Program Quality and Management Technical Advisor II

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 assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS has a significant presence in Moldova and Ukraine, particularly following the escalation of conflict in Ukraine in 2022, where it has rapidly expanded its programming to assist over 500,000 people through various initiatives aimed at emergency response, recovery, and development. The organization is committed to strengthening local partnerships and enhancing the capacity of local leaders to maximize impact and reach more vulnerable populations. CRS is funded by institutional donors and private emergency funding, ensuring a robust resource base for its operations in the region.

Job Overview:
The Program Quality and Management Technical Advisor II will play a crucial role in leading the technical support for Caritas Ukraine under the USG Department of State funded program, Multi-Sector Assistance to War-Affected People in Ukraine. This position requires the advisor to provide expert technical advice and guidance on design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and implementation, ensuring adherence to program quality principles, technical standards, donor guidelines, and best practices. The advisor will work closely with CRS and Caritas Ukraine teams to enhance the quality of programming aimed at supporting vulnerable and conflict-affected populations in Ukraine. The role demands strong relationship management skills and a deep understanding of humanitarian programming to effectively advance the mission of CRS and its partners in delivering high-quality services to those in need.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The advisor will be responsible for providing comprehensive management support, guidance, and technical oversight throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring that all phases from design to close-out align with CRS and partner quality standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. Key responsibilities include offering technical solutions to programming teams, both remotely and on-site, for strategic planning and implementation of program design standards. The advisor will contribute to the development of strategies, standards, and tools that engage partners, donors, and governments effectively. They will lead the technical design of complex proposals, ensuring appropriate monitoring systems and indicators are defined. Additionally, the advisor will facilitate capacity strengthening initiatives for CRS and partner staff, develop learning strategies, conduct training sessions, and contribute to knowledge management by analyzing program data and sharing lessons learned. Establishing and maintaining relationships with donors and peer organizations is also a critical aspect of this role, as is participating in relevant forums to promote best practices and CRS's work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a related field in Humanitarian Response. They should demonstrate a strong understanding of humanitarian principles and standards, particularly those relevant to CRS and Caritas Internationalis. Proficiency in security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security protocols and emergency program management in insecure environments is essential. Experience in project management, capacity strengthening, and institutional development with partner organizations is required. Candidates should also have a background in business development, project design, and proposal writing, particularly in Shelter and Settlements. Skills in mentoring, coaching, and training using adult learning principles are necessary, along with experience in program monitoring and evaluation, data collection, analysis, and presentation. Familiarity with digital tools such as CommCare, Kobo, and Powerbi is advantageous, as is the ability to build relationships with donors and civil society partners.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, International Relations, or a related field in Humanitarian Response is required. Additional relevant experience may substitute for some educational requirements. Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of field-based project management experience, with at least 3 years in Emergency Response. Experience in managing moderately complex humanitarian projects, preferably with an international NGO, is also necessary, along with a proven track record of providing technical assistance and developing successful proposals for external donor funding.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant field-based project management experience, with a strong preference for candidates who have at least 3 years of experience specifically in Emergency Response. Candidates should have experience managing moderately complex humanitarian projects, ideally within an international NGO context. Previous experience in providing technical assistance and developing successful proposals for external funding is also a critical requirement for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to communicate effectively within the local context and with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is contingent on funding confirmation and is based in Ukraine. The role may require up to 30% field travel within Ukraine, primarily to partner offices. Supervisory responsibilities will be determined based on the specific needs of the project. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages will be based on the country of employment. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and ensuring that all staff adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct. The organization prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.