Technical Advisor II - Child Protection and Care Systems Strengthening

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 across more than 100 countries. The organization operates with a mission to improve 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 organization is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values. CRS has a collaborative, mission-driven culture and emphasizes the importance of integrity, accountability, and trust in its operations. The agency has a significant workforce and operates in numerous countries, reflecting its global reach and commitment to humanitarian work.

Job Overview:
As the Technical Advisor II for Child Protection and Care Systems Strengthening, you will play a pivotal role in providing technical leadership and guidance on design" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">program design and implementation issues focused on child protection and care systems. Your responsibilities will align with CRS program quality principles, donor guidelines, and global best practices. You will work closely with regional and Country Program teams to enhance the delivery of high-quality programming aimed at improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families. Your expertise will be crucial in assessing the effectiveness and innovation of CRS' child protection initiatives across various countries. The position requires a proactive approach to promoting safe family-based care, supporting government-led reforms, and ensuring technical excellence in project interventions across diverse contexts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your duties will include contributing to the development and implementation of agency-wide strategies and standards in child protection and care system strengthening. You will provide technical solutions to regional and Country Program teams, both remotely and on-site, ensuring high-quality implementation of child protection interventions. You will lead the development of technical approaches and tools related to child protection and family care reform, and support capacity strengthening initiatives for government institutions and civil society organizations. Additionally, you will contribute to proposal development for large projects, advise on integrating donor strategies into CRS’ approach, and promote cross-country learning and knowledge management. You will also be responsible for establishing relationships with donors and partners, participating in relevant forums, and ensuring the achievement of milestone-based deliverables.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor’s degree in social work, Child Protection, International Development, Social Policy, Public Policy, Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, Human Services, Education, or a related field. A minimum of eight years of relevant international experience in an advisory or management role is essential, with at least three years focused on child protection systems strengthening or related programming. Experience in providing technical assistance and developing successful proposals for donor funding is also required. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree in a relevant field, demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills in child protection and care systems.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as social work, Child Protection, International Development, or related disciplines. A Master’s degree is preferred and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of eight years of relevant international working experience, particularly in advisory or management roles with progressive responsibilities. This experience should ideally be with an international NGO, focusing on child protection systems strengthening, family care reform, or safeguarding. A proven track record in providing technical assistance and developing proposals for external donor funding is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required for this position, while fluency in Spanish or French is considered a plus. This linguistic capability will enhance communication and collaboration with diverse stakeholders in various regions.

Additional Notes:
The position does not specify a deadline for applications. It is important to note that CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., salary and benefits will be based on the country of employment. The organization emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding program participants and expects the successful candidate to adhere to CRS' Code of Conduct. The role may involve travel, with a willingness to travel up to 35% being a requirement. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.