Technical Advisor I - Food Security & Markets

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to serve those in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on various areas such as emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS has a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency prioritizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, reflecting its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of all people.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor I - security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Food Security & Markets plays a crucial role in providing technical advice and support for design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and implementation related to Food Security, Livelihoods, and Markets. This position is aligned with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. The advisor will work closely with Country Program (CP) teams to enhance the delivery of high-quality programming aimed at assisting the poor and vulnerable populations. The role involves contributing to the effectiveness, adaptability, and innovation of CRS' Market-Based programming globally, ensuring that strategies are implemented effectively and that the organization remains responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Advisor will support the development and implementation of agency-wide strategies, standards, tools, and best practices in Market-based Programming. This includes ensuring a cross-sectoral approach that integrates gender, protection mainstreaming, and disaster risk reduction. The advisor will provide technical solutions for strategic planning and assist CP teams in applying and adapting program design and implementation standards. Responsibilities also include leading the development of technical designs for proposals, advising project teams on donor strategies, and supporting capacity strengthening initiatives in Food Security and Livelihoods. The advisor will facilitate training, workshops, and conferences, mentor staff, and contribute to the agency's knowledge management and learning agenda. Additionally, the role involves maintaining relationships with donors and peer organizations, participating in forums, and sharing best practices in Market-Based Programming.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong relationship management skills, with the ability to influence and gain buy-in from individuals across diverse geographical and cultural settings. They should demonstrate strategic, analytical, problem-solving, and systems thinking skills, along with good written and oral communication abilities. Presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills are also essential. The ideal candidate will be proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented, with a strong commitment to the mission of CRS.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in international development or related fields is required, with a Master’s degree in international development, Food Security, Livelihoods, or Market-based response programming being preferred. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of the role and the challenges faced in the field of Food Security and Livelihoods.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of work experience in Market-based Programming, with progressive responsibilities. This experience should ideally be with an international NGO, including at least two years of relevant field-based experience as a technical advisor or program manager of a Market-based Program or multi-sectoral project that includes a Food Security and Livelihoods component.

Languages:
Excellent spoken and written English and French skills are mandatory. Knowledge of Spanish or Arabic is desirable, which would enhance communication and collaboration in diverse settings and with various stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 50%. There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this role. 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., salary and benefits packages will be based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment for expatriates will be informed by a term limit based on the job type and level, as well as the agency's needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS' Code of Conduct.