Sub Director Técnico Protección Infantil y Fortalecimiento de Sistemas

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to serve those in need, CRS operates in over 100 countries, providing relief and development 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, and it welcomes staff from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to service.

Job Overview:
The Sub Director Técnico for Protección Infantil y Fortalecimiento de Sistemas will play a crucial role in leading programmatic and strategic management efforts in Guatemala. This position requires collaboration with the Project Director and Technical Advisors to define strategies for engaging government entities, churches, and civil society to strengthen the child protection system in Guatemala. The individual will provide technical advice, guidance, and leadership to the assigned team, ensuring that project strategies, tools, and training content reflect current evidence and technical quality standards. The role involves supporting the development and implementation of relevant policies and procedures at both national and subnational levels, enhancing the capacity and quality of program implementation, and ensuring that activities align with national policies and international child protection standards. The Sub Director Técnico will also oversee the integration of child protection approaches, family strengthening, and safeguarding within the project framework, contributing to improved outcomes for children and families in Guatemala.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Define and implement strategies for collaboration with government, civil society, and faith-based organizations to enhance child protection systems.
• Provide technical assistance to strengthen systems serving children and families.
• Support the development and adaptation of policies, regulations, and guidelines relevant to child protection.
• Coach and supervise project teams and partners to improve program quality and adherence to standards.
• Collaborate with MEAL teams to ensure relevant data is captured and used for program improvement.
• Monitor technical quality and mitigate risks within the area of specialization.
• Contribute to reporting, documentation, and knowledge sharing with stakeholders.
• Lead annual, semi-annual, and quarterly planning processes with the project director.
• Act as Project Director in their absence. 1
• Ensure alignment of activities with national policies and international standards.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences or related fields.
• Specific training in child protection, prevention of separation, and strengthening protection systems.
• Minimum of eight years of relevant work experience in child protection and system strengthening.
• Proven experience in managing multiple projects across different geographical areas.
• Experience working with government, municipalities, civil society, and community actors.
• Strong technical knowledge in child protection standards and program implementation.
• Experience in coaching and capacity building of teams.
• Ability to work collaboratively across technical areas and contribute to integrated project implementation.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's degree in social sciences or related fields is required, with a preference for candidates holding a Master's degree in Organizational Management or related social fields. Specific training in child protection and system strengthening is essential.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of eight years of experience in child protection and system strengthening, with demonstrated experience in managing complex projects and interventions. Experience in working with various stakeholders, including government and civil society, is crucial.

Languages:
Bilingual proficiency in Spanish and English is mandatory. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not required.

Additional Notes:
The position requires the candidate to be willing to travel 50% of the time to implementation areas. The role includes supervisory responsibilities and is subject to project funding and internal processes. CRS emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect, and candidates must undergo thorough background checks related to safeguarding. CRS is an equal opportunity employer and prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.