Job Summary
The Senior Technical Advisor (STA) contributes chiefly to business development of innovative finance and climate finance transactions globally, in line with CRS’ mission to deliver high-quality sustainable solutions to poor and vulnerable populations. This involves driving the full transaction process, from identification of new opportunities, partnership development, financial and capital structuring, innovative initiative design, internal stakeholder management and coordination, documentation and communication, through execution and oversight. The STA is a leader across all of CRS in this area and help lead purpose-built cross-agency teams, including country colleagues, business development leads, technical leads, legal and finance, as required and appropriate per identified transaction depending on opportunities identified, but could include debt swaps, performance payments, blended capital, buy-downs, carbon credits, first loss, impact investments and other innovative finance and climate finance structures.
Roles and Key Responsibilities
Lead CRS resource mobilization in the areas of innovative finance and climate finance, working closely with colleagues from the Global Resource Engagement and Mobilization (G-REM), Climate Finance Support Unit (CFSU), innovative finance team, and regional and country teams. Identify new innovative finance and climate finance resource opportunities by understanding the needs of institutional and private donors in the space, matching their needs with potential CRS strengths in areas such as agriculture, health, emergency response, climate adaptation, education and others. Support Regional and Country team leads, as well as G-REM colleagues, as they identify opportunities that may benefit from blended finance or climate finance structures, acting as an internal source of expertise and advice. Develop new partnerships and funding opportunities using innovative finance and climate finance tools, including financial structuring, working closely with relevant colleagues and in close consultation with the Director of Innovative Finance, technical advisors, program managers, regional and country leadership, and other internal and external stakeholders Partner specifically with the CFSU to explore, pursue and design new structures in climate adaptation finance with institutional donors and carbon markets. Provide technical guidance in proposal development and project design with a focus on complex projects to ensure innovative programming solutions and technical excellence. Support CPs to appropriately staff project teams. Liaise closely with the global resource mobilization team. Lead design and implementation of agency-wide strategies, standards, tools, and best practices in innovative finance that effectively engage partners, funders, and governments, particularly as it relates to resource mobilization. Represent CRS at global forums, UN, Congress, and major donor forums to present CRS’ work and research in Innovative Finance and Climate Finance to influence technical partner approaches, future funding opportunities, and policies. Network with relevant organizationsto increase CRS’ profile in innovative and climate finance to amplify CRS’ impact.Required Languages: Fluency in written and spoken English required. Knowledge of Spanish or French helpful.
Travel: Must be willing and able to travel up to 25%
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Qualifications
Masters degree in finance, economics, business administration or related field. Ten years of work experience in blended finance, climate finance or related, with progressive responsibilities, ideally with an international NGO or finance institution, with experience working overseas in multiple regions. Track record of resource mobilization, designing and managing innovative finance mechanisms in development contexts. Experience working in multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary teams. Demonstrated experience and skills to represent the organization at the highest levels at meetings with donors, government, international NGOs, local partners – faith-based and civil society. Understanding of partnership principles.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
Extensive knowledge of finance structures and mechanisms used in development programming. Deep understanding and application of technical principles and concepts in innovative finance; climate finance preferred. Expertise in the development and production of tools and other products to support innovative finance mechanisms. Demonstrated experience in transferring knowledge to diverse audiences through training, mentoring, and other formal and informal methods. Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications and strong understanding of information and budget management systems and knowledge-sharing networks. Excellent relationship management skills with ability to influence and get buy-in from people not under direct supervision and to work with individuals in diverse geographical and cultural settings. Excellent strategic, analytical, problem-solving and systems thinking skills with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including research publications. Excellent presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills. Proactive, resourceful and results oriented.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.What we offer
CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. Salary and benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role. CRS´ work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture 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, 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.