Technical Specialist II - Markets and Value Chains

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development services without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency emphasizes the importance of safeguarding program participants and adheres to a strict Code of Conduct. CRS also prioritizes hiring candidates from the regions in which it operates, ensuring that its workforce reflects the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Technical Specialist II will play a crucial role in managing and providing technical oversight for the development and implementation of market-based approaches aimed at enhancing livelihood and enterprise development for targeted communities under the Restore Southeast Asia Project (RESAP). This position is essential for ensuring that the project meets its objectives of improving livelihoods and restoring ecosystems. The Technical Specialist II will act as a key technical advisor for complex interventions, supervising two senior officers and coordinating with consortium members and partners. The role requires a strong focus on delivering high-quality programming that aligns with the project's goals over its five-year duration. The Technical Specialist II will be based in Manila and will be responsible for overseeing the delivery of livelihoods interventions that complement land restoration efforts, ensuring that the project continuously improves its impact on the communities served.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Specialist II will lead the development, implementation, and consolidation of agroforestry, value chains, and livelihoods initiatives that complement land restoration activities. Key responsibilities include overseeing technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities for staff, consortium partners, communities, and government counterparts to enhance program quality and impact. The Specialist will coordinate market assessments and value chain analyses in targeted areas, ensuring that findings are effectively applied in program interventions. Additionally, the role involves identifying and engaging with financial service providers relevant to prioritized value chains, as well as assessing and strengthening new private sector partnerships. The Specialist will manage a team of senior project officers, focusing on talent management, staff well-being, and performance management. They will also coordinate with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) department to implement effective monitoring and evaluation systems. Furthermore, the Technical Specialist II will contribute to program learning and innovation, identify opportunities for research and publications, and pursue additional funding opportunities to ensure the growth of the Land Restoration and Livelihoods Initiative.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in forestry, agroforestry, agriculture, agribusiness, agricultural ecology, or a related field. Relevant experience may substitute for some educational requirements. A minimum of 7 years of experience in development program/project management, technical leadership, and capacity building is required, with a focus on value chain development, land restoration, agriculture/agribusiness, livelihoods, or resilience. Experience managing complex projects, preferably with an international NGO, is also essential. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to manage relationships effectively, are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Master’s degree in a relevant field such as forestry, agroforestry, agriculture, agribusiness, or agricultural ecology. Candidates with additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education. The educational background should provide a strong foundation in the principles of sustainable agriculture, ecosystem restoration, and community development.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 7 years of experience in development program/project management, with a proven track record in technical leadership and capacity building. Experience in value chain development, land restoration projects, and working with international NGOs is highly desirable. The candidate should demonstrate the ability to manage complex projects effectively and have experience in engaging with diverse stakeholders.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of Tagalog is preferred. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance collaboration with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is contingent upon donor funding and requires the candidate to be willing to travel up to 30% within the Philippines. The role involves supervising senior project officers and requires strong leadership and management skills. The agency emphasizes personal accountability, integrity, trust-building, collaboration, and a commitment to learning. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and contribute to the agency's mission of safeguarding vulnerable populations.