Technical Advisor III, Development Finance for Water and Environment

Job Summary

The Technical Advisor for Development Finance in Water and Environment (TA-WE) contributes to the development and implementation of innovative finance strategies and solutions that mobilize capital and strengthen the sustainability of programming focused on water security, watershed restoration, nature-based solutions, and climate resilience. As part of the Innovative Finance Unit (IF), the TA-WE provides technical leadership and advisory support to country, regional, and global teams, working closely with the CRS Global Water Security unit and the Livelihoods, Markets, Agriculture and Climate unit (LMAC) to advance the delivery of high-quality, innovative programming.  And through technical expertise, partnership engagement, and strategic influence, the TA-WE contributes and supports the integration of development finance approaches into program design, business development, and implementation, helping scale social and environmental impact through financially sustainable models.  

Roles and Key Responsibilities 

Technical

• Contribute to the design and implementation of innovative finance strategies, standards, tools, and best practices for water security, watershed restoration, climate resilience, and nature-based solutions, ensuring alignment with CRS programming principles and cross-sectoral approaches.
• Provide technical solutions and advisory support to country, regional, and global teams on development finance approaches, partnership models, financial mechanisms, and sustainable financing strategies that strengthen program quality and impact.
• Collaborate with the Global Water Security, Livelihoods, Markets, Agriculture and Climate (LMAC), and Innovative Finance teams to integrate development finance approaches into program design, implementation, and adaptive management processes.
• Serve as a technical resource and focal point for development finance approaches within water and environmental programming, providing specialized expertise and guidance to country, regional, and global teams.

Program Support

• Contribute to agency, regional, and country program efforts to position CRS for strategic funding opportunities in innovative finance for water and environmental programming, providing technical guidance for complex proposals, concept development, and project design.
• Support identification and development of innovative financing opportunities involving development finance institutions, investors, donors, private-sector actors, and other partners that advance CRS program objectives.
• Provide technical guidance to country programs and strategic initiatives applying innovative finance approaches to water security, ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, regenerative agriculture, and related environmental outcomes.
• Support execution of the Somos Rio Lempa Program in El Salvador and directly support program efforts to catalyze co-investments for program activities related to access to water supply, water treatment plans, wastewater management, modernizing irrigation, and promoting regenerative agriculture and nature-based solutions.

Catalytic Funding and Business Development

• Oversee and support delivery of capacity strengthening initiatives related to development finance for water and environment programming through training, mentoring, coaching, technical exchanges, and learning events for CRS staff and partners.
• Contribute to agency learning and knowledge management efforts by documenting, synthesizing, and sharing evidence, lessons learned, promising practices, and implementation research related to innovative finance and environmental programming.
• Create and strengthen relationships with key actors in innovative finance initiatives including development banks, social investors, donors, and other partners to explore and develop innovative funding mechanisms.

Strategic Partnerships

• Represent CRS in targeted regional and global forums, technical working groups, conferences, and partnership platforms to strengthen collaboration, share learning, influence emerging practices, and expand opportunities for innovative finance in water and environmental programming.
• Develop and maintain relationships with technical partners, donors, development finance institutions, investors, and relevant networks to support program quality, knowledge exchange, and resource mobilization efforts.

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.  Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.  We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.  The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

General Requirements

CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements.  All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.