The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Junior Professionals Program is an opportunity for qualified, professional women in West Africa to channel their commitment to international relief and development into a career with CRS. Over a 12-month period, participants will enhance their skills while working alongside seasoned professionals and supporting vital programs. Junior professionals will benefit from strong mentoring and regional networking as they prepare for positions of greater responsibility with CRS.

Eligibility Criteria

Required Qualifications:

• Hold a Master’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Economic Development, Agriculture, Health, Business, Administration, Finance, Human Resources, Supply Chain)
• Obtain the Master’s degree within 24 months of the program start date (October 2024)
• Possess at least six months of relevant work experience (internship, practicum, volunteer, or paid work)
• Proficiency in the official business language of the country (French or English)
• Citizenship of a participating country
• Ability to thrive in a collaborative, multicultural environment
• Readiness to travel (up to 25% of the time)
• Openness to being stationed in field offices outside of the capital city during and after the program

Preferred Qualifications:

• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and research skills
• Agile, proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented mindset
• Effective presentation and facilitation abilities

Learning & Professional Development

• Practical training: Participants will gain hands-on experience and undergo extensive training in project design, program management, monitoring and evaluation, partnership building, and operations.
• Mentorship: Each participant will be matched with a mentor for guidance, feedback, and career coaching.
• Customized professional experience: Participants will enhance their skills in a specific area aligned with their career goals, positioning themselves strategically for future roles within CRS.
• Regional networking: Participants will join a regional community of practice to share experiences and insights.

Location

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

Compensation

This is an entry-level salaried position with benefits, competitively compensated based on the local labor market.

Application Process

• Prepare a motivation letter and CV
• Complete the online application by June 30, 2024

Selected candidates will undergo video interviews from April to July (in some countries) and in-person interviews in August (in all countries). Offers will be extended to finalists in September, following background and reference checks. Due to the high volume of applications, only advancing candidates will be contacted.

For more details and to apply, please visit the official webpage of the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Junior Professionals Program.