Humanitarian Operations Tech. Advisor I (HOTA I) (Telecommuter)

Note: This is a telecommuter position.

Job Summary:

You will provide technical advice and support to a range of program design and implementation issues in the area of Humanitarian Response, with special dedication to the HRD EMPOWER LAC program working in Latin America and Caribbean, and in line with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) program quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices to Country Program (CP) teams to advance the delivery of high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable. CRS’ EMPOWER LAC program provides technical support and accompaniment to local and national organizations to strengthen institutional capacity for humanitarian response programming. Your advice, knowledge, and support will contribute to determining how effective, adaptive and innovative CRS’ Humanitarian Response programming is across the globe. This position is initia lly for one year only, and if it proves effective and funding permits then it could be extended for additional years.

Required Foreign Language: Fluency in at least one of the following languages required: Spanish, Portuguese, French or Arabic.

Travel: Must be willing and able to travel up to 50 % of time, often at very short notice (within 48 hours) and for an average of four to six weeks (with a maximum of two consecutive months under exceptional circumstances). Candidates should have capacity to live and work in difficult/stressful environments and serve wherever agency needs dictate.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong finance and grant management skills, and accounting software user skills required.
• Knowledge of humanitarian codes, principles and practice and experience in their use
• Knowledge of design requirements and regulations for USG emergency donors required; knowledge of same for other emergency donors such as Caritas, the EU/ECHO, DfID and UN agencies a plus
• Able to work in INSIGHT and GATEWAY, or similar such systems and applications.
• Extremely flexible and have the ability to cope with stressful situations in emergency environments.
• Strong relationship management skills with ability to influence and get buy-in from people not under direct supervision and to work with individuals in diverse geographical and cultural settings.
• Ability to maintain performance expectations and strong working relationships in diverse cultural contexts and psychologically/physically stressful environments.
• Good strategic, analytical, problem-solving and systems thinking skills with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and make decisions independently.
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work both as a motivating member and a leader of a diverse team.
• Good supervisory skills.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership in strategic planning initiatives.
• Proven ability to analyze reports or issues and to provide appropriate recommendations required.
• Strong knowledge of effective management practices desired.
• Experience with staff care in emergency settings.
• Good technical writing skills.
• Presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills.
• Proactive, resourceful and results oriented.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in international development related field, or its equivalent, required.
• Minimum of three years relevant work experience with progressive responsibilities, ideally with an international NGO, with minimum of two years relevant field-based experience in Humanitarian Operations.
• Knowledge of technical principles and concepts in Humanitarian Response, with special focus on finance and grant management. General knowledge of other related disciplines to ensure proper cross-sectoral approach.
• Knowledge of technical principles and concepts in Humanitarian Response. General knowledge of other related disciplines to ensure proper cross-sectoral approach.
• Experience in project design and proposal development. Experience in writing content for proposals.
• Knowledge of capacity strengthening best practices.
• Experience with program monitoring and evaluation and analysis.
• Experience and skills in networking and relations with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based and civil society partners. Understanding of partnership principles.
• Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information and budget management systems, knowledge-sharing networks.

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

· Integrity · Continuous Improvement & Innovation · Builds Relationships · Develops Talent · Strategic Mindset · Accountability & Stewardship

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

*Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

Note: All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside their home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical examination.

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate or global telecommuter, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer*

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.