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, offering immediate deployment support to enhance program quality, management, and leadership within CRS country programs across ESRO during both sudden-onset and protracted emergencies. Positioned within HRD’s Emergency Program Response Team (EPR) and reporting to the Regional Focal Point for Emergency Response for ESRO, this role ensures high-caliber emergency response and recovery initiatives align with CRS program quality standards, donor specifications, and established humanitarian best practices.
We are seeking a motivated professional to join our team, where the position involves overseeing key operational duties and ensuring project objectives are met efficiently. The role requires a strong background in [specific field or industry], along with expertise in [relevant skill or tool]. Primary responsibilities include managing workflows, coordinating with cross-functional teams, and implementing strategies to enhance productivity and performance. Additionally, the ideal candidate will be responsible for monitoring progress, analyzing data to identify trends, and providing actionable recommendations to senior leadership. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential, as the role demands collaboration with stakeholders at all levels to drive organizational success.
Supply immediate surge assistance to ESRO country programs amid humanitarian crises, offering hands-on guidance in program quality and management.
You will collaborate with country programs to assume temporary emergency program management and leadership responsibilities, providing support for the establishment and management of emergency field offices, teams, and relief operations as required during deployments.
Offer tailored technical guidance to both remote and on-site country teams throughout the emergency program lifecycle—from planning and start-up to implementation and close-out—while ensuring full adherence to CRS program quality principles, donor requirements, and established best practices.
Design and deliver superior project frameworks by integrating established project management standards with robust MEAL methodologies, ensuring alignment with project scope, contextual factors, and technical specifications.
Support the formulation and execution of regional/CP strategies, standards, tools, and best practices in Emergency Response and Recovery, fostering effective engagement with partners, donors, and governments. Assist in ensuring a cross-sectoral approach that incorporates gender considerations, safe and dignified programming, and disaster risk reduction.
Document regional knowledge by recording lessons learned, effective practices, and innovative responses from deployments, then disseminate these findings to the RFP team and pertinent HRD and regional stakeholders.
Provide technical assistance to country programs to uphold program design and implementation standards, partnership principles, and MEAL methodologies, thereby guaranteeing high-quality execution of initiatives.
Support capacity-building efforts in Emergency Response and Recovery programming for staff and partners by collaborating in the design of learning and training strategies, curricula, and agendas, delivering training sessions and workshops, and providing mentorship and coaching to Country Program staff. These capacity-strengthening measures may encompass formal training and on-the-job learning, the creation or refinement of operational policies and systems, and tailored partner accompaniment, as deemed appropriate.
Support organizational growth and development by gathering and assessing program data, evaluating key initiatives, and measuring outcomes to enhance program effectiveness. Facilitate continuous improvement by documenting and disseminating lessons learned, best practices, and research findings through internal reports and knowledge-sharing initiatives.
Represent Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and partner organizations at various cluster, donor, and coordination meetings in the field as needed.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field required; 3+ years of experience in software development, with proficiency in at least one programming language such as Python, Java, or C++. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently or collaboratively in a team environment are essential. Experience with agile methodologies, version control systems, and cloud platforms like AWS or Azure is preferred. Exceptional communication skills and a commitment to continuous learning are also necessary.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is required. At least three years of professional experience in software development or a comparable role is essential. Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++ is mandatory. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment are critical. Excellent communication skills for conveying technical concepts to both technical and non-technical stakeholders are also necessary.
A bachelor’s degree in international development, disaster response, or a closely related discipline is a prerequisite for this position.
A minimum of eight years of progressive international experience in advisory or management positions is required, with a preference for candidates who have worked with international NGOs. Additionally, at least three years must be dedicated to roles involving programming interventions in Emergency Response and Recovery program management.
Proficiency in delivering technical support and crafting effective proposals for external donor funding is essential.
Applicants should possess hands-on experience in program monitoring and evaluation, encompassing the application of data collection tools and methodologies, conducting thorough data analysis, and effectively presenting findings.
Professionals should possess a proven track record in business development, coupled with expertise in designing projects and crafting proposals for emergency response initiatives. Strong technical writing skills are also essential to effectively communicate complex information.
Preferred Qualifications include at least three years of experience in a relevant field, along with a bachelor’s degree in a related discipline. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in project management tools and possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Experience with data analysis, statistical modeling, or industry-specific software is highly desirable. Familiarity with regulatory requirements or compliance standards is a plus. Excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal, are essential for collaborating with cross-functional teams and presenting findings to stakeholders.
A master’s degree in international development, disaster response, or a closely related discipline is highly beneficial.
Experience in complex/conflict-affected contexts in East and Southern Africa.
Proficiency in humanitarian principles, standards, and systems is essential, ideally complemented by expertise in CRS and Caritas Internationalis emergency programming and standards.
Demonstrates a strong passion for coaching, mentoring, and facilitating hands-on training opportunities.
Skilled in Information and Community Technology (ICT) and Information Management with hands-on experience and technical proficiency.
Seeking a candidate with a strong foundation in relevant expertise, technical competencies, and essential capabilities to excel in the role. The ideal individual will demonstrate proficiency in key areas, possess specialized skills, and exhibit the necessary aptitudes to meet the position’s demands. Required qualifications include relevant experience, educational background, and a track record of success in similar positions. Key responsibilities involve managing tasks, collaborating with teams, and ensuring high standards of performance. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to drive results and contribute effectively to organizational goals.
Technical principles and concepts related to Emergency Response and Recovery must be applied effectively. A broad understanding of complementary disciplines is essential to facilitate an integrated, cross-sectoral strategy.
Demonstrates exceptional expertise in implementing and overseeing security protocols alongside the administration of emergency programs in high-risk settings.
Proven capability to collaborate effectively with community-based organizations and local partners.
Proficiency in understanding design requirements and regulatory standards set by key emergency donors, such as the U.S. Government, the European Union/European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), and United Nations agencies, is essential.
Skilled in utilizing Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, as well as web conferencing platforms, information and budget management systems, and knowledge-sharing networks.
Proven expertise in mentoring, coaching, facilitation, and training grounded in adult learning principles and methodologies.
Skilled in building and maintaining networks and relationships with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based civil society partners is required. Knowledge of partnership principles is essential.
Proven expertise in cultivating and maintaining strong professional relationships, with a track record of securing alignment and endorsement from stakeholders beyond direct oversight. Adept at collaborating effectively with individuals across varied geographical and cultural environments.
Proven capability to sustain high performance standards and cultivate collaborative working relationships within culturally diverse settings, even under significant psychological and physical pressure.
Accomplished strategic thinker with robust analytical and problem-solving abilities, combined with a systems-oriented mindset to evaluate broader implications and arrive at well-reasoned decisions.
Exceptional proficiency in both written and verbal communication is essential.
Exceptional proficiency in delivering engaging presentations, facilitating productive sessions, training teams effectively, mentoring individuals, and coaching professionals to achieve their goals is essential.
Results-driven, highly motivated, and solution-focused professional seeks a dynamic role that values initiative, adaptability, and measurable outcomes.
Required Languages: Proficiency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of French and Portuguese is advantageous.
Professional travelers with adaptability for rigorous environments are sought to undertake assignments demanding global mobility. The position requires availability for extensive travel—up to 50% of the year, or approximately six months—and deployments ranging from two to eight weeks per assignment, as dictated by programmatic needs across country offices. Ideal candidates must demonstrate resilience and flexibility to live and operate in challenging conditions while fulfilling agency-wide assignments without geographical restrictions.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
8 years
