🇸🇱 Job Vacancies @ Catholic Relief Services (CRS) – 2 Positions

Catholic Relief Services is recruiting to fill the following positions:

1.) Infrastructure, Shelter, and Settlements Technical Advisor
2.) Information, Communications, and Technology Officer

See job details and how to apply below.

1.) Infrastructure, Shelter, and Settlements Technical Advisor

CRS JOB ADVERT – INTERNAL/EXTERNAL

CRS is recruiting for x1 Position: Infrastructure, Shelter, and Settlements Technical Advisor II

If you are interested and your profile matches the requirements, please read the below job descriptions, and follow the instructions to submit your application package. 

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 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.

Job Title: Infrastructure, Shelter, and Settlements Technical Advisor II

Department: Urban Resilience

Reports To:        Urban Resilience Director

Country: CRS-Sierra Leone.

Duty Location: CRS Freetown, with 10% travel when applicable

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) 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.

CRS started work in Sierra Leone in 1963, carrying out the commitment of the Catholic bishops and the Catholic community of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. For 60 years, CRS has been on the front lines in responding to emergencies and promoting health, education, agriculture, and urban resilience in Sierra Leone.

To date, the Country Program has a robust portfolio built around several major programs in Health, Agriculture, Nutrition, Education and Urban Resilience such. In addition, the country program is working on several high-profile opportunities to support Freetown City Council to deliver its Transform Freetown strategy through slum regeneration. liver its Transform Freetown strategy through slum regeneration

Job Summary: 

You will provide technical advice, guidance, and support to a wide range of program design and implementation issues with a focus on larger projects in the area of Infrastructure, Shelter and  Settlements in line with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) program quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices to regional and Country Program (CP) teams to advance the delivery of high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable. Your technical knowledge, advice and guidance will contribute to determining how effective, adaptive and innovative CRS’ Infrastructure, Shelter and  Settlements programming is across the globe.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the development and implementation of agency-wide strategies, standards, tools, and best practices in <Infrastructure, Shelter and  Settlements that effectively engage partners, donors and governments. Help ensure a cross-sectoral approach integrating gender, protection mainstreaming, and disaster risk reduction.
• Provide technical solutions to regional and CP teams, remotely and on-site, for strategic planning and how to best apply program design and implementation standards, best practices, partnership principles, tools, and M&E, ensuring high-quality implementation.
• Contribute to regional and CP efforts to pre-position CRS for growth opportunities in Infrastructure, Shelter and Settlements. Lead or contribute to the development of the technical design for large and/or complex proposals, including defining appropriate monitoring systems and indicators. Advise project teams on integrating donor strategies, priorities, and technical requirements into CRS’ approach.
• Contribute to capacity strengthening initiatives in <Infrastructure, Shelter and Settlements programming for staff and partner through helping develop learning and training strategies and agendas/curriculums, conducting trainings and workshops, and mentoring and coaching to CP staff.
• Contribute to knowledge management and learning through collecting and analyzing program data, evaluating strategic projects, assisting with measuring program impact, capturing, and sharing lessons learned and best practices, and research and internal reports.
• Establish and maintain relationships with donors, peer organizations, research, and other institutions. Participate in forums in the area of <Infrastructure, Shelter and  Settlements to collect and share best practices and promote CRS’ work.
• Collaborate with Freetown City Council, INGO consortium and other partners to ensure effective implementation of the Transforming Lives initiative.
•  Support coordination of the slum regeneration consortium led by CRS in partnership with Action Against Hunger (AAH), CARE International, Concern Worldwide and GOAL.
•  Design and oversee the implementation of research activities in pilot locations.
•  Oversee technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities in management and operations for staffand partner organizations to enhance program quality and impact.
• Develop and nurture relationships with government stakeholders, private sector actors, donors, as well as academic and research institutes to generate support and visibility for the overall initiative.
•  Support the creation and coordination of a national platform that will advocate for participatory and pro-poor slum upgrading in Sierra Leone.
•  Coordinate and monitor financial and material resources relevant to project needs. Through planning and oversight ensure efficient use of project resources
• Engage with the CRS Homes & Communities Strategic Change Platform to capture and disseminate successful scaling strategies and approaches.
• Contribute to the proactive pursuit of opportunities for new funding for scaling up pilot interventions under Transforming Lives.
• Serve as the technical lead and technical writer to ensure quality proposals in per agency and donor standards. Contribute to budgeting and staffing plans and activities for proposals.
• Help identify, assess and strengthen partnerships relevant to Transforming Lives, applying appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches.

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Engineering discipline including Architecture, Construction Management related to Infrastructure, Shelter and Settlements required.
• Experience in design, planning and construction project management, including construction contract administration for owner-driven and contractor-led approaches.
• Experience 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.
• Knowledge of Housing, Land and Property policies and regulations in Sierra Leone.
• Experience working with communities in informal settlements.
• Minimum of five years relevant working experience in an advisory or management role with progressive responsibilities, ideally with an international NGO, with minimum of three years working for programming interventions in Infrastructure, Shelter and Settlements
• Previous experience providing technical assistance and developing successful proposals for external donor funding is required.
• Demonstrated application of technical principles and concepts in Infrastructure, Shelter and Settlements. General knowledge of other related disciplines to ensure proper cross-sectoral approach.
• Experience in business development, project design and proposal development in Infrastructure, Shelter and Settlements >, including technical writing.
• Experience in mentoring, coaching, facilitation, and training applying adult learning principles and practices.
• Experience with program monitoring and evaluation, including applying data collection tools and methodologies, data analysis, and data presentation.
• 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.

