Technical Advisor II, 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 save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes staff from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency's work culture is collaborative and mission-driven, aiming to improve the lives of the poor globally. CRS has a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff and tailors benefits for employees in other countries based on local employment conditions. The organization emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and has strict policies to protect program participants and staff from exploitation and abuse.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor II, Program Quality position is designed to provide essential program quality support in alignment with CRS's principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. This role is crucial for advancing the delivery of high-quality programming to conflict-affected, poor, and vulnerable populations. The advisor will leverage their technical expertise in program quality, grants management, and business development to enhance the effectiveness of programming across emergency response, early recovery, and development initiatives. The position requires a proactive approach to ensure that all programming meets the highest standards of quality and effectiveness, while also supporting the organization's growth and positioning in the sector. The advisor will work closely with various stakeholders, including the Head of Programming and country managers, to develop and implement strategies that address the needs and gaps in the region, particularly in Syria, Lebanon, and Iraq.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Advisor II will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: developing and updating the CRS grants management tracker, preparing business development and funding overviews for internal audiences, and ensuring effective grants management. The advisor will coordinate the development of high-quality progress and final reports for donors, ensuring timely communication that aligns with donor requirements. They will provide program quality management support throughout the program lifecycle, including start-up, implementation, and close-out phases. The advisor will co-lead the updating of country-level program and resource mobilization strategies, keeping them current with changing needs and gaps. They will stay informed about contextual trends and organize meetings to share key information with the program team. Additionally, the advisor will contribute to the development of technical designs for complex proposals, advise project teams on donor strategies, and act as the lead writer for proposals. They will also provide technical support for strategic planning, capacity strengthening initiatives, and knowledge management efforts within the organization.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in international development, international relations, or a related field. A minimum of eight years of relevant international working experience in an advisory or management role is required, with at least three years of experience in a developing country context. Experience with grants management and project management, particularly within an international NGO, is essential. The candidate should have a proven track record in providing technical assistance and developing successful proposals for external donor funding. Skills in business development, project design, and proposal development, including technical writing, are necessary. Additionally, experience in mentoring, coaching, facilitation, and training, as well as program monitoring and evaluation, is required. Networking and relationship-building skills with donors and peer organizations are also important, along with an understanding of partnership principles.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Master’s degree in international development, international relations, or a closely related field. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively contribute to the organization's mission and objectives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of eight years of relevant international working experience, particularly in advisory or management roles with progressive responsibilities. Candidates should have at least three years of experience working in a developing country context, which is crucial for understanding the complexities and challenges faced in such environments. Experience with grants management and project management is also essential, ideally within an international NGO setting. The candidate should have a strong background in providing technical assistance and developing successful proposals for external donor funding, as well as experience in business development and project design.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with proficiency required for effective communication and documentation. Additionally, knowledge of Arabic is preferred, as it will facilitate better engagement with local stakeholders and enhance the advisor's effectiveness in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position does not have a specified application deadline. The role is full-time and may require travel up to 30%. There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this position. CRS is committed to recruiting candidates from the countries and regions in which it operates, and the anticipated duration of the assignment will be informed by the type and level of the job, as well as the agency's needs. The organization emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults, and expects the successful candidate to adhere to its Code of Conduct.