Senior Specialist, Government Relations at Catholic Relief Services – Epping Dc, Victoria

Position title: Senior Specialist, Government Relations

Location: DC, United States | (On-site)
Qualifications:

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in International Affairs, Political Science, Business Administration, Public Policy or another relevant field. Relevant Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of eight years’ work experience in this or related field.
• Demonstrated performance in developing and implementing issue advocacy strategies.
• Demonstrated working knowledge of: (1) Catholic Church organizational structures and (2) Catholic Social Teaching.
• Experience with web-based collaboration and communication systems technologies, including but not limited to the Microsoft Office 365, Salesforce, Adobe Connect etc.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a non-profit/non-governmental aid and development organization or in public service at a relevant government agency.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge of foreign policy and foreign assistance issues.
• Accomplished advocacy skills including working effectively in a bi-partisan manner.
• Demonstrated excellent writing skills for advocacy.
• Accomplished verbal communication and representation skills.
• Accomplished interpersonal skills, especially the ability to work in teams and collaborate effectively and proactively in a complex organization.
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative.
• Ability to respond flexibly and with perseverance to challenges of advocacy.
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Strong knowledge of the workings of the U.S. Congress, relevant parts of the Executive Branch, and political environment.
• Demonstrated judgment in strategic relationship management.
• Effective representation of Catholic teaching in all public settings.
• Ability to think holistically, taking a comprehensive perspective as well as possessing a strong attention to detail.
• Ability and desire to work well with diverse staff in a cooperative and friendly manner.
• Ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency with databases, Office 365, and other technical tools to support operations.
• Able to work flexible hours when needed.

Required Languages: English required, second language (French, Spanish, Arabic) preferred but not required.

Travel: Ability to travel in the US or globally as necessary (up to 10%). Ability to work nights and weekends as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• 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.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

WHAT WE OFFER

CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. Salary and benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role. CRS´ work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

CRS is proud to be an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Selection and hiring decisions are made without regard to sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, veteran status or any other protected area.