Program Quality Technical Support

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 and commitment to serving those in need. The agency's work culture is collaborative and mission-driven, aiming to improve the lives of the poor globally. CRS has a comprehensive benefits package for its U.S.-based staff and offers benefits based on the country of employment for international staff. The organization emphasizes the importance of safeguarding program participants and adheres to a strict Code of Conduct.

Job Overview:
The position of Program Quality Technical Support involves providing technical and management support to ensure program quality in alignment with CRS principles, donor guidelines, and best practices. The role is crucial for advancing the delivery of high-quality programming to vulnerable populations in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Lesotho. The successful candidate will leverage their technical knowledge and program management experience to enhance the effectiveness and scalability of CRS programming across the region. Responsibilities include contributing to the country strategy, providing technical support to country program teams, designing quality assurance systems, and ensuring a cross-sectoral approach that integrates gender and climate considerations. The role also involves developing technical designs for new projects, advising project teams on donor strategies, and coordinating capacity strengthening initiatives for staff and partners. The position requires a proactive approach to knowledge management and learning, including conducting research studies and sharing best practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the advancement of the country strategy in alignment with Vision 2030 and regional priorities, including influence goals and donor engagement plans.
• Provide technical support to country program teams, both remotely and on-site, for strategic planning and prioritization.
• Support the design and delivery of quality assurance systems, ensuring the application of program quality and technical standards, best practices, and partnership principles.
• Ensure a cross-sectoral approach that integrates gender, social development principles, and climate considerations.
• Lead or support the development of technical designs for new projects, including formal and informal proposal products.
• Advise project teams on integrating donor strategies and technical requirements into CRS’ approach.
• Coordinate capacity strengthening initiatives for staff and partners, including developing learning strategies, leading virtual learning events, and conducting trainings and workshops.
• Advance knowledge management by coordinating research studies, documenting program impact, and supporting learning events.
• Provide program quality management surge support to fill short-term gaps and support projects during key milestones in the project cycle.

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in International Relations or a related field is required.
• At least 5-8 years of relevant international working experience in an advisory or management role with progressive responsibilities, ideally with an international NGO.
• At least 3 years of supervisory experience, including performance evaluation, coaching, and mentoring.
• Previous experience providing technical assistance and developing successful proposals for external donor funding is required.
• Demonstrated application of technical principles and concepts, with general knowledge of related disciplines to ensure a proper cross-sectoral approach.
• Experience in business development, project design, and proposal development, including technical writing.
• Experience in mentoring, coaching, facilitation, and training applying adult learning principles and practices.
• Experience with program monitoring and evaluation, including data collection tools and methodologies, data analysis, and presentation.

Educational Background:
A Master’s Degree in International Relations or a related field is required for this position. This educational background is essential to ensure that the candidate possesses the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the program quality and management support required by CRS.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5-8 years of relevant international working experience in an advisory or management role, ideally within an international NGO context. Candidates should have a proven track record of progressive responsibilities, demonstrating their ability to manage complex projects and lead teams effectively. Additionally, at least 3 years of supervisory experience is necessary, which includes performance evaluation, coaching, and mentoring of staff.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in English is essential for effective communication and collaboration with diverse teams and stakeholders across the countries served by CRS.

Additional Notes:
This is a remote position supporting operations in Tanzania, Mozambique, and Lesotho. The role does not offer relocation or international benefits. Candidates must be willing to travel up to 35% as part of their responsibilities. The position includes supervisory responsibilities, and CRS emphasizes personal accountability, integrity, trust-building, collaboration, and a commitment to learning among its staff. The agency's talent acquisition procedures reflect its commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults.