Primary Function
The Technical Design Lead will have overall technical oversight of the Zimbabwe DFSA proposal process and will be responsible for producing a high-quality technical volume for the DFSA, which is responsive the donor\u0027s requirements and reflective of CRS best practices in DFSA design. This person will be required to make key technical decisions, develop design frameworks and coordinate all proposal team members and contributors in developing and prioritizing the overall technical approaches.

S/he should uphold CRS\u0027 high program quality standards in developing the technical narrative, specifically ensuring compliance to CRS\u0027 ProPack I standards, MEAL policies and procedures and other technical guidance.
Job Responsibilities
The following is a non-exhaustive list of anticipated primary activities to realize the primary functions highlighted above:
Proposal Development

• Ensures an integrated project design focusing on food and nutrition security that is responsive to the RFA, CSI, and other FFP guidance/feedback CRS has received in other projects.
• Drafts SOWs for technical TDYs from region or from elsewhere in CRS.
• (Co-)Facilitates project design workshop.
• Advises Decision Maker and Proposal Coordinator on potential technical gaps, possible technical partners, qualifications of implementing partners, and contributes to developing consortium members\u0027 roles in the project.
• Assigns tasks to sector leads, prioritizes tasks, and follows up to ensure high quality inputs throughout the design process.
• Ensures coordination among sector leads to produce an integrated design.
• Leads development of the theory of change diagram and narrative, and ensures log frame has accurate targets.
• Articulates and documents approaches and strategies for geographic and beneficiary targeting, sustainability, and exit strategies, in line with local context/needs and donor priorities.
• Incorporates lessons learned from other CRS projects, with particular emphasis on other FFP funded projects.
• Advises on project management and staffing plan so that all technical and managerial needs of the project are accounted for in staffing.
• Works with Budget Lead to make sure all technical components are included in the budget.
• Writes pieces of the technical narrative and technical annexes and assigns other pieces/annexes to proposal team members as appropriate.

Issues Letter and Oral Defense

• Coordinates technical input for issues response and oral defense. Makes decisions on technical revisions.
• May present at oral defense (if Tech Lead will also be involved in implementation)

Note: This is not an exhaustive list of responsibilities, as he/she may be asked to undertake additional tasks as necessary.
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

Key Working Relationships
Internal: Country Representative, Head of Programs, Proposal Coordinator, Lead Proposal Writer, In-country and Regional Sector Leads, MEAL Leads, SARO DRD-PQ, HQ STAs for Agriculture, Nutrition, WASH, Governance, Gender, Youth, and MEAL.
External: Partner organizations, Government stakeholders, Key personnel candidates, Private sector entities
Qualifications and Experience

• Master\u0027s degree in business management, international development, or related field.

• Minimum of five years relevant international working experience in an advisory or management role with progressive responsibilities; experience in program design for large, multi-sectoral projects a plus.

• Experience with large CRS proposals and familiarity with ProPack

• Extensive understanding of CRS programming approaches and experience, and industry best practices

• Familiarity with USAID Food for Peace requirements and expectations; understanding of Theory of Change a plus

• Excellent team leadership, negotiation, facilitation and representation skills

• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems.

• Ability to be in country for workshops and other major collaborative activities.

Personal Skills

• Strong analytical and information management skills;
• Self-motivated, as well as a strong team player.

• Strong communications and presentation skills.
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented.

Physical Requirements/Environment: The position will be based in Harare, Zimbabwe
Duration: 6 months to 1 year
CRS\u0027 talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
EOE/M/F/D/V - CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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.