About CRS
Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.
Background
The IDFP is designed to give those interested in working in international relief and development with a faith-based organization the opportunity to increase their overseas experience, gain project management experience and be exposed to the work of CRS. Most Fellows go on to full time employment with CRS overseas.
Fellowship opportunities are based overseas in CRS country programs. Fellows generally work in the Programming Department and carry out rotations in the Operations Department to gain knowledge and skills in finance and other operations areas. During the course of the year they are exposed to various aspects of project design and program management including proposal writing, project development, budgeting and financial review, working with donors, working with partners, and monitoring and evaluation. Fellowship offers are made by matching fellows' skills and interests with country program's portfolio and needs.
Primary Responsibilities
Under the supervision of a senior staff member-often the Head of Programming-- fellows provide support to the CRS country program while engaging in challenging and learning-driven opportunities, with a goal to develop the abilities and knowledge to be a successful Program Manager (PM).
While specific responsibilities may differ according to Country Program, fellows usually participate and develop their capacities in the following areas:
Project Design and Proposal Development
- Work with CRS staff and partners on the development and design of new projects and the writing of concept papers and proposals.
- Assist Program Managers with appropriate analyses such as problem identification, stakeholder analysis, gender analysis, gap analysis and budget analysis.
Project Implementation
- Gain insight into current project plans and designs and accompany project staff in the monitoring and evaluation of projects.
- Participate in regular meetings with CRS/partner staff to review successes and challenges while brainstorming on ways to make the project more effective.
Partnership/Capacity Building
- Participate in partnership reflections and reviews, , with opportunities to work alongside a designated partner in a specific area of accompaniment or support.
- Work with CRS staff in developing and applying tools to assess and build the capacity of CRS partners in the areas of program and management quality, reporting, and financial management.
Financial Literacy
- Develop capacity in budgeting, the partner financial review, and the budget monitoring cycle, providing support to project staff and partners in areas of budgetary and financial management.
- Ensure accurate financial reporting and compliance with CRS requirements, including timely reporting from partners and professional narrative reporting to donors.
Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff) These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.
- Serves with Integrity
- Models Stewardship
- Cultivates Constructive Relationships
- Promotes Learning
Key Working Relationships
Internal: CRS Country Representative, Head of Programming, Program Managers, Head of Operations, Finance and Operations staff
External: CRS partner organizations, local bilateral and multilateral institutions, host government, donor agencies, local/international NGO offices.
Program Eligibility Requirements
- Graduate degree in a field relevant to international development
- Professional proficiency in French, Spanish, or Arabic. French preferred.
- At least 12 months overseas work or volunteer experience in developing countries
- Ability to operate effectively in a stressful, fast changing environment where security could change unexpectedly.
- Fluency in English with strong oral and written communication skills and strong analytical skills
- Interest in a career in development or emergency relief with Catholic Relief Services
- Commitment to CRS Guiding Principles
- Desire to work for a faith-based organization
EOE/M/F/D/V
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