[Hiring] Director I, Emergency Program Response Team @Catholic Relief Services | CRS

Role Description

The primary role for the Director I for Emergency Program Response is the overall management of the HRD’s Emergency Program Response Team (EPRT) team, which includes over 15 Technical Advisors focusing on emergency program leadership and management, strategy development, business development, information management, risk management and capacity strengthening of staff and partners. In this role, you will also represent CRS within key internal and external discussions related to Emergency Response and Recovery (ERR) programming; develop and promote the uptake of best practices for emergency response and recovery programming; and support capacity building of staff and partners. Your advice, knowledge, and support will contribute to determining how effective, adaptive and innovative CRS’ ERR programming will be across the globe.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Management of HRD PQM team
• Provide leadership and direction for HRD’ EPR Team, including strategic vision, organization and action planning to support advancement of CRS’ programming in ERR.
• Provide oversight for the design and management of HRD-managed projects related to general ERR programming (e.g., MACP Emergency Rapid Response Fund).
• Coordinate closely with HRD and Regional leadership to monitor ERR support needs for CRS programs and partners; identify and support successful completion of deployments for EPRT members, including providing timely follow up on any challenges encountered.
• Provide oversight to direct reports regarding EPRT activities, operational challenges, and the attainment of established departmental goals and objectives.
• Accountable for staff hiring, training, performance appraisal, and career development.
• Recommends salary actions, disciplinary actions, and terminations. Ensure adherence to CRS Performance Management system, completion of development plans, coaching and performance reviews.
• Commits to developing a high-performing team through personal mentoring and capacity strengthening.
• Identify and support access to opportunities for learning for EPRT – both internal and external.
• Support wellbeing and staff care for EPRT team members.
• ERR Program Quality and Capacity Strengthening
• Support EPR team members in keeping abreast of trends, best practices and donor requirements in humanitarian programming.
• Ensure provision of remote ERR program quality support to requesting CPs and partners, including sharing of forms/templates/guidance, review of proposals, remote support for proposal development, etc.
• Ensure the EPRT identifies and develops/updates learning and guidance resource needs related to ERR Program Quality, Information management, risk management and Capacity Strengthening.
• Promote the appropriate use of technology for humanitarian programming and the development/adaptation of CRS ICT4 platforms, as needed.
• Foster close linkages between the EPRT and CP-based Emergency Coordinators/ Emergency Managers via regular ERR capacity strengthening/learning calls, webinars and COP meetings.
• Coordinate with and support HRD technical teams to ensure sound ERR program quality, management and MEAL practices are factored into technical approaches.
• Work with Technical team and HRD Emergency Communications Director on the development and dissemination of learning including research opportunities, case studies and other publications.
• Representation and Coordination
• In coordination with other HQ-based HRD staff and working closely with the Advocacy and IDEA teams, ensure strategic and consistent representation of CRS in Interaction, USG emergency donor and UN meetings focused on humanitarian programming in the US.
• Prepare and make presentations to internal and external audiences for HRD, as needed.
• In the event of a major emergency response, serve as the convener for the HQ level Emergency Response Working Group in the absence of the HRD Department Lead and HRD Technical Director.
• HRD Team Leadership
• Represent the EPRT on the HRD SMT and support SMT initiatives, as requested.
• Provide HRD representation and/or leadership for agency-wide initiatives or policy/process changes (e.g., Agency strategy development; Enterprise Risk Management Council), as requested; ensure that these initiatives are adapted to ERR programming needs, as relevant.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field required.
• Minimum of eight-ten years of relevant work experience.
• Minimum of five years of management experience.

Requirements

• Masters degree in International Development or related field required.
• Minimum of eight to ten years of relevant work experience required, with a minimum of five years of management experience leading teams in emergency response and recovery contexts.
• Experience working with and through local partner organizations and in building the capacity of local organization to manage programs/resources in emergency contexts.
• Experience in emergency multi-sector program design, proposal development, supply chain, administration and financial oversight, response coordination, information management, and monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL), as well as integrating cross-cutting themes (e.g., capacity strengthening, safe and dignified programming, gender, good governance and social cohesion) into emergency programming.
• Highly proficient in security protocols and management of emergency programs in insecure environments.
• Experience with and enthusiasm for coaching, mentoring and on the job training.
• Experience promoting staff care in emergency settings.

Benefits

• CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan.
• 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.