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, offering immediate program quality, management, and leadership serge assistance to CRS country programs across ESRO during both sudden-onset and protracted crises. This position operates within HRD’s Emergency Program Response Team (EPR) and reports to the Regional Focal Point for Emergency Response for ESRO, ensuring high-standard emergency response and recovery initiatives align with CRS program quality standards, donor mandates, and established humanitarian best practices.
The position encompasses a diverse array of duties and core accountabilities designed to drive operational excellence and strategic growth. Key responsibilities include overseeing cross-functional projects, collaborating with stakeholders to align business objectives, and ensuring adherence to industry regulations and internal policies. The role demands meticulous attention to detail, robust problem-solving capabilities, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic environment. Additionally, the successful candidate will be expected to analyze performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and implement data-driven solutions to enhance efficiency and productivity. Strong communication and leadership skills are essential to foster team cohesion and guide initiatives toward achieving long-term organizational goals.
Offer swift, surge deployment assistance to ESRO country programs throughout humanitarian crises, providing hands-on guidance to enhance program quality and management effectiveness.
Collaborate with country programs to assume temporary emergency program management and leadership responsibilities, and assist in establishing and overseeing emergency field offices, teams, and relief operations as required during deployments.
Deliver tailored technical solutions to both remote and onsite country teams throughout all stages of emergency program development—from planning and initiation through implementation and conclusion—while maintaining strict adherence to CRS program quality principles, donor specifications, and industry best practices.
Design and deliver high-caliber project frameworks that align with established project management principles and robust MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) methodologies, ensuring each initiative is meticulously tailored to its specific scope, contextual dynamics, and technical specifications.
Assist in formulating 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 incorporates gender considerations, safe and dignified programming, and disaster risk reduction measures.
Assist in the dissemination of regional insights by recording lessons learned, effective practices, and innovative responses from field operations, then relaying this information to the RFP and pertinent HRD and regional stakeholders.
Collaborate with country programs to ensure the application of program design and implementation standards, partnership principles, and MEAL approaches, thereby guaranteeing high-quality execution.
You will play a key role in enhancing staff and partner capabilities within Emergency Response and Recovery initiatives by designing and implementing learning and training strategies, agendas, and curricula, as well as facilitating trainings, workshops, and mentoring sessions for Country Program (CP) staff. These capacity strengthening efforts may encompass formal and on-the-job training, the development or refinement of operational policies and systems, and partner accompaniment, among other relevant approaches.
You will play a key role in advancing 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 (CRS) and its partners in cluster, donor, and coordination meetings in the field when required.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related discipline is required. Minimum of five years of professional experience in software development, with a focus on Python, C++, or Java, is essential. Proficiency in cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud is mandatory. Familiarity with DevOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines and containerization, is highly desirable. Strong problem-solving abilities and excellent communication skills are necessary. Experience with Agile methodologies is preferred. Candidate must demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and staying updated with emerging technologies.
We are seeking candidates who meet the following essential criteria for consideration. Applicants must possess a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, along with three years of professional experience in a comparable role. Proficiency in industry-standard software, such as Microsoft Office Suite or specialized tools, is required. Candidates should also demonstrate strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills. Additionally, the ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment is essential. A proven track record of meeting deadlines and delivering high-quality results is highly preferred.
A bachelor’s degree in international development, disaster response, or a closely related discipline is mandatory.
Minimum of eight years relevant international working experience in an advisory or management role with progressive responsibilities, ideally with an international NGO, with minimum of three years working for programming interventions in Emergency Response and Recovery program management.
Proficiency in delivering technical support and crafting winning proposals for external donor funding is essential.
Proficiency in program monitoring and evaluation is essential, encompassing the use of data collection tools and methodologies, rigorous data analysis, and effective data presentation.
Experience in business development, project design and proposal development in emergency response, including technical writing.
Preferred Qualifications include a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, along with 3–5 years of experience in software development. Familiarity with programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++ is essential, and experience with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure is highly desirable. Proficiency in database management systems and strong problem-solving skills are also required. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication abilities and the capacity to work collaboratively within a team.
A master’s degree in international development, disaster response, or a closely related discipline is highly beneficial.
Seasoned professionals with substantial exposure to intricate and volatile environments across East and Southern Africa are encouraged to apply.
Proficiency in humanitarian principles, standards, and systems is essential, with a strong preference for expertise in CRS and Caritas Internationalis emergency programming and standards.
An individual with a strong background in coaching, mentoring, and hands-on training, coupled with a genuine passion for developing others in a practical setting.
Proficiency in Information and Community Technology (ICT) and Information Management is required, encompassing both theoretical understanding and hands-on application.
Seeking an individual with a robust foundation in relevant expertise, honed abilities, and essential competencies. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in core areas, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Effective communication and collaboration abilities are crucial, along with adaptability to dynamic environments. Prioritizes attention to detail, organizational acumen, and a commitment to continuous learning. Experience in [specific field, if mentioned] is advantageous, alongside a track record of delivering high-quality results. This role demands a proactive approach, meticulous execution, and the capacity to thrive under pressure while maintaining a collaborative team dynamic.
Applies technical principles and concepts effectively in Emergency Response and Recovery scenarios. Exhibits broad understanding of related disciplines to foster a cohesive, cross-sectoral approach.
Possesses advanced expertise in implementing security protocols and overseeing emergency management initiatives within high-risk settings.
Demonstrated capability to collaborate effectively with local partner organizations is essential.
Proficiency in the design requirements and regulatory standards set forth by leading emergency donors, such as the US Government, the European Union/European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), and United Nations agencies, is required.
Highly skilled in utilizing MS Office Suite—including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint—as well as web conferencing platforms, information and budget management systems, and knowledge-sharing networks.
Experienced in guiding, advising, and leading workshops and training sessions grounded in adult learning methodologies and best practices.
Experience and skills in networking and relations with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based civil society partners. Understanding of partnership principles.
Effective relationship management capabilities are essential, enabling the ability to persuade and secure buy-in from those outside direct reporting lines while collaborating with individuals across varied geographical and cultural environments.
Demonstrates the capacity to consistently meet performance standards while fostering productive working relationships amid varied cultural settings and under significant psychological and physical stress.
Accomplished strategic thinker with robust analytical and problem-solving capabilities, complemented by systems thinking expertise to effectively interpret broader contexts and deliver well-informed, judicious decisions.
Strong written and oral communication skills
Exceptional proficiency in delivering presentations, leading interactive sessions, providing targeted training, and offering mentorship and coaching support is essential.
Results-driven professional with a proactive and resourceful mindset, consistently delivering measurable outcomes.
Languages Required: Proficiency in English is essential; fluency in French and Portuguese is advantageous.
Professionals must be prepared to travel extensively, dedicating up to 50% of their time (approximately six months annually) to international assignments. Deployment durations typically range from two to eight weeks, varying according to the specific requirements of each country program. The role demands adaptability to function effectively in challenging or high-pressure environments while meeting the agency’s operational needs wherever assigned.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
8 years
