Technical Advisor III (Outbreak Response)

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 worldwide. The organization is dedicated to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS engages in various programs, including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The agency's mission is driven by a commitment to serve those in need, and it welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values. CRS is also committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that its processes and policies reflect this commitment. The organization prioritizes candidates from the regions in which it operates, and its talent acquisition procedures emphasize the safeguarding of rights and dignity for all individuals.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor III (TA III) plays a crucial role in shaping health and outbreak response strategies at a global level. This position involves providing technical advice and leadership in the design and development of high-quality health and outbreak response programs that align with national health policies and evidence-based practices. The TA III is responsible for offering strategic technical assistance aimed at improving program quality and achieving desired project outcomes. The role focuses on the development, testing, and scaling up of effective approaches that integrate health with other sectors. The TA III will lead CRS's responses to health outbreaks and serve as the focal point for humanitarian response and development programs operating in outbreak contexts. The expertise and influence of the TA III will significantly impact the effectiveness, adaptability, and innovation of CRS's health and nutrition programming across its global portfolio. Additionally, the TA III will provide operational health guidance and support to CRS staff responding to public health outbreaks, which includes developing health education materials, conducting health capacity assessments, and reviewing staff medical clearance submissions. The role may also require supporting health emergencies and medical evacuations on a 24/7 basis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Advisor III will lead the design and implementation of agency-wide strategies, standards, tools, and best practices in outbreak response, ensuring effective engagement with partners, donors, and governments. The TA III will provide technical solutions globally for regional and country program teams, focusing on strategic planning and the application of program design and implementation standards. The role includes advocating for and ensuring the integration of gender, protection mainstreaming, and disaster risk reduction in all initiatives. The TA III will oversee capacity strengthening initiatives in health and outbreak response interventions, developing learning and training strategies, and facilitating workshops and conferences. Mentoring and coaching staff in innovative CRS approaches will also be a key responsibility. The TA III will represent CRS in regional and global forums, enhancing collaboration and shared learning in health and outbreak response. The role involves developing health resources and preventive guidance in response to health trends and outbreaks, as well as providing direct support during medical needs and identifying urgent medical situations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a strong understanding of technical principles and concepts in health and outbreak response, along with a good knowledge of related disciplines to ensure a proper cross-sectoral approach. A proven track record in business development activities that capture public and/or private donor funding in public health is essential. The ability to interpret evidence-based guidelines into actionable staff health guidance and mitigation measures is required. Proficiency in MS Office applications and a strong understanding of information and budget management systems are necessary. Excellent relationship management skills, strategic and analytical thinking abilities, and strong written and oral communication skills are critical for success in this role. Candidates should also demonstrate strong presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills, along with a proactive and results-oriented mindset.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s Degree in public health, epidemiology, nursing, medicine, or a health-related field is required. An active clinical license is also necessary for this position.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of five years of clinical practice in acute or primary care, along with a combined total of ten years of work experience in clinical and public health roles with progressive responsibilities. Ideally, candidates will have experience working with an international NGO, including at least three years overseas in multiple regions as a technical advisor or program manager for health or nutrition projects that include a health component. Experience in developing curricula, tools, and products to support nutrition interventions is also important, as is demonstrated experience in knowledge transfer through training and mentoring.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, while proficiency in French is preferred. Candidates must be willing and able to travel up to 30%.

Additional Notes:
This position does not have 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. Benefits for candidates employed outside the U.S. will be based on the country of employment. The work culture at CRS is collaborative and mission-driven, focused on improving the lives of the poor globally. The anticipated duration of the assignment for expatriate candidates will be informed by a term limit based on job type and agency needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from exploitation and abuse, and successful candidates are expected to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct.