CRS International Development Fellowship 2024 - Global Placements

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 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 Summary

The Fellows Program is designed for individuals dedicated to a career in international development, with a focus on program management or operations. All Fellows complete a comprehensive practical training that includes project management, project design and proposal development, partnership and capacity sharing, monitoring and evaluation, budget and resource management, supply chain, logistics, human resources and security protocols. Upon successful completion of the fellowship, many Fellows obtain roles with CRS.

Each Fellow is based in one of CRS’ country programs for the 12-month fellowship. Before applying, please visit the IDFP website to learn more about the Fellowship learning objectives, structure, benefits, and application requirements.

Under the supervision of an experienced staff member, the Fellow will support programming and operations in the following areas: 

Project Management

• Support implementation of current projects (e.g. activity planning with CRS staff and partners, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning activities).
• Support timely and accurate reporting and learning (e.g. write/edit reports in collaboration with CRS staff and partners, document lessons learned).
• Support effective management of cash and in-kind resources (e.g. budget analysis, cash forecasting, financial reporting, commodity management).
• Serve as acting project manager, as appropriate.

Project Design and Proposal Development

• Support research & analysis to inform new project design (e.g. data collection/assessments, problem identification, stakeholder analysis, gender analysis, gap analysis, development of theory of change, results framework).
• Work with CRS staff and partners to develop proposals (e.g. design workshops, technical and cost applications, packaging/editing).

Partnership & Capacity Sharing

• Work for CRS partners by supporting activity planning & implementation, project design, proposal development, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning.
• Support partnership strengthening and capacity sharing (e.g. partnership reflection workshops, learning events).

Operations

• Support procurement by participating in bid analysis and vendor selection, contracting, receipt and warehousing of goods.
• Support staff recruitment by drafting job descriptions, reviewing applications, participating in interview panels.
• Support security by reviewing security protocols and manuals.
• Support supply chain management by reviewing systems for delivery, storage and distribution of goods, assisting with inventory counts, data collection, analysis & verification.  
• Support strong financial management by analyzing budgets/spending, reviewing supporting documentation for financial transactions, etc.
• Support risk management and compliance by reviewing internal controls, systems for fraud prevention, CRS & donor guidelines, etc.
• Support implementation of safeguarding policies and procedures.

Basic Qualifications

• Graduate degree (Master’s level or higher) in relevant field (e.g. Sustainable Development, Global Affairs, Development Economics, Public Administration, Agriculture, Health, Business, Supply Chain)
• At least six months of work or volunteer experience in a developing country
• Must be able and willing to be based in locations with tropical and infectious diseases and limited access to medical facilities.

Required Languages

• Fluency in English with strong oral and written communication skills
• Professional proficiency in a second language (preference given to major languages where CRS works e.g. French, Arabic) 

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel within country of assignment 10 -25% of the time.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Strong relationship management skills, able to work effectively with individuals of diverse backgrounds (in-person and virtually), able to influence without authority
• Effective communicator; able to develop tailored and influential messaging for varied audiences, proficient in virtual work setting
• Proactive; willing and able to take on additional responsibility, challenge assumptions and facilitate change
• Results driven; able to set and achieve ambitious goals and instill confidence
• Strategic thinker; able to formulate guiding questions, leverage resources and find creative solutions
• Discerning; able to maintain focus and provide good judgment amidst complexity and uncertainty
• Develops others; able to listen, coach and mentor
• Agile; able to operate effectively in a stressful, fast changing environment where security could change unexpectedly
• Aligned; able to support and champion the mission, vision, and values of CRS
• Motivated; interest in a career in development and/or emergency relief
• Flexible; willing to work in developing countries around the world

Agency-wide Respect, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) Competencies  

Based on the mission, values, and guiding principles of the agency, CRS REDI competencies are to be exemplified by all staff in fulfillment of his or her respective roles and responsibilities.  

• Personal Accountability  
• Acts with Integrity 
• Builds and Maintains Trust 
• Collaborates with Others 
• Open to Learn 
• Strategic Mindset 
• Develops and Recognizes Others 
• Leads Change 

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships

Internal: CRS Country Representative, Head of Programming, Head of Operations, Program Managers, Operations staff, Talent Pipeline Team in Global People Resources

External: CRS partner organizations, local bilateral and multilateral institutions, host government, donor agencies, local/international NGO offices.

***CRS' identity is at the heart of its mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas, and welcomes as a part of its staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect its commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.  

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.  

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

If, due to a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please e-mail: recruitmentsupport@crs.org.