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 program quality, 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 reports directly to the Regional Focal Point for Emergency Response for ESRO, ensuring high-caliber emergency response and recovery initiatives align with CRS program quality standards, donor expectations, and established humanitarian best practices.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team in a role that encompasses a broad range of essential duties and responsibilities. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing key operational processes, ensuring adherence to company policies and industry standards, and contributing to strategic initiatives aimed at driving organizational growth. Additionally, they will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to streamline workflows, identify opportunities for improvement, and implement innovative solutions to enhance overall efficiency and productivity. The role demands strong analytical skills, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and a proactive approach to managing challenges while maintaining a high level of professionalism and accountability.
Offer immediate surge assistance to ESRO country programs amid emergency responses, ensuring hands-on program quality enhancement and management guidance.
Partner with country programs to assume temporary emergency program management and leadership responsibilities, facilitating the establishment and oversight of emergency field offices, teams, and relief operations as required during deployments.
Deliver technical expertise to both remote and onsite country teams, assisting with emergency program planning, initiation, execution, and conclusion while maintaining strict adherence to CRS program quality principles, donor specifications, and established best practices.
Lead high-quality project design incorporating project management standards and MEAL methods, appropriate to scope, context and technical requirements of projects.
You will play a key role in shaping and executing regional and country program (CP) strategies, standards, tools, and best practices for Emergency Response and Recovery initiatives, ensuring meaningful engagement with partners, donors, and governments. Additionally, you will foster a cross-sectoral perspective by incorporating gender considerations, safe and dignified programming, and disaster risk reduction into all efforts.
Facilitate the exchange of regional insights by compiling documented lessons learned, emerging best practices, and innovative response strategies derived from field deployments, then disseminating this information to the RFP team and key HRD and regional stakeholders.
Support country programs in executing program design and implementation standards, partnership principles, and MEAL approaches to uphold high-quality execution.
You will play a key role in enhancing the capabilities of staff and partners in Emergency Response and Recovery initiatives by designing and implementing learning and training strategies, as well as agendas and curricula. Additionally, you will lead trainings and workshops, and provide mentoring and coaching to Country Program (CP) staff. Your responsibilities may also involve utilizing capacity-strengthening methods such as formal training, on-the-job learning, developing and refining operational policies and systems, and partner accompaniment, where applicable.
You will play a key role in enhancing 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 CRS and partners in scheduled field-level cluster, donor, and coordination meetings as assigned.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, or a related field is required. A minimum of three years of professional experience in network administration, cybersecurity, or a comparable IT role is necessary. Strong proficiency in configuring, managing, and troubleshooting network infrastructure, including firewalls, routers, and switches, is essential. Knowledge of security protocols, such as VPN, SSL, and encryption methods, is also required. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment are critical. The candidate must possess strong communication skills to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. Familiarity with industry standards, such as ISO 27001, NIST, or CIS controls, is highly desirable.
Seeking candidates who meet the following essential criteria: a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, at least three years of professional experience in a comparable role, strong proficiency with industry-standard software and tools, and exceptional analytical and problem-solving abilities. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and the capacity to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams while meeting tight deadlines. Proficiency in data analysis, project management methodologies, and a solid understanding of compliance and regulatory standards are also required.
A bachelor’s degree in international development, disaster response, or a closely related discipline is required.
A minimum of eight years of progressive international experience in advisory or management positions is essential, preferably gained within an international NGO environment. Additionally, at least three years must involve direct involvement in Emergency Response and Recovery program management interventions.
Proficiency in delivering technical support and crafting winning proposals for external donor funding is essential.
Proven expertise in program monitoring and evaluation, encompassing the application of data collection tools and methodologies, comprehensive data analysis, and effective data presentation techniques.
Experience in business development, project design and proposal development in emergency response, including technical writing.
Preferred Qualifications:
– Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
– Minimum of 3 years of experience in financial analysis or accounting.
– Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and ERP systems.
– Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
– Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
– Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
– Experience with financial modeling and forecasting is a plus.
A master’s degree in international development, disaster response, or a closely related discipline is highly beneficial.
Extensive expertise in operating within intricate and conflict-ridden environments across East and Southern Africa is required.
Strong familiarity with humanitarian principles, standards, and systems is required, with a preferred background in CRS and Caritas Internationalis emergency programming and standards.
A demonstrated background in coaching, mentoring, and facilitating on-the-job training, coupled with a strong passion for these activities.
Proficiency in Information and Community Technology (ICT) and Information Management, supported by hands-on experience and applicable skills, is required.
Demonstrated expertise in the relevant field, along with a strong command of essential tools and techniques, is required. Candidates must exhibit proficiency in [list key skills, e.g., data analysis, project management, or software proficiency]. Familiarity with industry best practices and the ability to apply them in practical scenarios are crucial. Strong problem-solving capabilities, attention to detail, and the capacity to work both independently and collaboratively are expected. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are necessary to convey ideas effectively and engage with stakeholders.
Applies technical principles and concepts within emergency response and recovery operations. Maintains a broad understanding of related disciplines to facilitate a cohesive cross-sectoral approach.
Proven expertise in implementing and overseeing security protocols and managing emergency response initiatives in high-risk settings.
Proven capability to collaborate effectively with regional partner organizations.
Proficient in adhering to the design specifications and compliance standards set forth by leading emergency relief donors, such as the US Government, the European Union/European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), and United Nations agencies.
Skilled in utilizing MS Office suites, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, as well as web conferencing platforms, budget and information management systems, and knowledge-sharing networks.
Skilled in mentoring, coaching, facilitating, and delivering training sessions grounded in adult learning principles and methodologies.
Proven expertise in cultivating donor networks, collaborating with peer organizations, and engaging faith-based civil society partners. A solid grasp of partnership principles and best practices.
Exceptional interpersonal abilities are required to effectively engage and persuade stakeholders beyond direct reporting lines, as well as to collaborate seamlessly with professionals across varied geographic and cultural backgrounds.
Demonstrates the capacity to consistently meet performance standards while fostering productive working relationships within culturally diverse settings, including environments that are both psychologically and physically demanding.
Possesses robust strategic, analytical, and problem-solving capabilities, combined with a systems thinking mindset to effectively discern the broader context. Demonstrates a capacity for sound decision-making while maintaining a clear focus on the overarching objectives.
Exceptional proficiency in written and verbal communication is essential, ensuring clarity and effectiveness in conveying ideas and information.
Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in delivering impactful presentations, facilitating engaging sessions, delivering comprehensive training programs, providing insightful mentorship, and offering effective coaching to support professional development and growth.
Results-driven, self-motivated professional who thrives in dynamic environments while consistently delivering measurable outcomes. Highly adaptable and solution-focused, with a strong ability to leverage available resources effectively to achieve desired results. Committed to driving excellence through a proactive approach and a relentless pursuit of success.
Fluent English proficiency is essential, with additional fluency in French and Portuguese considered advantageous.
Must be prepared to travel frequently, with up to 50% of the year (approximately six months) spent on assignments; deployment durations typically range from two to eight weeks, contingent upon the requirements of the country program. Should demonstrate the ability to reside and operate effectively in challenging or high-pressure settings and relocate as needed to fulfill agency objectives.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
8 years
