Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor I, RAPID - ESARO

CRS JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor I, RAPID - ESARO Reports to: Humanitarian Operations TA II, RAPID Department: HRD

Position duration: Tentative July 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027)

Location: Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Malawi, Zambia

Note: this is the general coverage area of this role; this position is a Remote based position and we will consider only qualified applicants located in these countries. Relocation is not available

Project Overview

Catholic Relief Services is implementing a global emergency response initiative designed to deliver timely, life‑saving humanitarian assistance in rapidly evolving crises worldwide. Over 18 months, the program enables fast, flexible action to address urgent needs arising from sudden shocks and protracted emergencies. It supports critical humanitarian sectors through context‑appropriate assistance while emphasizing operational readiness, locally led implementation, accountability to affected communities, and safe, dignified programming. Emergency Program Managers will support Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique, Ethiopia, Sudan, South Sudan, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Zambia providing readiness and response support based on evolving needs, with the composition of countries adapted according to context and operational priorities. The initiative strengthens the organization’s ability to respond at speed and scale in complex and resource‑constrained environments, ensuring help reaches people most in need when it matters most.

Job Summary

The RAPID Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor I provides deployable, technical and operational support to CRS humanitarian emergency responses under the guidance of HRD staff. The role contributes to CRS’ capacity, supporting target countries across a specified focus region, of emergency operations across core humanitarian functions, with primary emphasis on supply chain management—particularly procurement and logistics—and emergency suboffice setup.

The Humanitarian Operations Technical Advisor I works closely with colleagues and other technical departments to support the establishment and strengthening operational functions, including human resources, finance, security, ICT, administration, and fleet management. S/he supports the application of CRS operational standards and donor requirements, contributes to operational learning and guidance implementation, and assists with capacity strengthening efforts for CRS country programs and partners to promote efficient, compliant, and effective humanitarian response operations.

Roles & Responsibilities

General

• Provide rapid deployment, in-country operational surge support during humanitarian emergencies, applying operational experience to support procurement, logistics, supply chain processes, and emergency suboffice setup.
• Support emergency operations planning, implementation, and close out through remote and onsite technical assistance, aligned with CRS standards, donor requirements, and good humanitarian practice.
• Assist with the setup and functioning of relief delivery systems, tools, and operational processes in active emergency contexts.
• Provide operational support across HR, finance, security, GKIM, administration, and fleet management, in coordination with relevant CRS technical and departmental leads.

Capacity Strengthening and Accompaniment

• Provide on the job support and basic technical accompaniment to CRS staff and local partners during emergency responses.
• Support delivery of operations focused trainings, briefings, and orientations for emergency staff and partners.
• Contribute to collaboration with local organizations and national and international CRS teams to strengthen operational capacity for emergency response.

Technical Standards, Learning, and Compliance

• Support the application of humanitarian operations standards, tools, and guidance for field operations and emergency supply chains.
• Contribute to updates and dissemination of tools and resources related to the Emergency Field Operations Manual (EFOM).
• Support operational learning by helping document lessons learned, challenges, and good practices from emergency deployments.
• Assist with emergency budgeting, basic cost tracking and support compliance with public donor regulations and operational requirements.
• Management of supply chain and accounting systems in new or rapidly evolving emergency responses.
• Promote awareness of staff care, safety, and security practices in emergency environments.

Coordination and Representation Support

• Support CRS participation in humanitarian coordination, cluster, and operations forums, as requested and under guidance.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of emergency coordination mechanisms.
• Working knowledge of humanitarian supply chain operations, including procurement, logistics, warehousing, and basic commodity tracking in emergency contexts.
• Basic understanding of emergency field operations setup, including sub-office establishment, relief delivery processes, and operational coordination.
• Familiarity with donor regulations and compliance requirements relevant to humanitarian operations.
• Awareness of CRS operational standards, tools, and policies, including emergency operations guidance
• Strong familiarity with SPHERE, Core Humanitarian Standards
• Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and make decisions independently.
• Extremely flexible and can cope with stressful situations in emergency environments.
• Demonstrated ability to provide leadership in strategic planning initiatives
• Ability to work both as a motivating member and a leader of a diverse team
• Strong knowledge of effective management practices desired
• Strong MS Office skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience setting up and managing humanitarian supply chains
• Experience engaging partners and strengthening partnerships. Knowledge of CRS partnership strategy is a plus.
• Familiarity with ICT/GIS an asset.
• Familiarity with CRS programming principles preferred.

Required Languages: Proficiency (verbal and written) in English and at least one of the following languages: French, Portuguese, Spanish and Arabic.

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

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Graduate degree in international development or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 5 years of experience supporting or managing humanitarian operations in the field.
• Demonstrated field management experience with an INGO.
• Experience integrating cross‑cutting themes (protection, gender, capacity strengthening, governance).

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

What we offer

CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. Salary and Benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role. CRS´ work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

Organization context

General Requirements

CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements. All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.