Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Regional Representative, Latin America & Caribbean at Catholic Relief Services

Job Title: Regional Representative, Latin America & Caribbean
Dept./Location: Baltimore, MD
Req. #: D327
Job Background/Summary:

CRS’ Overseas Support Department (OSD) has four units: the Regional Representation and Advocacy Unit, the Public Resource Unit, the Management Policy and Information Unit, and the Special Grants Support Unit. The Regional Representation and Advocacy Unit is divided into two teams:
· Africa: CARO, EARO, SARO and WARO
· Asia/EME/LAC: Asia, Europe/Middle East and LACRO

The Regional Representation and Advocacy (RRA) teams in OSD exist to support and amplify the regions’ work in reaching their strategic objectives. In addition to ongoing operational support, the teams are also tasked to be proactive in prioritizing and then implementing key representation and advocacy goals in consultation with the Regional Director, LACRO Strategic Issues Advisor, country programs, US Operations, Emergency Operations and the ELT. These teams, which are intentionally filled by experienced mid-level and senior staff, are responsible for investing significant time in analyzing trends/developments in the regions, cultivating relationships outside the agency, and advancing representation and advocacy priorities.

The Regional Representative (RR) will represent the Latin America & Caribbean Region, and the agency, on support and representation issues. On advocacy issues, the RR will consult primarily with, and take the lead from, the LACRO Strategic Issues Advisor.

The RR is responsible for maintaining proper communication with the regions in order to represent them in agency and external efforts. The RR will exercise duties of oversight and management, including: 1) response to regional and country reviews (e.g., APPs, SPPs); 2) coordination of technical assistance to partners; 3) special support in emergencies; 4) CRS Board, donor, partner, church visits; 5) information to RD on partnership, security, emergencies; and 6) travel to the region a maximum of twice a year.

Specific Responsibilities:
I. Representation:
1. Design and implement representation action plan (may be part of advocacy action plan, II.1. below).
2. Lead HQ representation of regions and country programs; serve as a focal point for ELT and external audiences.
3. Determine (in collaboration with RD) information/analysis priorities.
4. Develop opportunities to facilitate solidarity relationships and exchanges where appropriate (i.e. Global Solidarity Partnerships, Call to Witness, Global Fellows, etc.) .
5. Collaborate with the Public Resource Unit on region/country-specific issues.
6. Remain actively involved in new business development in collaboration with the Business Development Unit.
7. Coordinate high level Church visits.

II. Advocacy:
With the LACRO STA as lead:
1. Design and implement an advocacy action plan (may be part of representation action plan, I.1. above).
2. Advise and inform USOps on regional and thematic advocacy.
3. Network extensively in the US PVO and academic community.

III. Management:
1. Perform and promote team environment in OSD.
2. Lead in creating teamwork within OSD.
3. Collaborate in candidate and consultant interviews, screening, and selection.
4. Collaborate with MPI as needed on field and HQ management quality issues.

IV. Operational Support (including regional support):
1. Lead HQ-based support for the SPP process, including review.
2. Collaborate in regional meetings and other regional activities including regional strategies (TDYs, SPP teams, evaluations, project development, etc.) as appropriate.
3. Provide ad hoc operational support to RD and country programs as needed (e.g., legal issues, donor visits, etc.).
4. Facilitate communication and coordination with CP and HQ departments.
5. Compile and/or write, and present reports and other documentation, both ad hoc and standard (weekly reports, monthly reports), as needed.
6. Organize the response to the annual regional APP/budgeting process.

V. Emergency:
Point person for HQ response to emergencies including:
1. Staff evacuations and security, including coordinating with ELT.
2. HQ response as well as information dissemination to emergencies in regions or CPs.
3. Links with other NGOs, State Dept., UN, and other emergency response entities.
4. Working with E-Ops Baltimore, the regional RTA, and country Emergency Response Teams to coordinate activities, share information.
5. Maintaining flow of information on situation to CPs, RD and within HQ.

Competencies:
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.
· Serves with Integrity
· Models Stewardship
· Cultivates Constructive Relationships
· Promotes Learning

Regional Representative Competencies:
The Regional Representative will demonstrate:
· Experience with and commitment to promoting transparency and working in a team structure
· Ability to represent and advocate on sensitive issues, including strong negotiation skills
· Ability to manage authority and make decisions
· Excellent judgment
· Excellent analytical and communication skills
· Excellent interpersonal skills

Supervisory Responsibilities:
None

Key Working Relationships:
Internal: With LAC HQ team members, Regional Director and team, CRs and CP staffs, OSD, Executive Leadership Team, Deputy Regional Directors, USOps, PQSD, E-OPS/HQ, all RIOs, Human Resources, Charitable Giving (fundraising).
External: USG agencies, US and international PVOs, including faith-based groups/partners, donor agencies, private donors, and the academic community.

Qualifications:
1. Master’s in international development or related field.
2. Previous work in CRS programs preferred.
3. Minimum of three or more years international development work experience.
4. Professional proficiency in Spanish required (French and Portuguese preferred).
5. Knowledge of Microsoft Office software (Word, Excel, and Outlook) required.
6. Strong knowledge of CRS programming, justice agenda and Catholic Social Teaching principles.
7. Advocacy experience preferred.
8. Previous experience working with or backstopping emergency programs preferred.

To apply, visit www.crs.org/about/careers

No comments:

Post a Comment