Job Advertisement

Position Title: Senior Technical Advisor - Child Protection and Care
Location: Remote
Country: United States
Deadline Date: Not specified

Job Details

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 over 100 countries, providing relief and Development Assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The agency's work encompasses various sectors including emergency response, health, Agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is guided by its mission to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas, reflecting the commitment of the Bishops of the United States. The organization emphasizes a strong commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values.

Job Overview:
The Senior Technical Advisor (STA) for Child Protection and Care will provide technical leadership and support in child protection and care system reform and family strengthening initiatives. This role is crucial in ensuring that CRS adheres to program quality principles, donor guidelines, and best practices in the field. The STA will work closely with the SCP5 Senior Program Manager and other team members to ensure excellence in programming across global, regional, and country levels. The position involves developing strategies for consolidating SCP5, supporting resource mobilization, and influencing stakeholders to redirect resources towards family strengthening initiatives. The STA will also lead efforts to prevent children from entering residential care and promote family-based alternative care options, ensuring that vulnerable children thrive in safe and nurturing environments.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The STA will be responsible for leading the development and dissemination of child protection and care standards, guidance, and tools to support quality programming. This includes supporting Country Programs in planning and implementing interventions that engage partners, particularly focusing on children vulnerable to family separation. The role requires ensuring an integrated approach that includes disability inclusion, gender considerations, and Disaster Risk Reduction. The STA will also collaborate with regional technical advisors and other sectors to enhance child protection and care programming. Key responsibilities include capacity strengthening initiatives for staff and partners, contributing to Business Development efforts, leading knowledge management and learning agendas, and representing CRS at global forums. The STA will manage and supervise consultants and staff, ensuring effective team dynamics and individual development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in social work, public health, social sciences, or a related field, with a PhD being a plus. A minimum of ten years of work experience in child protection and care reform is required, with progressive responsibilities ideally in an international NGO context. Candidates should have experience in designing and implementing initiatives in child protection, care reform, and family strengthening, particularly in low-resource settings. A deep understanding of technical principles in child protection and care reform is essential, along with a proven track record in business development and capacity strengthening.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in social work, public health, social sciences, or a related field is required for this position. A PhD is considered an advantage, indicating a higher level of expertise and research capability in the field.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of ten years of relevant work experience, with at least five years in multiple countries or regions as a technical advisor or program manager. Candidates should have experience in child protection and care reform projects, demonstrating progressive responsibilities and a strong background in international development contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this role. Additionally, fluency in French or Spanish is preferred, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse populations and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. Candidates must be willing to travel approximately 30% of the time for program-related activities. CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates, reflecting its commitment to local engagement and Capacity Building. The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer, emphasizing its dedication to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.