Required Languages – English and Krio

Travel – include percentage of required travel, if applicable. Could be stated as Must be willing and able to travel up to 10 %.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Excellent 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.
• Strong strategic, analytical, problem-solving and systems thinking skills with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills
• Proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. 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.

• 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Senior Project Officer and Civil Engineer – Infrastructure, Shelter & Settlement

Key Working Relationships: 

Internal – Program Director Urban Resilience, Head of Programming, Business Development Specialist, Communications Manager, other Technical advisors and Urban Resilience program staff, Urban Resilience MEAL Manager and Urban Resilience Grant Accountant.

External – Freetown City Council, Ministry of Lands, Consortium Partners (Action Against Hunger, CARE, Concern Worldwide, GOAL), Civil Society Organizations (CODOHSAPA, FEDURP), government, donors, consultants

_________________________________________________________________________________________

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

By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to safeguarding-related topics. 

WOMEN ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.  CRS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To apply for this position please send up-to-date CV and a supporting letter, copies of relevant certificates to

https://launchpadrecruitsapp.com/apply/be19d65f583cdecaebbfd612

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Also send a copy of your application package to the desk Officers, Ministry of Employment and Social Security, New England and Extension Offices in Applicants’ Locations 

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.

Closing Date for the receipt of application packages is 4th August 2023.

2.) Information, Communications, and Technology Officer

CRS JOB ADVERT – INTERNAL/EXTERNAL

CRS is recruiting for x1 Position: Information, Communications, and Technology Officer

If you are interested and your profile matches the requirements, please read the below job descriptions, and follow the instructions to submit your application package. 

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 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.

Job Title: Information, Communications, and Technology Officer

Department: ICT Department

Reports To:        Acting ICT Manager

Country: CRS-Sierra Leone.

Duty Location: 70% in Freetown office and 30% in Kabala office.

Job Summary:

You will coordinate and deliver various ICT and ICT4D (ICT) related services in accordance with established agency ICT policies, procedures, and service standards to support high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable. You will provide responsive, professional service and technical support to CRS staff and partners to ensure efficient operation and use of CRS information sharing, communication, and collaboration technologies.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Deploy, configure, and maintain ICT systems and databases, including networks, servers, and telecommunications. Troubleshoot and address issues to ensure optimal performance.
• Configure and maintain applications and user devices. Provide timely and quality service delivery, technical support, and advice to user requests to ensure proper user access to agency business data and information.
• Maintain inventory of ICT equipment, hardware, and software and ensure adequate supply and functionality, in collaboration with relevant staff, Provide input to budget for ICT related expenses.
• Coordinate relationships with suppliers to facilitate delivery of ICT-related services that meet CRS business requirements and needs.
• Support capacity building initiatives, remotely or on-site, to staff and partners to ensure efficient and consistent adoption and use of ICT applications.
• Prepare statistical reports on ICT-related data and metrics. As needed, implement measures to ensure required standards are met.

 Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in IT-related field (Computer Science, Computer Networking, Programming, and Information Systems) required. Significant work experience in a directly related field combined with appropriate training/certificates may substitute for degree.
• Desired certifications include Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate or equivalent, Cisco Certified Network Associate or equivalent, Microsoft SharePoint Foundations or equivalent and ITIL Foundation Certified.
• Minimum of three years work experience in a position with similar responsibilities.
• Experience in introduction, design, implementation, and adoption of relevant technology and data management tools.

Required Languages – English, Krio

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 40 % to the sub office.

Duty Station: 70% in Freetown office and 30% in Kabala office

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Good relationship management skills. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally with a strong client-service focus.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate technical ideas and concerns in a non-technical manner.
• Strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture, make sound decisions, and offer non-standard solutions.
• Able to maintain confidential information.
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented, and results-oriented.
• Basic understanding of business analysis concepts and best practice.
• Demonstrated experience building ICT capacity with professional staff.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated capacity in management of network/server software and hardware devices and platforms.
• Grasp of complex network, security, mobile, desktop, server, telephony, backup, application, and database technologies.
• Experience with ITSM and systems management tools preferred.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. 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.

• 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships: 

Internal: ICT Acting Manager, All CP staff, RIM, GKIM members of CRS ICT community, and owners of CRS business systems

External: CRS partners; Government agencies, NetHope, Peers from other NGOs in the country; and ICT service providers.

____________________________________________________________________________________

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

By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to safeguarding-related topics. 

WOMEN ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.  CRS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To apply for this position please send up-to-date CV and a supporting letter, copies of relevant certificates to

https://launchpadrecruitsapp.com/apply/8c33cbb55a67d984eefed292

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Also send a copy of your application package to the desk Officers, Ministry of Employment and Social Security, New England and Extension Offices in Applicants’ Locations 

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.

Closing Date for the receipt of application packages is 7th August 2023.