Job Summary
The Technical Advisor II – Emergency Response and Recovery Surge Support for East and Southern Africa (ESRO) serves as a field-focused emergency response specialist, delivering rapid-deployment program quality oversight, management, and leadership serge support to CRS country programs across ESRO during both sudden-onset and protracted crises. Positioned within HRD’s Emergency Program Response Team (EPR), this role functions under the supervision of the Regional Focal Point for Emergency Response for ESRO, ensuring high-caliber emergency response and recovery initiatives align with CRS program quality standards, donor mandates, and humanitarian best practices.
We are seeking a highly motivated professional to fill this critical position, where you will be responsible for overseeing key operational tasks and driving strategic initiatives. Your primary duties will include managing cross-functional teams, ensuring project deadlines are met, and maintaining high standards of quality and efficiency. Additionally, you will be tasked with analyzing performance metrics, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing solutions to enhance productivity. Strong leadership, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a results-driven mindset are essential for success in this role. A proven track record in a similar capacity, along with proficiency in relevant industry tools and technologies, is required. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent communication abilities to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels.
Deliver expeditious surge support to ESRO country programs during humanitarian crises, offering hands-on guidance in program quality and management.
You will collaborate with country programs to deliver interim emergency program management and leadership, while assisting in the establishment and oversight of emergency field offices, teams, and relief operations as required during deployments.
Deliver technical expertise to both remote and on-site country teams, addressing emergency program planning, start-up, implementation, and close-out, while ensuring full alignment with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and industry best practices.
Deliver exceptional project design through the application of established project management standards and MEAL methodologies, ensuring alignment with project scope, context, and technical specifications.
Assist in shaping and executing regional/CP strategies, standards, tools, and best practices for Emergency Response and Recovery, with a focus on fostering collaboration among partners, donors, and governments. Support the integration of a cross-sectoral approach that prioritizes gender considerations, safe and dignified programming, and disaster risk reduction.
Play a key role in enhancing regional knowledge exchange by compiling documented insights from deployments, including lessons learned, effective practices, and innovative response strategies, and disseminate this information to the RFP, HRD, and other pertinent regional stakeholders.
Collaborate with country programs to integrate program design and implementation standards, partnership principles, and MEAL methodologies, thereby ensuring robust and high-caliber execution of initiatives.
You will play a key role in enhancing the capabilities of staff and partners in Emergency Response and Recovery programming by designing and implementing learning and training strategies, curricula, and workshop agendas. This involves delivering trainings, facilitating workshops, and providing mentorship and coaching to CP staff. Capacity strengthening efforts may encompass formal training sessions, on-the-job learning opportunities, the refinement or establishment of operational policies and systems, and partner accompaniment, as deemed necessary.
You will enhance knowledge management and organizational learning by gathering and analyzing program data, assessing strategic initiatives, supporting impact measurement efforts, documenting and disseminating lessons learned and best practices, and conducting research to produce internal reports.
Represent Catholic Relief Services and its partners at cluster, donor, and coordination meetings in the field upon request.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
A bachelor’s degree in international development, disaster response, or a closely related discipline is a prerequisite for this role.
A minimum of eight years of progressive international advisory or management experience, preferably within an international NGO, is required, including at least three years dedicated to programming interventions focused on Emergency Response and Recovery program management.
Candidates must have prior experience delivering technical support and crafting successful proposals to secure external donor funding.
Proficiency in program monitoring and evaluation is required, encompassing the utilization of data collection tools and methodologies, as well as the analysis and presentation of findings.
Proven expertise in business development, project design, and proposal development, with a focus on emergency response initiatives, alongside strong technical writing capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as business administration, finance, or economics, along with a minimum of three years of experience in a related role. Proficiency in advanced Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel, and familiarity with data analysis tools are essential. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work effectively in a fast-paced environment. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required to collaborate with cross-functional teams and present insights to stakeholders. Prior experience in project management or leadership roles is highly desirable, along with a proven track record of driving process improvements and achieving measurable results.
A master’s degree in international development, disaster response, or a closely related discipline is highly desirable.
Demonstrated expertise in navigating and operating within intricate and volatile environments across East and Southern Africa.
Possessing expertise in humanitarian principles, standards, and systems—particularly with CRS and Caritas Internationalis emergency programming and standards—is highly advantageous.
Possesses a strong background in coaching, mentoring, and delivering hands-on training, coupled with a genuine passion for developing talent and fostering professional growth.
Proficiency in Information and Community Technology (ICT) and Information Management is essential, along with relevant hands-on experience.
Seeking an individual with a robust understanding of theoretical concepts and practical expertise in relevant fields, supported by a track record of successful application in similar roles. Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in specific technical or professional competencies, including strong problem-solving capabilities, effective communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Applicants should possess a combination of education, certifications, and hands-on experience that aligns with the role’s demands. Additionally, the ideal candidate will exhibit adaptability, a commitment to continuous learning, and a dedication to achieving measurable results while upholding high ethical and professional standards.
Applies technical principles and concepts effectively within Emergency Response and Recovery frameworks. Possesses a solid understanding of related disciplines to facilitate a well-rounded, cross-sectoral approach to operational challenges.
Accomplished in implementing and overseeing robust security measures and emergency management protocols, particularly in high-risk or unstable settings.
Proficiency in collaborating with regional partner organizations is essential for this role.
Proficiency in design requirements and regulatory standards set by key emergency donors, such as the US Government, EU/ECHO, and UN agencies, is essential.
Skilled in utilizing Microsoft Office Suite applications—including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint—as well as web conferencing platforms, budget and information management systems, and knowledge-sharing networks.
With a strong background in mentoring, coaching, facilitation, and training, you will employ adult learning principles and methodologies to drive development and engagement.
Skilled in cultivating networks and maintaining relationships with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based civil society partners is essential. Proficiency in partnership principles and methodologies is required.
Proven ability to cultivate strong relationships and secure stakeholder commitment, even when influencing those outside direct reporting lines or collaborating across varied geographical and cultural contexts.
Maintains high performance standards and fosters strong professional relationships across varied cultural settings, even in high-pressure psychological and physical conditions.
Proven strategic acumen complemented by sharp analytical and problem-solving capabilities, along with a systems-oriented mindset to effectively assess the broader context and deliver well-reasoned decisions.
Demonstrated proficiency in both written and verbal communication is required.
Exceptional proficiency in delivering presentations, facilitating sessions, providing training, and mentoring and coaching individuals is essential.
Proactive, resourceful, and results-driven professionals should apply for this role. Candidates must possess exceptional problem-solving abilities and a strong commitment to achieving measurable outcomes. The ideal applicant will demonstrate initiative, adaptability, and a track record of delivering high-quality results in dynamic environments.
Proficiency in English is mandatory. Fluency in French and Portuguese is advantageous.
Must possess the flexibility to travel extensively, up to 50% of the time, equating to approximately six months per year, with deployment durations ranging from two to eight weeks based on the specific requirements of the country program. Additionally, the ability to thrive in challenging and high-pressure environments and adapt to assignments in locations determined by the agency’s operational needs is essential.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
8 years
