Note: This is a remote position. CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of countries where we have offices. CRS does not sponsor visas for remote employees. Candidates must be based in a time zone that enables at least 4 hours/day overlap with EARO working hours, which are from 8am to 5pm East Africa time

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 need 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:

You will advise on operations and risk management at the regional, country program and partner levels. You will develop, analyze and implement systems, processes and controls that enhance agency operational efficiency and effectiveness across operational areas, including risk management, supply chain, partner operations, and field management. You will also be instrumental in regional and country-level capacity-building in identification, assessment and management of all categories of risks identified in external & internal Audit reports and Risk Assessments. Your knowledge and guidance will reduce risk to staff, to the effectiveness of our programming and to the people we serve through the application of the principles of stewardship, integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Provide overall senior leadership to the EARO region in proactive risk management and mitigation.
• Collaborate with audit, risk, and compliance leads, and with regional and CP leadership, in implementing and strengthening internal control systems, developing and maintaining ongoing Risk Registers and continuous process performance improvement.
• In close coordination with the Ethics Unit and country programs, support overall quality and timeliness of EARO fraud case management through coaching country program staff, drafting and reviewing documents, and liaising with partners and Ethics Unit as required. Monitor fraud timelines and ensure timely donor reporting and corrective action plans.
• In collaboration with CP management, plan and perform internal audits, control reviews, fraud allegation reviews, and compliance assessments. Analyze results and provide recommendations.
• In collaboration with CP management, programming, and/or operation leads, design and facilitate relevant operations training sessions and contribute to relevant components of institutional capacity strengthening plans for CRS and partners.
• Contribute to proposal development through drafting and reviewing operational annexes including risk mitigation plans, staffing and management plans, security documentation, etc.
• Review, assist and support in developing operational processes for large grants following donor awards. Ensure full awareness of compliance requirements by the consortium members or partners right from the start of the award.
• As required, travel to high-risk country contexts (for example emergency response, new office or new program start up, staff turnover) to provide temporary direct management support and risk / compliance oversight across operational functions as acting Head of Operations or other operational leadership roles.

Required Languages – Strong verbal and written English.

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel 25-50%, particularly to Ethiopia and Sudan, including regular periods as Acting Deputy Country Representative- Operations

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships: 

Internal: Regional Finance team; country program operations, finance and compliance staff; HQ departments including Internal Audit, Risk and Compliance, and Ethics Unit 

External: CRS partners and auditors

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong relationship management skills
• Strong analytical, organizational, and systems thinking skills
• Ability to make sound judgment
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
• Proactive, resourceful and results-oriented

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s Degree in Accounting, Business Administration or other relevant field preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years work experience with an international organization, with progressive responsibility in operations and risk management. Of this, minimum 3 years country program experience as Head of Operations or similar roles
• Knowledge of donor rules and regulations, including USAID, World Bank, EU, DFID, and UN donors.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using PowerBI, Power Automate, Power Apps, or similar tools
• Knowledge of data analytics techniques and process performance improvement leading practices
• Knowledge of audit standards and compliance regulations; knowledge of COSO’s Internal Control Framework or The Institute of Internal Audit’s International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing
• Knowledge of accounting systems
• Coaching and training abilities.
• Proficient in MS Office package (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio) and information management systems.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

What we offer

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.  Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.  We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate or global telecommuter, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.  The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.

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.

General Requirements

CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements.  All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.