lead/support in the development of MEAL systems and reporting to donors (BHA, ECHO, MACP, etc.) on DRR components of specific projects
- Identify, document, and share best practices and lessons learned from DRR/R projects with regions and community of practice; contribute to agency knowledge databases and technical libraries.
- Contribute to increasing CRS’ leadership and recognized portfolio in DRR/R programs.
Personal Skills
- Strong strategic, analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to make sound judgment and decisions with limited or incomplete information and offer innovative solutions.
- Strong relationship management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally, both virtually and in person. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.
- Capable of working long hours in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple priorities.
- Good presentation and facilitation skills.
- Ability to function well in a stressful environment, stay focused, and maintain sufficient work life balance with limited options for downtime activity.
- Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented, and results-oriented.
- Strong cross-cultural communication skills.
Required/Desired Foreign Language
English and French fluency required. Spanish and/or Portuguese a plus.
Physical Requirement
Travel is expected to be up to 50% for this position.
Key Working Relationships
Internal
- Team Lead for Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience
- Disaster Risk Reduction and Resilience Coordinator
- Other HRD Team Members – Technical Advisors (Shelter, WASH, Safe and Dignified Programming, Emergency Program Quality and Management, Operations, and Cash and Markets, EMPOWER)
- Regional and Country Program Teams
External
- Caritas International Member Organization representatives
- Representatives of other NGOs, UN and International Agencies operating in the areas support is provided
- Donor organization representatives (BHA, ECHO, etc.) as needed
- Local government authorities
Technical Qualifications
- Master’s degree in field(s) related to DRR/R such as Disaster Management, Environmental Management, Climate Risk Management, preparedness, humanitarian aid, etc. required.
- Minimum of three years relevant work experience with progressive responsibilities, ideally with an international NGO, with minimum of two years relevant field-based experience in DRR/R.
- Knowledge of technical principles and concepts in DRR/R. General knowledge of other related disciplines to ensure a cross-sectoral approach, which could include but are not limited to disaster risk management (DRM), emergency contingency planning, natural resource management (NRM), and anticipatory action (AA)
- Strong proposal development and writing skills
- Experience in capacity strengthening, working with local grassroots organizations with a commitment to localization and applying best practices.
- Experience with program monitoring and evaluation and data analysis.
- Experience and skills in networking and relations with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based and civil society partners.
- Understanding of partnership principles.
- Basic knowledge of design requirements and regulations of major donors including the United States Government, the EU, UN agencies, and Caritas.
- Experience working in CRS Security Level III environments.
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.
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. This position is contingent upon receiving a project award, expected in July 2024
***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. 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.
CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer