Technical Advisor I– Infrastructure, Shelter and Settlements

NOTE: This is a global telecommuter position; CRS will give preference to candidates who are based in countries where we have existing offices. CRS does not sponsor visas for telecommuting employees.

About CRS and Shelter and Settlements

Globally, in 2019, figures indicate that 68.5 million people are forcibly displaced from their homes[1], a number that has been steadily increasing. Over the Agency 2013-18 strategy CRS and Partners, have successfully being “recognized by the communities we serve as agencies capable of, and committed to, implementing high quality, scalable Shelter and Settlement programs, striving towards holistic and innovative programming.” Having established ourselves as leaders in this field, we are further embarking on a strategy that takes us to 2030, aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals[2] using an innovative and holistic approach to Shelter and Settlement assistance. The 2030 strategy the Home and Communities is an entry point and takes human-centered approach under the vision of safe and dignified homes and communities understanding that post-disaster response requires many facets of the â €œIntegral Human Development framework” to be considered and supported. To find out more about our approach to Shelter and Settlements and our influence within the sector take a moment to watch this video: CRS Approach to Shelter & Settlement English

Job Summary:

You will provide technical advice and support to a range of program design and implementation issues in the area of Shelter and Settlements and contract management issues in the area of Infrastructure construction 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. Your advice, knowledge, and support will contribute to determining how effective, adaptive and innovative CRS’ Shelter and Settlements and Infrastructure programming is across the globe.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Civil engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Project Management or architecture, or fields related to Shelter and settlement programming are Master’s degree preferred
• 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 supervising/managing development projects such as permanent housing, site development works and various Infrastructure projects and or relevant field-based experience in Shelter and Settlement program.
• Knowledge of technical principles and concepts in Shelter and Settlements and Infrastructure programming. General knowledge of other related disciplines to ensure proper cross-sectoral approach.
• Experience in project design and proposal development in the field of Shelter and Settlement, and Infrastructure.
• Knowledge in capacity strengthening best practices in the field of construction project management.
• 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 Understanding of partnership principles.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Significant experience in design, planning and construction project management, including construction contract administration for contractor led approach.
• Significant field experience in design, planning and construction project management for owner and community driven using market-based approach.
• Expertise in bid procedures, Bill of Quantities, construction quality assurance and quality control system, construction safety plan, operations and maintenance procedures, project close-out is a must.
• Familiarity with owner and community driven approaches using market.
• Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information and budget management systems, knowledge-sharing networks, AutoCAD

Required Languages – Strong English plus French written and verbal skills required. Spanish and Arabic is an advantage

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 50%.

This is a Telecommute position

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong relationship management skills and strong cross-cultural & interpersonal 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
• Good strategic, analytical, problem-solving and systems thinking skills with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment
• Good technical writing skills in both French and English language
• Presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills
• Proactive, resourceful and results-oriented

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

Supervisory Responsibilities:

When deployed to support Country Programs, the TA is expected to supervise staff as needed.

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Director and Deputy Director of Humanitarian Response Department (HRD), HRD Team Members, Regional Emergency focal points, DRDs PQ/MQ, OGC, PQSD, GSCM, CRS Country Programs, Emergency Security Officers and Emergency Staff

External: BHA & GIZ other donor agencies’ technical advisors and representatives; UN agencies; Global Shelter Cluster lead agencies and participating organizations, PVOs and NGOs; disaster management centers and other shelter and reconstruction research institutions; host-country government representatives; overseas partners; and Caritas member organizations

***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. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

To ensure the safety of our staff, our partners, and the people we serve, CRS requires that staff be vaccinated against Covid-19. CRS complies with all federal and state laws to allow for accommodations, as needed with supporting documentation. However, accommodations may limit the roles that candidates are eligible for based on role requirements (e.g., travel, meetings with staff, partner, donors).

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 is an Equal Opportunity Employer

[1] https://www.unhcr.org/figures-at-a-glance.html

[2] https://sustainabledevelopment.un.org/

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.