Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor I, RAPID - ESARO

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 individuals regardless of race, religion, or nationality, and emphasizes safeguarding vulnerable populations from abuse and exploitation. CRS fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture that values the contributions of staff from diverse backgrounds and faiths, reflecting its commitment to improving the lives of the poor globally.

Job Overview:
The Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor I plays a crucial role in providing deployable, technical, and operational support to CRS humanitarian emergency responses. This position is designed to enhance CRS's capacity to respond effectively to emergencies across a specified focus region, with a primary emphasis on supply chain management, including procurement and logistics, as well as emergency suboffice setup. The advisor will work closely with various departments to strengthen operational functions such as human resources, finance, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, ICT, administration, and fleet management. The role is pivotal in ensuring that CRS adheres to operational standards and donor requirements while promoting efficient and compliant humanitarian response operations. The advisor will also contribute to operational learning and capacity strengthening efforts for CRS country programs and partners, ensuring that help reaches those most in need during crises.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor I is 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 suboffice setup. The advisor will assist in emergency operations planning, implementation, and closeout through both remote and onsite technical assistance, ensuring alignment with CRS standards 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 departments, and delivering operations-focused training and orientations for emergency staff and partners. The advisor will also contribute to the application of humanitarian operations standards, assist with emergency budgeting and compliance, and promote staff care and safety practices in emergency environments. Additionally, the advisor will support CRS's participation in humanitarian coordination and operations forums as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates 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). Experience in integrating cross-cutting themes such as protection, gender, capacity strengthening, and governance is also essential. Candidates should have a strong understanding of emergency coordination mechanisms and humanitarian supply chain operations, including procurement and logistics. Familiarity with donor regulations and compliance requirements relevant to humanitarian operations is necessary, as well as knowledge of CRS operational standards and tools.

Educational Background:
The position requires a graduate degree in international development or a related field. Equivalent experience may also be considered in lieu of formal education. Candidates should have a solid academic foundation that supports their understanding of humanitarian operations and emergency response.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in supporting or managing humanitarian operations in the field. This experience should include demonstrated field management capabilities with an INGO and a proven track record of integrating cross-cutting themes into humanitarian work. Candidates should be adept at working in complex and resource-constrained environments, showcasing their ability to respond effectively to emergencies.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both verbal and written, is mandatory. Additionally, candidates should have proficiency in at least one of the following languages: French, Portuguese, Spanish, or Arabic. This multilingual capability is essential for effective communication in diverse operational contexts.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote-based, and candidates must be located in one of the specified countries: Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Malawi, or Zambia. The anticipated duration of the position is from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 202

• Candidates should be prepared for extensive travel, with the expectation of traveling at least 50% of the time, often at short notice. The role does not include supervisory responsibilities, and CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, while salary and benefits for candidates employed outside the U.S. will be based on the country of employment.