The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Junior Professionals Program is an initiative designed to provide recent graduates and early-career professionals with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in international development work. CRS, a leading humanitarian organization affiliated with the Catholic Church, offers this program to support its mission of serving the poorest and most vulnerable communities around the world.
The Junior Professionals Program typically offers entry-level positions in various departments and functional areas within CRS, including program management, monitoring and evaluation, finance, administration, communications, and technical sectors such as agriculture, health, education, and emergency response. Positions may be based at CRS headquarters in the United States or in one of the organization’s field offices located in countries where CRS operates.
Participants in the Junior Professionals Program have the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects and initiatives aimed at addressing global challenges such as poverty, hunger, disease, displacement, and social injustice. They work under the guidance of experienced professionals and contribute to the design, implementation, and evaluation of CRS programs and interventions, gaining practical skills, knowledge, and insights into international development practice.
The duration of the Junior Professionals Program varies depending on the specific position and project assignment, but typically ranges from one to two years. Participants may have the opportunity to rotate through different departments or field assignments during their tenure, gaining exposure to diverse aspects of CRS’s work and broadening their professional experience.
In addition to on-the-job training and mentorship, participants in the Junior Professionals Program may have access to professional development opportunities, including workshops, seminars, and networking events organized by CRS. They may also receive support for continuing education, certifications, or language training relevant to their role and career aspirations.
The Junior Professionals Program at CRS is highly competitive, with candidates selected based on their academic qualifications, relevant skills and experience, passion for humanitarian work, and alignment with CRS’s mission and values. Applicants are typically required to have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field, as well as demonstrated interest or experience in international development, humanitarian assistance, or related fields.
The Junior Professionals Program is an opportunity for qualified, professional women in West Africa to transform their passion for international relief and development work into a career with Catholic Relief Services. Over a 12-month period, each Junior Professional will build core skills while working alongside experienced staff and supporting critical programs. Junior Professionals will benefit from strong mentoring and regional networking as they prepare for positions of greater responsibility with CRS.
Eligibility Requirements For The Catholic Relief Service Junior Professionals Program
Required Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in related field (e.g. Economic Development, Agriculture, Health, Business, Administration, Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain)
- Received Master’s degree within 24 months of program start date (Oct. 2024)
- At least six months of relevant work experience (e.g. internship, practicum, volunteer or paid work)
- Excellent speaking and writing skills in the official business language of the country (French or English)
- Citizen of a participating country (see above)
- Excels in collaborative multicultural environment
- Willingness to travel (up to 25% of the time)
- Willingness to be based in field offices outside of the capital city during JPP program year and after program completion
Preferred Qualifications:
- Strong analytical, problem-solving and research skills
- Agile, proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented
- Strong presentation and facilitation skills
LEARNING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- Practical training: Through hands-on experience and extensive training, Junior Professionals will grow and develop their skills in project design; program management; monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning; partnership building; and operations.
- Mentorship: Each Junior Professional will be paired with a mentor who will be actively involved in providing guidance, feedback and career coaching.
- Customized professional experience: In addition to the core training, Junior Professionals will build their skills in a specific area related to their professional development goals, and strategically position themselves for onward positions with CRS.
- Regional networking: All Junior Professionals will be part of the regional community of practice that will share successes, challenges, and lessons learned from their work.
Location
- Most Junior Professionals will be based in the capital city where CRS has its primary office in the country, with regular travel to sub-offices and field locations. However, some Junior Professionals may be based in field offices full-time depending on the distribution of learning opportunities within the country program.
Paid Opportunity
- This is an entry-level salaried position with benefits. This position is competitively compensated in respect to the local labor market.
Method of Application
- Prepare a motivation letter (please refer to FAQ for writing prompt)
- Prepare CV
- Complete the online application
CRS candidates to apply for the Junior Professionals Program through June 30, 2024.
Top candidates will be invited to complete a video interview in April – July (in some countries) and an in-person interview in August (in all countries). We will extend offers to the finalists in September, after conducting background and reference checks. The 2024 Junior Professionals Program will begin in October.
Due to the high volume of applications and rolling basis of the review, candidates will only be contacted if and when they advance to the next stage of the selection process.
Application Deadline: June 30, 2024.
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