Technical Supervisor for Ebola Response

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, 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 is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes candidates from the regions in which it operates, reflecting its dedication to diversity and inclusion.

Job Overview:
The Technical Supervisor for Ebola Response will manage and provide technical oversight for the development and implementation of CRS's response to the Ebola epidemic in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This role is crucial in ensuring that effective systems and processes are in place to support high-quality programs that advance CRS's mission to serve the poor and vulnerable. The supervisor will leverage their management skills and knowledge to ensure that the office delivers high-quality programs while continuously improving the impact of its emergency response and recovery initiatives. The position requires a strategic approach to program management, ensuring compliance with CRS quality standards, donor guidelines, and best practices throughout the project lifecycle, from design to closure.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Key responsibilities include managing, guiding, and providing technical supervision for all emergency intervention and recovery projects related to the Ebola crisis in DRC. This encompasses both new and existing projects throughout their lifecycle. The supervisor will ensure that project design, initiation, implementation, and closure adhere to CRS quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and sector best practices. Additionally, the role involves effectively managing talent for emergency intervention and recovery programs, overseeing team dynamics and staff well-being, providing coaching, and developing individual performance management plans for direct reports. The supervisor will also oversee technical assistance and capacity-building activities for staff and partner organizations to enhance program quality and impact. Furthermore, the role includes leading program learning development, identifying learning, research, and publication opportunities related to emergency response and recovery, and facilitating the dissemination of promising practices and lessons learned. The supervisor will contribute to proactive fundraising efforts to ensure the growth of the emergency response and recovery portfolio, act as a technical lead and writer for emergency response proposals, manage budgets, and oversee recruitment plans for proposals. The position also requires representing CRS in relevant working groups and clusters, engaging with key donors and local stakeholders, and ensuring timely and appropriate project expenditures in line with financial plans.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong personnel management skills conducive to a learning environment, experience with MS Windows and MS Office applications, and a solid background in project grant management, particularly with multi-donor public grants, including those from the U.S. government and the UN. A demonstrated ability to write high-quality technical proposals is essential, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, decision-making capabilities, and innovative solution development. Excellent relationship management skills are required, with the ability to connect with individuals at all levels, both internally and externally, and to approach each relationship strategically. Presentation and facilitation skills are also necessary, along with a proactive, resourceful, solution-oriented, and results-driven mindset.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in international development, international relations, community development, or a related field such as WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) or health is preferred. A Bachelor's degree in the same fields is also acceptable, provided the candidate meets the experience requirements.

Experience:
A minimum of 2 years of project management experience in WASH or health is required, with experience in managing moderately complex projects. Candidates should have experience working with international NGOs and collaborating closely with local partner organizations. Additionally, at least 1 year of professional experience in epidemic response programs is preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, while proficiency in Swahili is considered an asset. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance the candidate's ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 30% of the time. The role includes supervisory responsibilities and involves working closely with internal teams such as the Emergency Coordinator, Program Team, Operations Team, and project implementation teams, as well as external stakeholders including community members, partner staff, and other local actors. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and participate in safeguarding initiatives to protect program participants and community members from exploitation and abuse. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.