The Restore Southeast Asia -Restoring Lands and Livelihoods in the Philippines (RESAP) Project funded by Mirova and managed by the Global Evergreening Alliance is a 5-year project aims to catalyze livelihood improvement and ecosystem restoration by empowering communities through diversified income streams and restoring degraded landscapes and ecosystem services. The project will be implemented in Isabela and Bukidnon provinces targeting community-based organizations and indigenous people’s organizations. CRS is the lead implementing organization supporting the Global Evergreening Alliance.
Job Summary
The Technical Specialist II will manage and provide technical oversight of the development and implementation of market-based approaches to livelihood and enterprise development for target communities under the RESAP Project. This position will serve as a key technical advisor for the large and complex interventions that are part of the initiative. Based in Manila, the TS II will supervise 2 senior officers, coordinate with consortium members and partners and oversee the delivery of livelihoods interventions (outcome 3) that complement land restoration efforts. Your technical skills and knowledge will ensure that the CP delivers high-quality programming and continuously works towards improving the impact of the project outcome for five years.
** THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT UPON DONOR FUNDING **
Roles and Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development, implementation and consolidation of agroforestry, value chains and livelihoods initiatives complementing land restoration activities towards non-carbon benefits.
- Oversee technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities in for staff, consortium partners, communities, and GoP counterparts to enhance program quality and impact.
- Coordinate market assessments and value chain analyses in targeted areas and ensure application of findings in program interventions.
- Lead the identification, engagement and partnerships with financial service providers appropriate for the prioritized value chains.
- Lead the identification, assessment and strengthening of new private sector partnerships and the appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches.
- Effectively manage talent and supervise senior project officers. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, and complete performance management for direct reports. Monitor and assess performance to ensure adequate capacity for successful support of high-quality programming.
- Coordinate with the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) department to ensure effective implementation of the monitoring and evaluation system, using appropriate forms, procedures, and tools for data collection and analysis as the basis for measuring, documenting and reporting outcomes.
- Lead the development of program learning and innovation in forest carbon projects. Identify opportunities for learning, research and publications in these areas and facilitate the dissemination of promising practices and lessons learned to contribute to the GEA knowledge management agenda.
- Contribute to the proactive pursuit of additional funding opportunities to ensure growth of the Land Restoration and Livelihoods Initiative, including donor engagement and proposal development.
Education and Experience
- Master’s degree in forestry, Agroforestry, Agriculture, Agribusiness, Agricultural Ecology, or similar field required. Additional relevant experience may substitute for some education. Experience in value chain development in agroforestry, land restoration projects with forest carbon is a plus.
- Minimum of 7 years’ experience in development program/project management, technical leadership, and capacity building with a focus on value chain development, land restoration, agriculture/agribusiness, livelihoods, or resilience.
- Experience in managing complex projects, preferably with an international NGO.
Required languages – English; Tagalog is preferred
Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 30% in the Philippines.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to make sound judgment and decisions and offer innovative solutions
- Strong relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic approach to relationships and ability to influence for results.
- Consortium management experience preferred.
- Good presentation and facilitation skills
- Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience engaging with partner organizations and the GoP at national and local levels.
- Track record of leading and implementing value chain development, market development, enterprise development and livelihoods programming.
- Demonstrated ability to write high quality reports and technical proposals.
- MEAL skills and experience, ICT4D skills and GIS mapping a plus.
- Expertise and experience of community enterprise development a plus
- Familiarity and has experience working in the target sites
- Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems.
Agency 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.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Senior Project Officers
Key Working Relationships:
Internal : Country Representative, Head of Programs, Chief of Party, CFSU, PIQA Technical Advisors
External : Global Evergreening Alliance (GEA) Program Coordination Unit; implementing partners, government and sector stakeholders
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, 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.