The ASPIRE Program is a unique opportunity for individuals who seek to transform their passion for relief and development work into a career with Catholic Relief Services. Through this structured field-based learning program, ASPIRE participants build skills in key areas of programming and operations while working alongside experienced staff and supporting critical programs. ASPIRE participants benefit from strong supervision, mentoring and regional networking as they prepare for positions of greater responsibility with CRS.

The ASPIRE Program will begin in October. The core training program is based on a 12-month timeframe.

Under the supervision of an experienced staff member and in collaboration with CRS partners, the ASPIRE participant will support programming and operations as follows:

PROJECT MANAGEMENT

• Support implementation of current projects (e.g. participate in planning/review workshops, support activity implementation in the field)
• Support appropriate management of cash and in-kind resources (e.g. monitor/analyze spending on project budgets, prepare cash forecasts, participate in financial reporting to donors, support commodity management).
• Support timely and accurate reporting (e.g. review/synthesize data to report on project indicators, draft/edit narrative reports).
• Support communication-related activities for country program and projects (e.g. draft program summaries, annual reports, partnership newsletters, social media content and webpage updates).

PROJECT DESIGN AND PROPOSAL DEVELOPMENT

• Support project design (e.g. participate in needs assessments and problem identification, stakeholder analysis, development of concept notes)
• Support proposal development (e.g. participate in design workshops, draft sections of technical narratives and budgets, package/edit proposals for submission).

MONITORING, EVALUATION, ACCOUNTABILITY AND LEARNING (MEAL)

Support MEAL activities in:

• Project design (e.g. support data collection, needs assessments, gender analysis, gap analysis, development of results frameworks, Proframes, theories of change, evaluation plans, performance management plans).
• Project start-up (e.g. support baseline assessments, development of MEAL manuals and accountability mechanisms)
• Project implementation (e.g. prepare survey instruments using ICT4D, support collection of monitoring data, prepare donor reports, organize learning events, document learning)
• Project close-out (e.g. draft final reports, support final evaluations and knowledge management activities).

PARTNERSHIP & CAPACITY STRENGTHENING

• Support CRS partners with project management, project design and MEAL
• Support partnership strengthening and capacity building (e.g. participate in partnership reflection workshops, partner assessments and monitoring visits).

FINANCE, SUPPLY CHAIN, HR, COMPLIANCE

• Support strong financial management by analyzing budgets, monitoring & forecasting spending, reviewing supporting documentation for financial transactions by CRS and sub-recipients.
• Support supply chain and procurement by assisting with inventory counts, data collection, bid analysis and vendor selection, contracting, receipt and warehousing of goods.
• Support human resources by preparing job descriptions, reviewing applications/shortlisting candidates.
• Support audit and compliance by reviewing internal controls, systems for fraud prevention, studying CRS policies and donor regulations.
• Support staff safety by reviewing security protocols and manuals, updating as needed.

UNIQUE PROGRAM OFFERINGS

With the ASPIRE Program, CRS seeks to recruit individuals who can grow into a variety of roles with CRS. With this objective, we place most emphasis on our core learning areas in programming and operations. ASPIRE participants will build their knowledge and hone skills in project management, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning, project design and proposal development, partnership and capacity strengthening, communications, and operations (human resources, supply chain, finance, security, etc).

In addition to this foundational training, ASPIRE participants will have the opportunity to specialize in a specific area that relates to their individual career goals. The specialization is an opportunity to gain further experience in one of the core learning areas and help prepare the participant for onward positions with CRS.

LEARNING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• Practical training: Through hands-on work and training, participants will gain experience and hone their skills in the following core areas: project management, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning, project design and proposal development, partnership and capacity strengthening, communications and operations.
• Strong supervision: Each participant will be paired with an experienced supervisor who will coordinate their work activities, provide timely feedback and regular guidance.
• Mentorship: Each participant will meet regularly with a mentor who will engage them in meaningful discussions around professional development, provide guidance and career coaching.
• Customized professional experience: In addition to the core training, participants 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: Participants will be part of the regional community of practice to share successes, challenges, and lessons learned from their work.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

We seek diverse and qualified candidates and welcome people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field (e.g. International Development, Agriculture, Health, Business, Communications, Public Administration, Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain)
• Graduated within 24 months of program start date (degree conferred between Sept 2022 – Sept 2024)
• Strong speaking and writing skills in English
• National of a participating country
• Willingness to travel (up to 25% of the time)
• Willing to be based in field offices during and after program
• Excels in collaborative, multicultural environment
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and research skills
• Agile, proactive, results-oriented

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of local languages
• Persons living with disabilities are encouraged to apply
• Kenya – Master’s degree

This is an entry-level salaried position with benefits. This position is competitively compensated in respect to the local labor market.

Most ASPIRE participants will be based in the capital city or where CRS has its primary office in the country, with regular travel to sub-offices and field locations. However, some may be based in field offices full-time depending on the distribution of learning opportunities within the country program.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Together with experienced CRS staff and partners, ASPIRE participants will make great strides to end poverty and promote peace and self-reliance in countries around the world. While supporting CRS’ critical work in programming and operations, they will contribute to strategic and sustainable development projects in various sectors (such as health, agriculture, education, disaster risk reduction and emergency response, peacebuilding) and gain experience in the core operational areas (such as human resources, supply chain, finance) that make this programming possible.

ASPIRE participants will learn how CRS strengthens local governments’ and organizations’ ability to address the challenges in their communities and countries. As part of their comprehensive practical training, ASPIRE participants will gain hands-on experience in project design, management and operations. Illustrative activities include:

• Participating in project design workshops
• Supporting real-time project assessments and data collection
• Developing and implementing monitoring and accountability frameworks
• Writing reports and project proposals
• Preparing communication materials
• Organizing learning events
• Supporting operations (Human Resources, Finance, Security)

Learn more about our holistic approach and programming areas.

APPLICATION PROCESS

All applicants to the ASPIRE Program must apply online, following the three simple steps outlined below. Before completing the online application, candidates should review the eligibility requirements and prepare a motivation letter that addresses an inspiring leader of their choice.

Prepare your motivation letter

In your motivation letter, please address this prompt:

Tell us about a leader who has inspired you and why. How do their accomplishments or example align with your aspirations?

You may include other information in your motivation letter, if desired, but it is not required. Your response may be no longer than 500 words.

Prepare your CV or resume

Apply online

Women and Persons with Disability are highly encouraged to apply

Applications for the ASPIRE Program will be accepted through June 30. Strong candidates will be invited to an in-person interview in August. CRS will extend offers to the finalists in September, after conducting background and reference checks. 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.

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.

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