Lead for the RAPID Project Protection Sector

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas, 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 safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. CRS emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture aimed at improving the lives of the poor globally.

Job Overview:
The Lead for the RAPID Project Protection Sector will be responsible for coordinating and delivering community-based protection interventions under the RAPID program. This role is crucial in ensuring that services provided are safe, inclusive, and accountable. The position involves establishing and supporting community protection structures, strengthening referral and accountability systems, and overseeing psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support interventions. The lead will engage with community actors and local authorities to guide protection planning and implementation, ensuring adherence to safeguarding standards and the integration of protection principles across program activities. The successful candidate will utilize their coordination and relationship management skills to apply best practices and continuously improve the project's impact on the communities served.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities for this position include organizing and leading the implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan, ensuring alignment with CRS program quality principles, donor requirements, and good practices. The lead will support accountability by coordinating project evaluation activities and guiding partners in reflecting on project experiences. They will analyze implementation challenges and report inconsistencies or gaps to inform adjustments to plans and schedules. The role also involves coordinating and overseeing relationships with local project stakeholders, serving as a liaison to mobilize local actors and promote project activities. The lead will conduct ad-hoc inspections of project sites to ensure timely implementation and adherence to established standards. They will track resource use through periodic budget reviews and assist implementing partners. Additionally, the lead will support capacity building and technical support activities, coordinate logistical and administrative support, and ensure complete project documentation. They will lead community-based protection activities, identify and mitigate protection risks, establish referral pathways, and integrate trauma-informed approaches into protection activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong analysis and problem-solving skills, good relationship management abilities, and a proactive, results-oriented mindset. Attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness in executing responsibilities are essential. Knowledge of protection principles, Do No Harm approaches, and community-based protection (CBP) methods is required. Familiarity with referral systems, safeguarding, and PSEA (Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse) is also necessary. Preferred qualifications include experience working with partners, participatory action planning, community engagement, and staff supervision. Experience in monitoring projects and data collection, as well as proficiency in MS Windows and MS Office packages, is advantageous.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in law, social work, development studies, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of protection work and community engagement.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in the protection field, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role within an NGO context. This level of experience is crucial for effectively leading the RAPID project and managing various stakeholders involved in the protection sector.

Languages:
The position requires proficiency in English as a mandatory language. Additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered advantageous, enhancing communication with community stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The role may require travel up to 40% of the time. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. The organization emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding and expects all staff and partners to uphold the dignity and rights of all individuals, particularly vulnerable populations. The successful candidate will be required to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and complete mandatory safeguarding training upon hire and annually thereafter. CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where it operates.