CRS Recruits for International Development Fellow

Catholic Relief Services (CRS), an international non-governmental agency specializing in relief and community development, is seeking highly qualified individuals for the International Development Fellows Program (IDFP).

The IDFP is designed to give those interested in a career in international relief and development the opportunity to increase their overseas experience, gain project management experience and to be exposed to the work of CRS. Many of the program participants go on to full time employment with CRS.

These fellowship opportunities are based overseas in one of the CRS country programs. Fellows generally work in the program department. During the course of the year they are exposed to various aspects of project management including proposal writing, budgeting, working with donors, working with counterparts, and monitoring and evaluation. CRS places fellows in positions based on their skills and the needs of the country.

Primary Responsibilities

Under the supervision of the Country Representative and Head of Programming, the fellows provide support to the CRS country program while engaging in challenging and learning-driven opportunities, with a goal to develop the skills and knowledge to be a successful Program Manager (PM).

While the specific responsibilities may differ depending on the Country Program’s needs, the fellows will be able to 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 project proposals, contributing to the writing of the 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 the current project plans and designs and then accompany project staff to facilitate in the monitoring and evaluation of each project.
• 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

• Work with CRS staff in developing the tools required to build the capacity of CRS partners in the areas of reporting, financial management, management quality and program quality.
• Participate in partnership reviews and capacity development strategies, with opportunities to work alongside a designated partner in a specific area of support.

Financial Literacy

• Develop capacity in the partner financial review and monitoring cycle, providing support to project staff 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, Management Quality, Finance Manager

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

Program Eligibility Requirements

• Graduate degree in a field relevant to international development
• Professional proficiency in French, Spanish, Arabic, or Portuguese. French preferred.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
• At least 6 months overseas work or volunteer experience in a developing country
• 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

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