United States of America: Technical Advisor II (TAII)-Disaster Risk Reduction Coordinator


Background: Catholic Relief Services (CRS), CAFOD and Caritas Australia have ongoing programming in many parts of the world that demonstrate our collective commitment in the Caritas network to helping communities and households to anticipate, mitigate the impacts of and respond effectively to shocks and stresses. Strengthening the adaptive capacity of affected households and communities to social, economic and environmental changes is a critical component of our emergency response and recovery programs, as well as our preparedness work in communities at risk. Job Summary: The Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Coordinator provides coordination and leadership for DRR among three Caritas Internationalis (CI) organizations (Catholic Relief Services, CAFOD and Caritas Australia). S/he will lead the development and implementation of an action plan in line with an agreed upon DRR and Resilience (DRR/R) framework in collaboration with a representative DRR Working Group (DRR WG) made up of members of the three organizations. The DRR Coordinator will provide technical support to field programs, provide leadership for the DRR WG and ensure access across the three agencies, and the wider CI network, to DRR learning outcomes, tools and guidance.


Specific Responsibilities:
Common DRR/R Framework and Promotion of Quality Tools/Guidance
• Finalize a DRR/R Framework that outline common DRR/R priorities across the three agencies. This Framework to serve as an overall guide to the WG – a reference point for a related action plan and areas for resource investment and technical support.
• With the support of the WG, develop a briefing document that outlines the Framework and defines any key terms or components within the Framework.
• Lead the identification and/or development of tools/guidance that support the priority DRR/R programming outlined in the Framework and that are appropriate to the contexts within which the three agencies work.
• Serve as a go to person, along with other members of the WG, for those seeking tools and guidance.


Lead the DRR/R Working Group
• Under the guidance of a TOR, coordinate and chair the three agency DRR/R Working Group
• Lead the development and implementation of a realistic Action Plan that is in line with the common Framework and may include both multi agency and individual agency activities
• Manage communications and information sharing within the group, and between the working group and external audiences
• Represent the working group to designated senior managers within each agency via email and through quarterly verbal updates
• Share updates on any new developments in the sector amongst WG members and encourage others members to do the same.
• Manage budget for the DRR/R collaboration supported by the three agencies.


Provide Field Level and Remote Technical Assistance (TA)
• In line with the Action Plan and Framework, provide field level TA to member programs/partners at the field level.
• Work with other members of the WG to respond to TA needs that respond to the WG’s Action Plan.
• Making use of the expertise within the WG, respond to request for remote support – which may also come from colleagues within the Caritas humanitarian team. Promote quality DRR/R within the wider Caritas Internationalis (CI) Network
• Ensure strong partner participation during field level support and any capacity building activities.
• Develop links to other CI Member Organizations with DRR/R programming as a means of sharing tools/guidance and/or identifying opportunities to collaborate at the field level.
• Pending other priorities, follow up on opportunities to share learning or support capacity building opportunities within the wider CI network.


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.
• Serves with Integrity
• Models Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning


CRS Emergency Competencies: Each CRS HRD staff member is expected to use the following competencies to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.
• Communicates strategically under pressure.
• Manages stress and complexity.
• Actively promotes safety and security.
• Manages and implements high-quality emergency programs.


Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Members of DRR/R Working Group from each agency, Humanitarian Directors of each agency, other technical and field based staff with the three agencies.
External: other CI Member Organizations involved in DRR/R programming or capacity strengthening, CI General Secretariat/Humanitarian Department, DRR/R technical forums.


Required Qualifications and Experience:


  1. Master’s degree in international development or related field.

  2. Minimum of five years of experience in the design, management, & implementation of DRR/R programming.

  3. Ability to take initiative and work independently.

  4. Experience with working with and building the capacity of local partners.

  5. Demonstrated capacity to lead a team.

  6. Excellent communication skills both oral and written.

  7. Flexibility in adapting to highly dynamic initiatives; enjoy multi-tasking and working in rapidly changing environments.

  8. Demonstrated training skills.

Required Foreign Language: Fluency in English; professional proficiency in one of CRS’ other ‘main’ languages (French, Spanish, Arabic).


Required Travel: At least 50% of work time Work Environment: Normal Office Environment, Telework negotiable, Willingness & ability to travel regularly, at times on short notice, and serve wherever agency needs’ dictate.


Disclaimer Clause: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skills, 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.
Equal Opportunity Employer





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