Job Summary
The Technical Advisor II – Emergency Response and Recovery Surge Support for East and Southern Africa (ESRO) serves as a hands-on emergency response specialist, delivering rapid deployment expertise in program quality, management, and leadership to CRS country programs across ESRO during both sudden-onset and protracted crises. Positioned within HRD’s Emergency Program Response Team (EPR) and accountable to the Regional Focal Point for Emergency Response for ESRO, this role plays a pivotal part in advancing high-caliber emergency response and recovery initiatives, ensuring alignment with CRS program quality standards, donor mandates, and established humanitarian best practices.
Responsibilities encompass a diverse range of duties integral to the role, ensuring the effective execution of assigned tasks. Key responsibilities include overseeing project timelines, coordinating team efforts, maintaining compliance with organizational standards, and fostering a collaborative work environment. Additionally, the position requires active participation in strategic planning, performance monitoring, and delivering measurable results aligned with departmental objectives. The role also entails liaising with stakeholders, addressing operational challenges, and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and productivity.
Offer swift, surge-capacity assistance to ESRO country programs amid humanitarian crises, ensuring robust program quality and guided 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 country teams—both remotely and on-site—supporting emergency program development, launch, execution, and closure while maintaining alignment with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor mandates, and recognized best practices.
Deliver expert project design by integrating established project management standards with MEAL methodologies, ensuring alignment with project scope, context, and technical specifications.
Support the formulation and execution of regional and Country Program strategies, standards, tools, and best practices in Emergency Response and Recovery to foster meaningful engagement with partners, donors, and governments. Facilitate a cross-sectoral approach that integrates gender considerations, safe and dignified programming, and disaster risk reduction.
Document lessons learned, promising practices, and response innovations from deployments by preparing comprehensive documentation, then disseminate this knowledge to the RFP and key HRD and regional stakeholders to enhance regional knowledge sharing.
Collaborate with country programs to incorporate established program design and implementation standards, partnership principles, and MEAL methodologies, thereby guaranteeing the delivery of high-quality initiatives.
Support capacity-building efforts in Emergency Response and Recovery programming for staff and partners by collaborating on the development of learning and training strategies, agendas, and curricula, delivering training sessions and workshops, and providing mentorship and coaching to CP staff. These approaches may encompass formal and on-the-job training, the refinement or establishment of operational policies and systems, and tailored partner accompaniment, as needed.
Support the advancement of knowledge management and organizational learning by gathering and examining program data, assessing the outcomes of strategic initiatives, aiding in the evaluation of program effectiveness, documenting and disseminating lessons learned and best practices, and conducting research and producing internal reports.
Represent CRS and its collaborating partners at scheduled cluster, donor, and coordination meetings in the field, as required.
* Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or related field, or equivalent work experience.
* Minimum of five years of professional experience in software development, with proficiency in multiple programming languages, including but not limited to Python, Java, or C++.
* Strong understanding of software development methodologies, such as Agile or Scrum, and proficiency in version control systems like Git.
* Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud) and containerization technologies (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
* Solid background in database management systems, including SQL and NoSQL, and familiarity with RESTful APIs.
* Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and ability to work independently or within a collaborative team environment.
* Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to articulate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
* Demonstrated leadership in mentoring junior developers and driving technical initiatives.
* Experience in full-stack development, including front-end frameworks (e.g., React, Angular) and back-end systems, is preferred.
* Knowledge of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure as code is a plus.
Basic Qualifications
A Bachelor’s degree in international development, disaster response, or a closely related field is required.
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 Emergency Response and Recovery program management.
Proficiency in delivering technical support and crafting winning proposals for external donor funding is essential.
Demonstrated expertise in program monitoring and evaluation, encompassing the implementation of data collection tools and methodologies, rigorous data analysis, and effective data presentation.
Experienced professionals should possess a strong background in business development, project design, and proposal development specifically within emergency response settings, with a focus on technical writing expertise.
Preferred Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++. Experience with data structures, algorithms, and software design principles. Familiarity with machine learning frameworks like TensorFlow or PyTorch is a plus. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Prior experience in software development or data analysis is desirable. Excellent communication skills for conveying technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
A master’s degree in international development, disaster response, or a related discipline is highly desirable.
Demonstrated expertise in navigating intricate and volatile environments within East and Southern Africa is required.
A strong familiarity with humanitarian principles, standards, and systems—particularly within CRS and Caritas Internationalis emergency programming and standards—is highly advantageous.
Demonstrates a strong passion for coaching, mentoring, and delivering hands-on on-the-job training.
Proficient in applying Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Information Management practices, with a solid foundation of practical skills and technical expertise.
Demonstrated expertise in relevant areas, combined with practical abilities and specialized skills, is essential for fulfilling the role effectively. The position demands a comprehensive understanding of key concepts, along with the capacity to apply technical and interpersonal proficiencies to deliver optimal results. Strong problem-solving aptitude, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous learning are required to meet evolving challenges and drive success in this capacity.
Applies technical principles and concepts to Emergency Response and Recovery operations with a proven track record. Possesses a broad understanding of related disciplines to facilitate a cohesive, cross-sectoral strategy.
Adept at implementing robust security protocols and overseeing emergency response initiatives in high-risk settings.
Proven capacity to collaborate effectively with local partner organizations is required.
Proficient in understanding and applying design requirements and regulatory standards set forth by prominent emergency donors, such as the US Government, the European Union/European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), and United Nations agencies.
Skilled in utilizing Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, as well as web conferencing tools, information and budget management systems, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
Demonstrates expertise in mentoring, coaching, facilitating, and training, grounded in adult learning principles and methodologies.
Proven expertise in cultivating and maintaining professional networks and donor relationships, along with strong collaboration skills with peer organizations and faith-based civil society partners. Demonstrated knowledge of partnership principles and best practices.
Skilled in cultivating strong relationships, fostering collaboration, and securing commitment from stakeholders beyond one’s direct chain of command, while effectively engaging with teams across varied geographical and cultural landscapes.
Proven capacity to meet performance standards while fostering productive professional relationships across varied cultural, psychological, and high-pressure physical settings.
Individuals must possess robust strategic and analytical capabilities, exceptional problem-solving skills, and a strong aptitude for systems thinking. They should demonstrate the capacity to perceive the broader context and deliver well-reasoned judgments.
We possess exceptional proficiency in both written and verbal communication, enabling us to articulate ideas clearly and engage effectively with diverse audiences.
Exceptional proficiency in delivering presentations, facilitating discussions, providing training, and offering mentoring and coaching guidance is required.
Results-driven, highly adaptable professional with a proactive mindset, demonstrating strong initiative and a commitment to achieving measurable outcomes. Possesses exceptional resourcefulness and a track record of delivering impactful results in dynamic environments. Thrives in challenging settings by leveraging ingenuity and problem-solving skills to drive success and exceed expectations.
Required: Proficiency in English, with French and Portuguese as additional preferred languages.
Must be prepared to travel extensively, with up to 50% of the year (approximately six months) spent on assignments. Deployment durations will typically range from two to eight weeks, contingent upon the specific requirements of the country program. Capable of adapting to and thriving in challenging and high-pressure environments while fulfilling assignments in locations as directed by the agency.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
8 years
