About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

This is a US based remote position. While the position can be based anywhere in the United States, preference will be given to candidates based within the Washington/Baltimore area. US work authorization required at the time of application.

Job Summary

The Contracts Officer II will provide support to all CRS staff on the pursuit and implementation of United States Government (USG) and Non-USG contracts. By assisting in the development and revision of CRS’ current business processes, you will support the expansion and diversification of CRS’ donor base by ensuring that those processes are efficient and compliant with donor requirements.

Knowledge of regulations and experience managing contracts and/or subcontracts will be essential to your success in this role. You will work closely with, and report to, the IDEA Contracts Support Unit Manager and join a growing team in leading CRS growth efforts through targeted capacity strengthening of CRS staff, development of new tools and guidance, and championing award management best practices.

Internally to IDEA, you will work with the Growth Strategy and Support Unit (GSSU) and donor engagement teams to support business development efforts to win new USG and Non-USG contracts as well as the Project Support Unit (PSU) to help elevate award management practices that ensure compliance with donor regulations and CRS policy.

Key Responsibilities

• Works closely with the IDEA Contracts Support Unit Manager and the Sr. Officer, Contracts and Compliance to continually review and improve CRS’ approaches to pursuing and managing USG and Non-USG contracts/subcontracts. Collaborates with a multi-disciplinary team of functional experts from different departments to create new templates, tools, and guidance for Country Program and Regional staff.
• Supports negotiations of non-disclosure agreements and teaming agreements in partnership with business development colleagues.
• Acts as an advisor to proposal teams including, but not limited to, review and guidance on Request for Proposal terms and conditions, review of budget documents, completion of compliance documentation, and management of the subcontracting process.
• Leads negotiations of contract and subcontract terms and conditions in collaboration with the Office of General Counsel and Country Program staff.
• Ensures efficient administration of contracts and subcontracts during implementation including, but not limited to, file management, modifications, change proposals, review and submission of invoices, and closeout preparations.
• Facilitates trainings on USG contract pursuit and implementation tailored to Country Program, Regional Office, and/or global needs.
• Supports tracking US-based small business utilization and developing Agency-level approach to small business requirements in partnership with Procurement leadership.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business, law, international development, or a related field.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience working with USG and non-government funders in humanitarian and development sectors.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge and demonstrated experience with institutional donor agencies such as USAID (Assistance and Acquisition), CDC, World Bank, FCDO, and the Global Fund.
• Be able to work independently and proactively lead support efforts
• Demonstrated experience and expertise in interpreting and applying statutory and regulatory language from multilateral and bilateral public donors.
• Experience managing active award portfolios (contracts and/or subcontracts).
• Strong knowledge of 2 CFR 200, FAR and AIDAR.
• Experience managing audit compliance including Contractor Purchasing System Reviews.
• Ability to train and strengthen the capacity of colleagues and partners.
• Experience working with with multiple departments
• Experience working and partnering with small businesses a plus.
• Excellent interpersonal communication, negotiation, and representation skills.

Key Working Relationships

Internal: PSU, GSSU, Global Risk and Compliance Unit, Donor Engagement Leads, Global Finance, Global Supply Chain Management/Global Procurement, Global People Resources, Office of General Counsel, Country Program staff, and Regional Office staff.

External: Donor representatives, counterpart organization staff, US-based small businesses, inter-agency working groups.

Required Languages – Fluency in English required; ability to work in a second language (French, Spanish, Arabic) a plus.

Travel – ability to travel approximately 10-15%.

Agency REDI Competencies for all CRS Staff

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff.  When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals.  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.

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

What we offer 

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

• Join an organization that celebrates and promotes diversity and is committed to the ongoing work of racial equity.
• Work for a mission driven organization that is committed to saving, protecting and transforming lives in more than 100 countries.
• Providing great benefit choices for you and your family is just one of the many ways Catholic Relief Services supports the physical, financial, and emotional well-being of the people who make our organization successful.

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. 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 protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

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

CRS’ 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. (For all US and International positions)

(For all US and International positions)

Open to remote locations within the US.

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 or global telecommuter, 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.