Catholic Relief Services (CRS) serves as the recognized global humanitarian organization of the Catholic community in the United States. Operating in over 100 countries, CRS strives to improve the lives of those in need, regardless of their race, religion, or nationality. Through a diverse range of initiatives including emergency response, HIV/AIDS support, healthcare, agricultural development, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding, CRS endeavors to save, protect, and positively impact the lives of individuals and communities.

The Project Support Officer: Partnership position at CRS is focused on empowering local organizations to take the lead in the field of development and humanitarian aid. The main responsibility of this role is to assist partner organizations in enhancing their operational capabilities in project and award management by offering valuable resources and guidance.

Job Summary:

The Project Support Officer: Partnership at Catholic Relief Services (CRS) will closely collaborate with the CRS Project Support and Project Management teams to develop tools, templates, and training materials aimed at enhancing the capacity of partner organizations in project and award management. Initially, the focus will be on providing award management support to CRS Empower Partners in the Latin America and Caribbean Region. The Project Support Officer will leverage their experience working with Empower Partners to contribute to the agency-wide strategy for partner capacity building in Project and Award Management.

Responsibilities:

1. Development of Agency Resources: Provide technical assistance and guidance to develop project and award management resources for partner organizations. This includes leading the adaptation and development of trainings, tools, templates, and communication materials in coordination with the project management team, project support team, and relevant HQ and regional departments.

2. Partner Training and Accompaniment: Deliver interactive online and in-person trainings to partner organizations on project management, award management, and donor management. Provide training and accompaniment on information systems, registration processes, proposal development, and reporting.

3. Community of Practice/Peer Learning Initiative: Establish and lead a community of practice on project and award management, facilitating information sharing and learning among partner organization project managers. Ensure systematic documentation and analysis of lessons learned across partners.

4. Coordination with CRS Teams: Coordinate with other CRS teams working with partner organizations, such as Country Program Teams, Regional Teams, Humanitarian Response Team, and Partnership and Capacity Strengthening Team. Ensure that capacity building plans and initiatives are well-organized, sequenced, and layered to provide optimal support to partners.

Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree.
- Minimum of five years of experience in the humanitarian or development sector, with at least two years in project/program management, award management, or capacity building.
- Demonstrated experience in partnership capacity building or institutional strengthening, including adult learning tools development.
- Knowledge of CRS programs and Catholic Social Teaching principles.
- Experience in facilitating collaboration between partners, departments, and country programs.
- Fluency in written and spoken English, and professional proficiency in Spanish. French language skills preferred.
- Willingness to travel to low-resource environments in foreign countries as needed (30-50% travel).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Strong leadership and coordination skills.
- Ability to work well with diverse employees in a cooperative and friendly manner.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with multiple stakeholders in different geographic locations.
- Experience in project management and supporting project implementation throughout the lifecycle.
- Familiarity with local development organizations.
- Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to influence without direct authority.
- Effective management of multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.

Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with funding cycles and technical requirements of USAID, DOS, CDC, and USDA.
- Knowledge and experience with CRS project management tools and resources, including Compass.
- Experience in facilitating online training courses.

Agency-wide Competencies:
- Integrity
- Continuous Improvement & Innovation
- Builds Relationships
- Develops Talent
- Strategic Mindset
- Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Colleagues in the Institutional Donor Engagement and Advancement Department (IDEA), Program Impact and Quality Assurance (PIQA), Empower LACRO Team Lead, and other HQ and HRD staff, as well as regional and country-based colleagues.
External: Partner Organization Leads.

Disclaimer: This job description does not encompass all 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.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Apply here for Project Support Officer II (Partnerships) at Catholic Relief services (CRS) in the USA