Job Summary
The Technical Advisor II – Emergency Response and Recovery Surge Support for East and Southern Africa (ESRO) serves as a field-based emergency response specialist, delivering immediate deployment program quality oversight, management, and leadership serge support to CRS country programs across ESRO during both sudden-onset and protracted emergencies. Positioned within HRD’s Emergency Program Response Team (EPR), this role is accountable to the Regional Focal Point for Emergency Response for ESRO, ensuring the execution of high-caliber emergency response and recovery initiatives in alignment with CRS program quality standards, donor mandates, and established humanitarian best practices.
We are currently seeking a highly motivated professional to join our team, where you will play a pivotal role in driving our organization’s success. In this position, you will be responsible for overseeing key operational processes, ensuring efficiency and adherence to company standards. Your duties will include managing cross-functional projects, analyzing performance metrics to identify areas for improvement, and implementing strategic initiatives to enhance productivity and growth. Additionally, you will collaborate closely with senior leadership to align departmental objectives with overarching business goals, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership skills, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and a proven track record of delivering measurable results in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in data-driven decision-making and advanced communication skills are essential to excel in this dynamic role.
Offer swift, surge-based deployment assistance to ESRO country programs in the midst of humanitarian responses, ensuring the delivery of hands-on program quality enhancement and management support.
Collaborate with country programs to deliver temporary emergency program management and leadership functions, facilitating 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, supporting emergency program planning, initiation, execution, and closure with strict adherence to CRS program quality principles and standards, donor-specific guidelines, and industry best practices.
Design and deliver high-caliber project initiatives in alignment with established project management standards and robust MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) methodologies, ensuring each initiative is meticulously tailored to the project’s scope, environmental context, and technical specifications.
Facilitate the creation and execution of regional and country program (CP) strategies, standards, tools, and best practices for Emergency Response and Recovery, ensuring meaningful engagement with partners, donors, and governments. Support the integration of a cross-sectoral approach that prioritizes gender equality, safe and dignified programming, and disaster risk reduction throughout all initiatives.
Document lessons learned, promising practices, and innovative responses from deployments, then compile and disseminate this information to the RFP and key HRD and regional stakeholders to facilitate regional knowledge sharing.
Support country programs in executing program design and implementation standards, partnership principles, and MEAL approaches to uphold and enhance the quality of program delivery.
Enhance capacity building efforts within Emergency Response and Recovery programs by collaborating on the development of learning and training strategies, agendas, and curricula for staff and partners. Facilitate knowledge transfer through the delivery of trainings and workshops, alongside mentoring and coaching sessions for CP staff. These capacity strengthening initiatives may encompass formal and on-the-job training, the formulation or optimization of operational policies and systems, and tailored support for partners as needed.
By driving knowledge management and organizational learning initiatives, you will collect and analyze program data, evaluate strategic projects, measure program impact, document lessons learned and best practices, and conduct research to produce internal reports.
Represent CRS and its partners in cluster, donor, and coordination meetings across the field as required.
Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, economics, or a related field required. A minimum of five years of progressive experience in financial analysis, budgeting, or accounting is essential. Proficiency in advanced Excel and familiarity with ERP systems are mandatory. Strong analytical skills, meticulous attention to detail, and the ability to interpret complex financial data are critical. Excellent communication skills for presenting findings to stakeholders are also necessary. Professional certification such as CPA, CFA, or CMA is highly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, along with a minimum of three years of experience in software development or a comparable role. Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++. Strong understanding of algorithms, data structures, and system design principles. Experience with Agile methodologies and collaborative development practices. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively in fast-paced, dynamic environments.
A bachelor’s degree in international development, Disaster Response, or a closely related discipline is mandatory.
A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible international advisory or management experience is required, preferably gained within an international NGO, with at least three of those years dedicated to programming interventions in Emergency Response and Recovery program management.
Professional experience in delivering technical support and crafting successful proposals for external donor funding is essential.
