Catholic Relief Services, USCCB, « CRS » Mali is recruiting the following staff for its program: Technical Advisor: Advocacy – M/F

Applications including a detailed curriculum vitae, a cover letter, a valid criminal record (only mandatory once selected for the position) and the contacts of three references, including the one from the last job, must be received no later than March 4, 2022 at the following email address: ml.recruit@crs.org with the following subject: « Application for the position of:  » Technical Advisor: Advocacy« .

NB: Any application that does not include the above-mentioned subject will not be considered. Only those selected for testing will be contacted.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

« The CRS places special emphasis on family values, including maternity and paternity leave, policies that promote exclusive breastfeeding, availability of a crèche in the office and working flexible hours whenever possible ». 

In applying for this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to: treat all people with dignity and respect and actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation and trafficking. Furthermore, I understand that if I am a successful applicant, I will be subject to a thorough background check and that my personal/ professional references will be used to assess my behaviour related to the above protection topics.

DESCRIPTION DE POSTE 

Business Title	Technical Advisor: Advocacy
Job Title	Advisor I
Reports to	Sahel Peace Initiative Program Manager, Mission and Mobilisation
Grade	9
Job Location	Telecommuter
Job Type	Full – Time

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) 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.

CRS is seeking a bi-lingual technical advisor to provide technical support and guidance to partners implementing multi-tier advocacy campaigns targeting diverse private and public stakeholders.

Introduction

Catholic Relief Services is partnered with several West African Episcopal Conferences in the implementation of the Sahel Peace Initiative (SPI). SPI is a privately funded effort to increase the impact and global visibility of Church-catalyzed peacebuilding initiatives in the Sahel. The initiative amplifies the voice and convening power of Episcopal Conferences while simultaneously generating renewed attention and awareness of the current conflict in the Sahel.

Purpose

The incumbent will work with CRS and Sahel Episcopal conferences in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali, and Niger to develop and implement robust influence campaigns targeting diverse audiences. The incumbent will work directly with Senior Church leadership to assess and reinforce their capacity to implement grass root advocacy campaigns which reflect their values and messaging. The incumbent’s proven expertise influencing national governments and policies will ensure that local religious leaders, and the communities they serve, are represented at national and international levels.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Build relationships and trust with key Church partners such as Bishops and other senior Church leadership.
• Support SPI and Church teams, remotely and on-site, as they develop and implement compelling advocacy strategies and campaigns which reflect local opportunities and constraints.
• Develop training curriculums and materials to support capacity strengthening initiatives for staff and partners.
• Train local episcopal conference advocacy teams on grass-root mobilization and advocacy strategies. Facilitate in-person and virtual trainings.
• Liaise with CRS’ Mission and Mobilization team to ensure regional advocacy priorities are reflected in CRS’ advocacy strategy.
• Assure adequate coordination with Episcopal Conferences and relevant Church commissions (CARITAS) advocating with local, regional, and international structures.
• In collaboration with senior staff and CRS’ communications team, develop and implement strategies that establish CRS and the Church as key actors for peace in the Sahel.
• Train and coach partner staff, with support from CRS’ communications team, on a range of communications activities, including media relations, content generation, and messaging.
• Organize and promote high-visibility advocacy campaigns virtually and in-person.
• Represent CRS in advocacy events focusing on the Sahel.

Basic Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent experience. Master’s degree in related fields preferred.
• Minimum 10 years of relevant experience.
• Proven ability to develop advocacy strategies and tactics in West Africa

Required Languages– French and English

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 25% internationally, on occasion.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent knowledge of grassroots mobilization and campaign management.
• Proven experience developing advocacy strategies, preferably in West Africa.
• Excellent ability to work in a virtual environment across cultures and time zones.
• Strong facilitation and public speaking skills.
• Understand mechanism for political change.
• Ability to work as part of coalitions to advance advocacy priorities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High energy and strong work ethic.
• Ability to succeed in a multi-cultural and diverse environment.
• Excellent knowledge of Catholic social teaching and the Catholic Church.
• Fluency in French and English

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience working in or with faith-based organizations.
• Strong professional experience working within at least one of the country governments of interest (BF, GH,ML,NI).

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.

• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities None

By applying for this position, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to demonstrate respect for all persons and to positively prevent harassment, abuse and exploitation.  I understand that CRS takes all allegations of harassment, abuse and exploitation seriously.   Alleged violations of the CRS Protection Policy will be promptly and thoroughly investigated and, if substantiated, may result in termination of employment.