Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor I, RAPID

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, focusing on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to serving those in need without regard to race, religion, or nationality, and emphasizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. CRS fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture that values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency's processes and policies reflect its commitment to safeguarding and protecting the rights and dignity of all people, especially children and vulnerable adults. CRS has a strong presence in various countries and regions, and its work is supported by a dedicated team of professionals who are passionate about humanitarian efforts and community service.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor I, RAPID is a critical role within Catholic Relief Services, focusing on providing deployable, technical, and operational support for humanitarian emergency responses. This position is designed to enhance CRS's capacity to respond effectively to emergencies in a timely manner, particularly in the areas of supply chain management, procurement, logistics, and emergency sub-office setup. The advisor will work closely with various departments to ensure that operational functions such as human resources, finance, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, ICT, administration, and fleet management are established and strengthened. The role emphasizes the importance of operational readiness and locally led implementation, ensuring that humanitarian assistance is delivered efficiently and effectively to those in need. The advisor will also contribute to operational learning and guidance implementation, assisting with capacity strengthening efforts for CRS country programs and partners, thereby promoting compliant and effective humanitarian response operations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor I will be responsible for providing rapid deployment and in-country operational surge support during humanitarian emergencies. This includes applying operational experience to support procurement, logistics, supply chain processes, and emergency sub-office setup. The advisor will assist in emergency operations planning, implementation, and closeout through both remote and onsite technical assistance, ensuring alignment with CRS standards, donor requirements, and good humanitarian practices. Key responsibilities include setting up and managing relief delivery systems, tools, and operational processes in active emergency contexts, providing operational support across various functions such as HR, finance, security, and administration, and coordinating with relevant CRS technical and departmental leads. The advisor will also provide on-the-job support and technical accompaniment to CRS staff and local partners during emergency responses, deliver operations-focused training and briefings, and contribute to collaboration with local organizations to strengthen operational capacity for emergency response. Additionally, the advisor will support the application of humanitarian operations standards, contribute to updates of the Emergency Field Operations Manual, assist with emergency budgeting and compliance with donor regulations, and promote awareness of staff care and safety practices in emergency environments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor I position must possess a graduate degree in international development or a related field, or equivalent experience. A minimum of 5 years of experience supporting or managing humanitarian operations in the field is required, along with demonstrated field management experience with an international non-governmental organization (INGO). Candidates should have experience integrating cross-cutting themes such as protection, gender, capacity strengthening, and governance into their work. Knowledge of emergency coordination mechanisms and humanitarian supply chain operations, including procurement, logistics, and warehousing, is essential. Familiarity with donor regulations and compliance requirements relevant to humanitarian operations is also necessary, as well as awareness of CRS operational standards and policies. Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, the ability to exercise sound judgment, and the capacity to work effectively in diverse teams are critical for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor I position includes a graduate degree in international development or a related field. Candidates with equivalent experience in humanitarian operations may also be considered. The emphasis is on having a strong academic foundation that supports the technical and operational aspects of humanitarian response work.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in supporting or managing humanitarian operations in the field. Candidates should have demonstrated field management experience with an INGO, showcasing their ability to navigate complex humanitarian environments and effectively manage emergency response operations. Experience in integrating cross-cutting themes such as protection, gender, capacity strengthening, and governance into humanitarian work is also essential.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both verbal and written, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Arabic is preferred as a secondary language, which would enhance communication and operational effectiveness in the regions where CRS operates. Candidates should be able to demonstrate their language skills in both languages during the application process.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote-based, and candidates must be located in one of the specified countries: Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, India, Philippines, or Indonesia. The anticipated duration of the position is from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 202

• Candidates must be willing to travel at least 50% of the time, often at very short notice, and for extended periods averaging four to six weeks. The role does not include supervisory responsibilities, but it requires the capacity to work in difficult and stressful environments. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, and salary and benefits for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. will be based on the country of employment. The organization prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS has offices.