Senior Technical Advisor (STA), Program Quality

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to provide relief and development assistance, CRS operates in over 100 countries worldwide, focusing on saving, protecting, and transforming lives regardless of race, religion, or nationality. The organization engages in various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to humanitarian efforts.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Advisor (STA) for Program Quality (PQ) plays a crucial role within the Global Awards and Project Support (GAPS) Senior Management Team. This position is responsible for providing strategic direction and leadership in business development, project support, and management of the overall award portfolio. The STA will lead programmatic initiatives for new business, oversee project start-ups, fill key leadership vacancies, manage project close-outs, and support knowledge management for Global Awards. The role requires a proactive approach to ensure that both new and existing awards align with the strategic priorities of the team, ultimately enhancing the quality and effectiveness of CRS's programs.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Strategic Portfolio Management: Collaborate with the Director of GAPS to define the strategic direction for current and future award portfolios, identify resource gaps, and implement corrective actions. Manage strategies for deploying short-term technical assistance (STTA) for key awards.
• Project Lifecycle Management: Lead project start-up activities, ensuring alignment with project goals and effective resource allocation. Develop high-quality project designs that incorporate innovative approaches and project management standards. Champion project management best practices throughout the project lifecycle and oversee project close-out activities, including final reporting and knowledge transfer.
• Team Development and Knowledge Management: Foster a collaborative environment that encourages idea sharing and problem-solving. Promote accountability and learning by overseeing MEAL policies and facilitating cross-functional learning. Provide technical assistance and capacity building to project teams and partners.
• Business Development and Partnerships: Advise on strategic business development directions and support the GAPS Director in pursuing new opportunities. Contribute to the business development cycle for complex growth opportunities and strengthen strategic partnerships to enhance project outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate should possess excellent strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills, with the ability to see the big picture and make sound judgments. Strong relationship management skills are essential, as well as the ability to lead diverse teams and mentor others. Proficiency in presentation and facilitation is required, along with a proactive and results-oriented mindset. Supervisory responsibilities may be assigned based on current needs within the portfolio.

Educational Background:
A relevant educational background is essential for this position, typically requiring a degree in international development, public health, or a related field. Advanced degrees may be preferred, particularly for roles involving complex project management and strategic oversight.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant experience in international development, project management, and business development, ideally within a humanitarian context. Experience in leading teams and managing large-scale projects is highly desirable, along with a proven track record of successful program implementation and strategic planning.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, while proficiency in French or Spanish is considered a plus. This linguistic capability will enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. The role may require international travel to low-resource settings, with an estimated travel commitment of up to 25%. The position is classified at salary grade 12, reflecting the seniority and responsibilities associated with the role.