Short-term Assignment – Acting Shelter and Infrastructure TA 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 after the escalation of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, where it has rapidly expanded its programming to assist over 500,000 people through various initiatives aimed at recovery and development. The organization is committed to strengthening local partnerships and enhancing the capacity of local organizations to amplify its impact.

Job Overview:
As the Acting Shelter and Infrastructure Technical Advisor II, the primary responsibility is to lead the provision of technical support on Shelter and Infrastructure for Caritas Ukraine under the USG DOS funded program, Multi-Sector Assistance to War-Affected People in Ukraine. This role involves providing 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 industry best practices. The advisor will work closely with CRS and CUA teams to deliver high-quality programming aimed at supporting vulnerable and conflict-affected populations in Ukraine. The position requires strong relationship management skills and technical knowledge to effectively advance the organization's mission in the region.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The key responsibilities include providing technical solutions for strategic planning and program design, contributing to the development of strategies and tools in Shelter and Settlements, ensuring a cross-sectoral approach, leading the technical design for complex proposals, advising project teams on donor strategies, and contributing to capacity strengthening initiatives. The advisor will also engage in knowledge management by collecting and analyzing program data, evaluating projects, and sharing lessons learned. Establishing and maintaining relationships with donors and peer organizations is crucial, as is participating in forums to promote best practices and CRS's work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate a strong application of technical principles in Shelter and Settlements, possess general knowledge of related disciplines, and have experience working with partner organizations. A background in business development, project design, and proposal development in Shelter and Settlements is essential, along with experience in mentoring and training. Strong networking skills and the ability to manage relationships with diverse stakeholders are also required, alongside excellent problem-solving and communication skills.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, or related fields is required. A Master’s degree in the same fields is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the technical aspects of the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of eight years of relevant international working experience in advisory or management roles, ideally with an international NGO. This includes at least three years of experience in programming interventions specifically related to Shelter and Settlements, as well as previous experience in providing technical assistance and developing successful proposals for donor funding.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both written and verbal) is mandatory. Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian is considered an advantage, enhancing communication and effectiveness in the local context.

Additional Notes:
The position is a short-term assignment lasting 6-8 weeks, scheduled between January and March. It is contingent on funding confirmation and may require up to 30% field travel within Ukraine. The role involves collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders, including project directors, program managers, and local government entities. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S. based staff, and the work culture is mission-driven, focusing on improving the lives of the poor globally. The organization is committed to safeguarding vulnerable populations and expects all staff to adhere to its Code of Conduct.