Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor I, RAPID - LACRO

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, ensuring that its processes and policies reflect this commitment. The agency fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture aimed at improving the lives of the poor worldwide, welcoming individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to service.

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 in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on supply chain management, procurement, logistics, and emergency suboffice setup. The advisor will work closely with various departments to ensure operational functions are established and strengthened, including human resources, finance, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, ICT, administration, and fleet management. The role emphasizes the application of CRS operational standards and donor requirements, contributing to operational learning and capacity strengthening efforts for CRS country programs and partners. The advisor will be expected to provide rapid deployment support during emergencies, ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those in need promptly and effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor I will be responsible for a range of duties including: providing rapid deployment and in-country operational surge support during humanitarian emergencies; assisting with emergency operations planning, implementation, and closeout; supporting the setup and functioning of relief delivery systems and operational processes; providing operational support across HR, finance, security, administration, and fleet management; delivering operations-focused training and orientations for emergency staff and partners; contributing to collaboration with local organizations to strengthen operational capacity; supporting the application of humanitarian operations standards and tools; documenting lessons learned and good practices from emergency deployments; assisting with emergency budgeting and compliance with donor regulations; and promoting staff care and safety practices in emergency environments. Additionally, the advisor will support CRS 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 in 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. Knowledge of emergency coordination mechanisms and humanitarian supply chain operations is crucial, as well as familiarity with donor regulations and compliance requirements relevant to humanitarian operations. Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills, the ability to exercise sound judgment, and flexibility in stressful situations are necessary attributes for this role.

Educational Background:
The position requires a graduate degree in international development or a related field. Candidates with equivalent experience in humanitarian operations may also be considered. The educational background should ideally include knowledge of humanitarian principles and practices, as well as an understanding of the complexities involved in emergency response and recovery efforts.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 5 years of experience in humanitarian operations, with a strong emphasis on field management. This experience should include direct involvement in emergency response efforts, demonstrating the ability to manage logistics, procurement, and supply chain processes effectively. Candidates should also have experience in working with diverse teams and engaging with local partners to enhance operational capacity.

Languages:
Proficiency in both English and Spanish is required, with strong verbal and written communication skills in both languages. Knowledge of French is preferred but not mandatory. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is essential for coordinating with various stakeholders and ensuring successful implementation of humanitarian operations.

Additional Notes:
This position is remote-based, and candidates must be located in El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, or Nicaragua. The anticipated duration of the assignment is from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 202

• Candidates should be willing to travel at least 50% of the time, often at very short notice, and for extended periods of four to six weeks. The role does not include supervisory responsibilities. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, while 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 operates.