Candidates should possess hands-on experience in program monitoring and evaluation, with proficiency in utilizing data collection tools and methodologies, conducting thorough data analysis, and effectively presenting findings.
With a proven track record in business development, individuals should possess expertise in project design and crafting proposals specifically for emergency response initiatives, along with strong technical writing capabilities.
Preferred Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as computer science or engineering, or equivalent professional experience. Familiarity with industry-standard software development methodologies and tools is highly desirable. Experience with cloud platforms, such as AWS or Azure, and proficiency in programming languages like Python, Java, or JavaScript are advantageous. Prior involvement in full-stack development or DevOps practices can further strengthen an application. Exceptional problem-solving abilities, strong communication skills, and the capacity to work collaboratively within a team environment are also preferred.
A master’s degree in international development, disaster response, or a related discipline is preferred.
Demonstrates a proven track record of working in intricate and volatile environments across East and Southern Africa.
Proficiency in humanitarian principles, standards, and systems is required, with a preferred background in CRS and Caritas Internationalis emergency programming and associated standards.
Proficiency in coaching, mentoring, and hands-on training, coupled with a strong passion for these areas, is essential.
Proven expertise in Information and Community Technology (ICT) and Information Management is required.
Seeking a candidate with a strong foundation in technical expertise, problem-solving capabilities, and effective communication skills. The ideal applicant must demonstrate proficiency in [relevant software/tools] and the ability to analyze complex data sets to derive meaningful insights. Strong interpersonal abilities are essential for fostering collaboration within cross-functional teams and conveying technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Additionally, experience with [specific methodology or industry standard] is highly valued, along with a proven track record of delivering solutions under tight deadlines. The role requires adaptability to evolving technologies and a commitment to continuous professional development.
Applies technical principles and concepts effectively within Emergency Response and Recovery frameworks. Possesses a broad understanding of related disciplines to facilitate a cohesive, cross-sectoral approach.
Skilled in implementing robust security measures and effectively managing emergency programs within high-risk settings.
Proven capability to collaborate effectively with community-based partner organizations.
Proficiency in comprehending design requirements and regulatory standards established by key emergency donors, such as the US Government, the European Union/European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), and United Nations agencies, is essential.
Skilled in utilizing Microsoft Office Suite, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, as well as web conferencing tools, information and budget management systems, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
Demonstrates a proven track record in mentoring, coaching, facilitating, and training, grounded in established adult learning principles and methodologies.
Proven experience in cultivating and maintaining relationships with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based civil society partners. Demonstrated expertise in networking and partnership development, with a deep understanding of partnership principles and best practices.
Exceptional interpersonal abilities to foster strong connections, persuade stakeholders outside direct reporting lines, and collaborate effectively across varied geographical and cultural environments.
Maintaining high performance standards and fostering strong professional relationships in culturally diverse settings, as well as in environments that are both psychologically and physically demanding, is essential.
Demonstrated excellence in strategic planning, analytical reasoning, and systematic problem-solving, complemented by a keen ability to discern overarching patterns and exercise well-reasoned judgment.
Proficient in both written and verbal communication, with a demonstrated ability to convey ideas clearly and effectively in various formats and settings.
Exceptional proficiency in delivering presentations, facilitating discussions, providing training, offering mentorship, and conducting coaching sessions is required.
Proactive, resourceful, and driven by results, the ideal candidate will demonstrate an ability to anticipate challenges, adapt to dynamic environments, and deliver measurable outcomes in a timely and efficient manner.
Required Languages: Proficiency in English is mandatory. Knowledge of French and Portuguese is advantageous.
Must have the ability and willingness to travel up to 50% of the time, equivalent to approximately six months per year, with deployments typically lasting between two and eight weeks based on the requirements of the country program. Capable of thriving in challenging and high-pressure environments while fulfilling assignments wherever organizational needs arise.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
8 years
