Technical Advisor II

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 individuals from all 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, emphasizing the improvement of lives for the poor globally. The organization has a robust talent acquisition process that reflects its commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people, especially children and vulnerable adults.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor II position is embedded within the Humanitarian Response Department (HRD) Market-based Rapid Response and Recovery (MBRRR) Team at Catholic Relief Services. This role is crucial in supporting cash readiness efforts of Country Programs and partners, providing technical support for ongoing programming, and developing new emergency programs related to cash, market-based programming, and emergency security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security and livelihoods. The advisor will be responsible for offering technical advice and guidance on design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and implementation issues, ensuring that all activities align with CRS program quality principles, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. The position aims to enhance the delivery of high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable, contributing to the organization's ability to respond effectively in complex and resource-constrained environments. The advisor will also play a key role in developing agency-wide strategies and tools in Cash and Market-based Programming, ensuring a cross-sectoral approach that integrates gender, protection mainstreaming, and disaster risk reduction.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Advisor II will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities including: contributing to the development and implementation of agency-wide strategies, standards, tools, and best practices in Cash and Market-based Programming; ensuring a cross-sectoral approach that integrates gender, protection mainstreaming, and disaster risk reduction; providing technical solutions to regional and Country Program teams for strategic planning and program design; leading the development of technical designs for large and complex proposals; advising project teams on integrating donor strategies and technical requirements; contributing to capacity strengthening initiatives for staff and partners; collecting and analyzing program data to evaluate strategic projects; establishing and maintaining relationships with donors and peer organizations; and participating in forums to share best practices and promote CRS' work.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in humanitarian assistance, social policy, economics, or a related field. A minimum of eight years of relevant international working experience in an advisory or management role with progressive responsibilities is required. Additionally, candidates should have at least three years of emergency response and field-based experience in cash and market-based programming, particularly in protracted and rapid onset crisis contexts. Experience in training related to Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) Programming, designing CVA Programs for US Government funding, and implementing Multi-Purpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) or sectoral cash and voucher programs is essential. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in innovative project design for rapid response with market-based programming across diverse contexts and have a background in proposal development for government and private donors.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor’s Degree in humanitarian assistance, social policy, economics, or a related field. A Master's Degree in a relevant field is preferred, which would enhance the candidate's qualifications and understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian assistance and market-based programming.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of eight years of relevant international working experience, with a focus on advisory or management roles that demonstrate progressive responsibilities. At least three years of this experience should be in emergency response and field-based roles specifically related to cash and market-based programming, showcasing the ability to operate effectively in both protracted and rapid onset crisis contexts. Experience in training and capacity building in CVA Programming is also crucial, along with a proven track record in designing and implementing effective cash assistance programs.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, along with proficiency in at least one additional language such as French, Spanish, Portuguese, or Arabic. This multilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration in diverse international contexts, particularly in regions where CRS operates.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027, and may require travel up to 50%, including short notice travel to emergency situations. The role does not include 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 successful candidates employed outside the U.S., salary and benefits packages will be based on the country of employment. CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS offices are located, reflecting its commitment to local engagement and capacity building.