Technical Advisor I, WASH

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 saving, protecting, and transforming lives without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization is dedicated to relief and development work through various programs, including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS employs a diverse workforce and is committed to safeguarding vulnerable populations, ensuring that its processes reflect a commitment to protecting children and adults from exploitation and abuse.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor I, WASH is responsible for providing technical support and guidance to project and Country Program (CP) teams, as well as partners, in the design and implementation of Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programming. This role is crucial in ensuring that WASH initiatives align with CRS program quality principles, donor guidelines, and recognized industry best practices. The Technical Advisor will contribute to the development of high-quality program designs, implementation strategies, and capacity strengthening efforts aimed at serving poor and vulnerable communities. The position requires a proactive approach to applying established WASH standards and tools across various contexts, including humanitarian, nexus, and development settings.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Advisor I, WASH will support the development and implementation of agency-wide strategies, standards, tools, and best practices in WASH. This includes engaging partners, donors, and governments effectively. The advisor will provide technical solutions to CP teams, both remotely and on-site, for strategic planning and the application of standards and best practices. Responsibilities also include contributing technical inputs to project concept notes and proposals, supporting capacity strengthening efforts through training and workshops, collecting and analyzing program data, and participating in coordination forums and technical working groups related to WASH. The advisor will collaborate with other technical staff to support integrated programming approaches and outcomes.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in water and sanitation engineering, civil engineering, hydrology, hydrogeology, environmental engineering, process engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant work experience with progressive responsibilities in areas related to water and sanitation is required. Proficiency in AutoCAD or other engineering software, as well as experience with program monitoring and evaluation, is essential. Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary, along with the ability to draft technical content and work collaboratively across diverse cultural contexts.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant engineering field, such as water and sanitation engineering, civil engineering, hydrology, hydrogeology, environmental engineering, process engineering, or mechanical engineering. A Master’s degree in one of these fields is preferred and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience, demonstrating progressive responsibilities in water and sanitation-related areas. Experience working in international NGOs or in humanitarian or fragile contexts is highly desirable. Familiarity with CRS programming contexts or similar faith-based or international development organizations is also preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in French is also required. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will be essential for collaboration and engagement with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is tentatively scheduled to last from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027, and is contingent on funding. The role may require travel up to 50% and the ability to live and work in disaster-affected areas. The position does not have supervisory responsibilities. 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. CRS is committed 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.