Technical Advisor III, Development Finance for Water and Environment

Reports to: STA IF Strategic Partnerships
Department: PIQA, Innovative Finance
Salary Grade: 11

About the Role

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. Through technical expertise, partnership engagement, and strategic influence, the TA-WE supports the integration of development finance approaches into program design, business development, and implementation, helping scale social and environmental impact through financially sustainable models.

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.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in natural resources, environment, engineering or related fields.
• Minimum 10 years’ experience managing complex projects, engaging with donors, governments, and private sector partners related to water security and environmental development.
• Experience working with projects in Africa, Asia, Latin America and/or the Middle East.
• Proven track record of mobilizing capital and fostering partnerships with donors, development partners, financial institutions, scientists, and technical experts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree.
• Experience working with development finance institutions such as the USG/DFC, Inter-American Development Bank, Asian Development Bank, African Development Fund, etc.

Skills

• Proven capacity in tools and software for complex project management and information management.
• Demonstrated skills in developing and managing financial models related to water and environmental planning.
• Broad expertise in water security and environment, demonstrated capacity to build partnerships to solve complex problems related to water and environment.
• Excellent strategic, analytical, problem-solving and systems thinking skills with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions.
• Strong understanding of impact measurement and reporting frameworks and methodologies.
• Excellent relationship management skills with ability to influence and get buy-in from people not under direct supervision and to work with individuals in diverse geographical and cultural settings.
• Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage and influence diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working in partnership with international donors, development banks, public and private sector.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to assess financial risks and design sustainable financial models.
• Mission driven, detail-oriented, flexible, a systems-thinker and a self-starter.
• Excellent listening skills and ability to adapt and demonstrate flexibility.
• Commitment to the values and mission of a faith-based organization.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse and dynamic environment.

Languages

Fluency in English required.

Travel

Must be willing and able to travel up to 25%.

Benefits

CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. 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.

About 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.