Catholic Relief Services
CRS Background
Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.
Country Background
CRS has been supporting program activities in Zimbabwe since 1989 and has long-standing relationships with Church and non-Church partners and communities throughout the country. Zimbabwe program implements projects through 14 partner organizations in 30 districts in the areas of health, OVC, education, food security and agricultural livelihoods, and peacebuilding.
Job Summary
As Business Development (BD) & PQ Specialist you will lead the production of high-quality applications for funding in support of CRS’ engagement with institutional donors and initiatives involved in international development to serve the poor and vulnerable. Your knowledge and skills will allow you to provide specialized assistance in all dimensions of the BD cycle to cross-disciplines and cross-functional teams.
In addition you will support the design, implementation and management of programming in the Zimbabwe Country Program (CP) through learning and evidence-based approaches for the local program portfolio including strategic investments in Health, Ag-Livelihoods, WASH, Climate change and Youth projects.
Your project management skills and knowledge will ensure that the CP delivers high-quality programming and continuously works towards improving the impact of its programming.
Roles and Key Responsibilities
Business Development:
• Provide BD expertise in positioning, capture planning and proposal preparation for specific
opportunities with institutional donors (government and inter-governmental award issuing
organizations, as well as foundations, corporations and other awarding non-governmental
organizations).
• Coordinate proposal development processes to ensure timely submission of high-quality proposals that
are responsive to donor requirements, applicable regulations, and CRS’ technical and cost standards.
Lead and support proposal budget processes and propose recommendations to develop a competitive
proposal.
• As appropriate, serve as proposal coordinator or other lead role in proposal team, and participate in bid
analysis and proposal review panels. Serve as a lead or support writer on proposals, contributing both
technical and non-technical content and integrating inputs from staff and partners into a responsive,
coherent proposal with a compelling vision and clear win themes.
• “Research new opportunities and CRS’ competitive position within the marketplace. Coordinate with
CPs and BD colleagues to update the forecast and pipeline. Coordinate and prepare Project Idea Note
(PIN) and proposal development team, including Technical Advisors, in advance of large opportunities.
• Support senior management to develop CP Growth Strategy, cultivate and strengthen institutional
relationships with institutional donors, partner organizations and other stakeholders.
Program Quality Management:
• Working closely with the Head of Programming support/lead PQ efforts for the CP including the roll-out
of PQ standards.
• Working closely with the Head of Programming support/lead CP strategy development and reviews.
• Provide support to the development and rollout of the Country Program Growth Strategy.
• Support the management and implementation of activities in key strategic initiatives throughout
relevant project cycles – project design, start-up, implementation, and close-out – to ensure efficient and
effective implementation in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor
requirements, and good practices.
• Create and maintain proper conditions for learning. Help establish a safe environment for the sharing
of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to possible
deficiencies.
• Coordinate the identification of staff capacity and technical assistance needs of partner organizations
and capacity strengthening and required interventions to support quality project implementation.
Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:
Education and Experience
• Master’s Degree in International Development, International Relations or in the field of Public Health,
Agriculture or Gender Studies required. Additional experience may substitute for some education.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing light to moderately
complex projects required, preferably with an international NGO.
• Familiarity with USG funding mechanisms and proposal requirements. Specific experience with food aid
programming and with non-USG public donors highly desirable.
• Knowledge of CRS programs, justice agenda and Catholic Social Teaching principles a plus.
• Project management experience in Public Health/Ag/Nutrition is highly desirable.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
• Strong strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the
bigger picture.
• Strong relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and
externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Strong communications and presentation skills.
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented.
Personal Skills
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with culturally diverse groups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to write reports.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented
• Experience engaging with partner organizations
• Demonstrated experience with competitive proposals in programming contexts similar to CRS.
Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing
Applications, information management systems.
Travel Required: Ability to travel up to 25%
Supervisory: Nil
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Country Representative, Head of Programming, Senior Program Managers in key sectors,
MEAL Manager/ Coordinator, SARO DRD-PQ, SARO BD Manager and SARO RTAs
External: Partner Organizations (including but not limited to faith-based partners); Local donor
representatives
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
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated
with the position.
CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer Female candidates, people with disability and people from diverse
backgrounds, are strongly encouraged to apply for this position.
Closing Date: 31 May 2023