Crossposted from CRS

Job Description

Prior to applying, please read important application instructions on the IDFP website.

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through Programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding. 

Job Summary

The Fellows Program is designed for individuals dedicated to a career in international development, with a focus on program management or operations. All Fellows complete a comprehensive practical training that includes project management, project design and proposal development, partnership and capacity sharing, monitoring and evaluation, budget and resource management, supply chain, logistics, human resources and security protocols. Upon successful completion of the fellowship, many Fellows obtain roles with CRS.

Each Fellow is based in one of CRS’ country programs for the 12-month fellowship. Before applying, please visit the IDFP website to learn more about the Fellowship learning objectives, structure, benefits, and application requirements.

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

Under the supervision of an experienced staff member, the Fellow will support programming and operations in the following areas: 

Project Management

• Support implementation of current projects (e.g. activity planning with CRS staff and partners, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning activities).
• Support timely and accurate reporting and learning (e.g. write/edit reports in collaboration with CRS staff and partners, document lessons learned).
• Support effective management of cash and in-kind resources (e.g. budget analysis, cash forecasting, financial reporting, commodity management).
• Serve as acting project manager, as appropriate.

Project Design and Proposal Development

• Support research & analysis to inform new project design (e.g. data collection/assessments, problem identification, stakeholder analysis, gender analysis, gap analysis, development of theory of change, results framework).
• Work with CRS staff and partners to develop proposals (e.g. design workshops, technical and cost applications, packaging/editing).

Partnership & Capacity Sharing

• Work for CRS partners by supporting activity planning & implementation, project design, proposal development, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning.
• Support partnership strengthening and capacity sharing (e.g. partnership reflection workshops, learning events).

Operations

• Support procurement by participating in bid analysis and vendor selection, contracting, receipt and warehousing of goods.
• Support staff recruitment by drafting job descriptions, reviewing applications, participating in interview panels.
• Support security by reviewing security protocols and manuals.
• Support supply chain management by reviewing systems for delivery, storage and distribution of goods, assisting with inventory counts, data collection, analysis & verification.  
• Support strong financial management by analyzing budgets/spending, reviewing supporting documentation for financial transactions, etc.
• Support risk management and compliance by reviewing internal controls, systems for fraud prevention, CRS & donor guidelines, etc.
• Support implementation of safeguarding policies and procedures.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Graduate degree (Master’s level or higher) in relevant field (e.g. Sustainable Development, Global Affairs, Development Economics, Public Administration, Agriculture, Health, Business, Finance, Supply Chain)
• At least six months of work or volunteer experience in a developing country
• Must be willing and able to be based in locations with tropical and infectious diseases and limited access to medical facilities 

Required Languages

• Fluency in English with strong oral and written communication skills
• Professional proficiency in a second language (preference given to major languages where CRS works e.g. French, Arabic) 

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel within country of assignment 10 -25% of the time.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Strong relationship management skills, able to work effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds (in-person and virtually), able to influence without authority
• Effective communicator; able to develop tailored and influential messaging for varied audiences, proficient in virtual work setting
• Proactive; willing and able to take on additional responsibility, challenge assumptions and facilitate change
• Results driven; able to set and achieve ambitious goals and instill confidence
• Strategic thinker; able to formulate guiding questions, leverage resources and find creative solutions
• Discerning; able to maintain focus and provide good judgment amidst complexity and uncertainty
• Develops others; able to listen, coach and mentor
• Agile; able to operate effectively in a stressful, fast changing environment where security could change unexpectedly
• Aligned; able to support and champion the mission, vision, and values of CRS
• Motivated; interest in a career in development and/or emergency relief
• Flexible; willing to work in developing countries around the world

Agency-wide Respect, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) Competencies  

Based on the mission, values, and guiding principles of the agency, CRS REDI competencies are to be exemplified by all staff in fulfillment of his or her respective roles and responsibilities.  

• Personal Accountability  
• Acts with Integrity 
• Builds and Maintains Trust 
• Collaborates with Others 
• Open to Learn 
• Strategic Mindset 
• Develops and Recognizes Others 
• Leads Change 

Is the CRS Fellowship open to individuals from all countries?

Yes. Individuals from all countries are eligible for this opportunity. Candidates do not need U.S. citizenship or work authorization. However, all successful candidates must be fluent in English (with strong oral and written communication skills) and proficient in any other language.

We accept graduate degrees in all fields that are relevant to international relief and development (e.g. international development, non-profit management, public health, agriculture, foreign service, social work). Degrees must be Master level or higher. We accept degrees from universities worldwide. Candidates may apply while they are completing their graduate degree, if the degree will be conferred by July of 2022.

Minimum Fellowship Requirements

• Graduate degree in a relevant field
• At least six months work or volunteer experience in a developing country
• Fluency in English with strong oral and written communication skills
• Professional proficiency in a second language (preference given to French, Arabic and Portuguese)
• Willingness to work in locations with tropical and infectious diseases and limited access to medical facilities.

***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.  

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

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

About Us

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

About the Team

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