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 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), this role functions under the Regional Focal Point for Emergency Response for ESRO, ensuring the delivery of high-caliber emergency response and recovery initiatives that align with CRS program quality standards, donor mandates, and established humanitarian principles.
We are seeking a highly motivated professional to fill this critical position, where you will take ownership of key responsibilities and deliver measurable results. Your primary duties will include overseeing critical functions, managing cross-functional teams, and ensuring adherence to organizational policies and procedures. Additionally, you will be expected to develop strategic initiatives, monitor performance metrics, and drive continuous improvement across all operational areas. This role demands strong leadership skills, exceptional problem-solving abilities, and a proactive approach to overcoming challenges. A proven track record in [specific industry or field, if applicable] is essential, along with excellent communication and collaboration skills to engage stakeholders at all levels. Proficiency in [relevant tools, software, or methodologies] is required, and prior experience in [specific tasks or responsibilities] is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating adaptability, resilience, and a commitment to achieving excellence.
Offer immediate surge support for country programs within ESRO during humanitarian crises, providing hands-on guidance in program quality assurance and management.
Collaborate with country programs to deliver temporary emergency program management and leadership, while assisting with the establishment and oversight of emergency field offices, teams, and relief operations as required during deployments.
Deliver tailored technical assistance to both remote and field-based country teams throughout emergency program cycles—from planning and start-up to implementation and close-out—while ensuring full adherence to CRS program quality principles, donor requirements, and industry-recognized best practices.
Lead project design initiatives with a strong emphasis on superior quality, utilizing established project management standards alongside MEAL methodologies, ensuring alignment with project scope, context, and technical specifications.
Assist in crafting and executing regional or country program (CP) strategies, standards, tools, and best practices for Emergency Response and Recovery, with a focus on fostering strong engagement with partners, donors, and governments. Facilitate the integration of a cross-sectoral approach, emphasizing gender inclusion, safe and dignified programming, and disaster risk reduction principles.
Collaborate with regional teams by capturing and recording valuable insights, including lessons learned, emerging best practices, and innovative response strategies derived from deployments, and disseminate these findings to the RFP as well as key HRD and regional stakeholders.
Support country programs in ensuring high-quality execution by applying program design and implementation standards, partnership principles, and MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) approaches.
Support the enhancement of Emergency Response and Recovery programming capabilities for staff and partners by collaborating on the design of learning and training strategies, agendas, and curricula, delivering trainings and workshops, and providing mentorship and coaching to Child Protection (CP) staff. Capacity strengthening efforts may encompass formal and on-the-job training, the development or refinement of operational policies and systems, and partner accompaniment, as determined appropriate.
Assist in enhancing organizational knowledge and fostering continuous learning by gathering and interpreting program data, assessing strategic initiatives, supporting the evaluation of program outcomes, documenting and disseminating valuable lessons learned and best practices, and conducting research to produce internal reports.
Represent CRS and its partners in relevant cluster, donor, and coordination meetings at the field level as required.
Seeking a highly motivated candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field, along with at least three years of progressive accounting experience. CPA certification is highly preferred, though not mandatory. Proficiency in ERP systems, particularly SAP or Oracle, is essential, as is strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities are required to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability in a dynamic environment.
Seeking candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent, minimum of one year of relevant work experience, and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word and Excel. The ideal applicant must demonstrate strong organizational skills, effective communication abilities, and the capacity to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment. Prior experience in customer service, administrative support, or a related field is advantageous. The role requires meticulous attention to detail, the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and a commitment to maintaining confidentiality. Additional beneficial qualifications include familiarity with project management tools and basic bookkeeping knowledge.
A bachelor’s degree in International Development, Disaster Response, or an equivalent discipline is mandatory.
A minimum of eight years of progressive international work experience in advisory or management positions is required, preferably within an international NGO, including at least three years dedicated to programming interventions in Emergency Response and Recovery program management.
Applicants must possess prior experience in delivering technical support and crafting successful proposals to secure external donor funding.
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in program monitoring and evaluation, encompassing the application of data collection tools and methodologies, conducting thorough data analysis, and effectively presenting findings.
Experience in business development, project design and proposal development in emergency response, including technical writing.
Seeking candidates who possess a minimum of five years of experience in a similar role, along with a bachelor’s degree in finance, business administration, or a related field. Familiarity with financial software, data analysis tools, and regulatory compliance standards is strongly preferred. Exceptional analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment are essential. Additional consideration will be given to those with advanced certifications, such as a CPA or CFA, or prior experience in a leadership capacity.
A master’s degree in international development, disaster response, or a closely related discipline is highly beneficial.
Proven track record in navigating complex and conflict-affected environments across East and Southern Africa.
Proficiency in humanitarian principles, standards, and systems—particularly within CRS and Caritas Internationalis emergency programming and standards—is desirable.
Proven expertise in coaching, mentoring, and delivering hands-on training, coupled with a strong passion for developing others in a practical work environment.
Proven expertise in Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Information Management is essential.
We are seeking an individual with a robust understanding of technical principles, exceptional analytical abilities, and a proven track record in problem-solving. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams and communicate complex ideas with clarity. Proficiency in relevant software tools and systems, along with the capacity to adapt to evolving technologies, is essential. Additionally, the role demands meticulous attention to detail, a commitment to continuous learning, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrates a practical application of technical principles and concepts within Emergency Response and Recovery. Possesses a broad understanding of related disciplines to facilitate an effective cross-sectoral approach.
Experienced in implementing and overseeing robust security measures and emergency response protocols in high-risk settings.
Proven capability for collaboration with regional partner organizations is required.
Proficiency in design requirements and regulatory standards set forth by key emergency donors—such as the US Government, the EU/ECHO, and UN agencies—is essential.
Skilled in utilizing MS Office applications including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, as well as web conferencing tools, information and budget management systems, and knowledge-sharing platforms to enhance productivity and collaboration.
Applicants should possess a strong background in mentoring, coaching, facilitating, and delivering training sessions grounded in adult learning principles and practices.
Experience and skills in networking and relations with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based civil society partners. Understanding of partnership principles.
You must demonstrate exceptional relationship-building capabilities, adept at securing buy-in and garnering support from colleagues outside your direct chain of command while collaborating effectively with individuals across varied geographical and cultural backgrounds.
Ability to maintain performance expectations and strong working relationships in diverse cultural contexts, psychologically and physically stressful environments.
Accomplished strategic thinker with proven analytical and problem-solving abilities, capable of synthesizing complex information to form sound judgments and deliver innovative solutions, while maintaining a comprehensive view of organizational objectives.
Effective written and verbal communication abilities are required.
Experienced in delivering compelling presentations, leading interactive sessions, and providing expert training, mentoring, and coaching to foster professional growth and development.
Results-driven professional with a proactive and resourceful approach, consistently delivering measurable outcomes.
Required Languages: English required. French and Portuguese preferred.
Must exhibit flexibility to travel extensively, up to 50% of the year (approximately six months), with deployments typically ranging from two to eight weeks in duration based on the requirements of the country program. Should possess the ability to reside and operate in challenging or high-pressure conditions while adapting to wherever the agency’s operational needs require.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
8 years
