Advisor II, Environmental and Social Standards (ESS)

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 worldwide. The organization is committed to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS engages in various programs, including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The agency's work culture is collaborative and mission-driven, welcoming individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. CRS is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and its processes reflect this commitment. The organization prioritizes candidates from the regions where it operates, ensuring that its workforce is representative of the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The Advisor II, Environmental and Social Standards (ESS) plays a crucial role in supporting the operationalization of CRS Environmental and Social Safeguard Standards across programs funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This position focuses on the systematic integration of ESS requirements into project design and the translation of safeguard commitments into practical implementation throughout the project lifecycle. The Advisor is responsible for providing technical guidance on identifying, monitoring, and mitigating environmental and social risks, ensuring compliance among sub-recipients and partners, and embedding ESS requirements in project planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting processes. The role requires a proactive approach to strengthen CRS systems and promote the consistent application of principles such as stewardship, integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Integrate environmental and social safeguard (ESS) requirements into project design from concept notes through start-up, ensuring early identification and management of risks to people and the environment.
• Conduct ESS screening in line with Green Climate Fund (GCF) standards and assess gaps between CRS and partner systems, recommending actions to ensure compliance prior to implementation.
• Draft and contribute to ESS Annex 8 and other project annexes, narratives, and technical sections required for GCF funding.
• Support the development, implementation, and updating of Environmental and Social Management Plans (ESMPs) and other required safeguard instruments.
• Support environmental and social risk screening, mitigation planning, and compliance monitoring at activity and sub-project levels, escalating emerging risks as needed.
• Compile, review, and quality-check ESS monitoring data, incident reports, and compliance documentation to ensure accuracy and donor readiness.
• Integrate baseline ESS requirements into MEAL systems, tools, and reporting processes, providing feedback to strengthen agency-wide safeguard practices.
• Contribute to donor reporting, audits, and follow-up on corrective actions related to environmental and social safeguards.
• Provide hands-on ESS technical guidance, training, and capacity-strengthening support to project teams, implementing partners, and sub-recipients. 1
• Coordinate closely with project, MEAL, operations, and technical teams to ensure ESS requirements are effectively embedded throughout implementation.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, social sciences, international development, sustainability, natural resource management, business administration, or a related field required.
• 8+ years of related experience with at least 4 years of experience supporting environmental and social safeguards, ESS, ESG, or risk management in donor-funded development or humanitarian projects or similar risk and compliance roles within the private sector.
• At least two years of international experience.
• Experience with Oracle applications is preferred.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, social sciences, international development, sustainability, natural resource management, business administration, or a related field is required for this position. A Master's degree in any of these fields is preferred and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should possess a minimum of 8 years of related experience, with at least 4 years specifically focused on supporting environmental and social safeguards, ESS, ESG, or risk management in donor-funded development or humanitarian projects. Additionally, candidates should have at least two years of international experience, which is crucial for understanding the global context of environmental and social standards.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and oral, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in French, Spanish, or Arabic is considered a strong plus, as it may enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and partners in various regions.

Additional Notes:
The position does not have supervisory responsibilities. Candidates must be willing and able to travel to project sites as required, which may involve travel up to approximately 30–40%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For successful candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment for expatriates is 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, community members, staff, and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS' Code of Conduct.