Catholic Relief Services Junior Professionals Program for West African Women in International Development: Apply Now
Introduction Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is committed to empowering women in West Africa through its Junior Professionals Program (JPP). This initiative aims to provide qualified and passionate women in the region with the opportunity to pursue a career in international relief and development work. Over the course of 12 months, participants will undergo comprehensive training, gain hands-on experience, and benefit from mentorship to prepare them for leadership roles within CRS.
Unique Program Offerings The JPP offers a range of unique opportunities for professional development:
- Learning & Professional Development: Participants will receive practical training in project design, program management, monitoring and evaluation, partnership building, and operations. This hands-on experience will equip them with essential skills for their future careers.
- Mentorship: Each Junior Professional will be paired with a mentor who will provide guidance, feedback, and career coaching throughout the program.
- Customized Professional Experience: Participants will have the chance to focus on a specific area related to their professional goals, enabling them to strategically position themselves for future roles within CRS.
- Regional Networking: Junior Professionals will be part of a regional community of practice, allowing them to share experiences, challenges, and lessons learned with their peers.
Meaningful Work Through the JPP, CRS and its participants will work together to address poverty, promote peace, and foster self-reliance in West Africa. Participants will contribute to sustainable development projects in various sectors including health, agriculture, education, emergency response, and peacebuilding. Their responsibilities may include project design, real-time assessments, data collection, monitoring and accountability, report writing, and operational support.
Participating Countries The JPP is currently available in several West African countries including Senegal, Liberia, Gambia, Guinea, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, and Sierra Leone.
Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for the JPP, candidates must meet the following criteria:
- Hold a Master’s degree in a related field
- Have at least six months of relevant work experience
- Possess excellent communication skills in either French or English
- Be a citizen of a participating country
- Demonstrate the ability to work in a multicultural environment and willingness to travel
Application & Selection Process Candidates interested in the JPP must apply online, including submitting a motivation letter and CV. The application deadline is June 30, 2024. Top candidates will undergo video and in-person interviews before final selections are made. The 2024 JPP cohort will commence in October.
Meet the Recent Graduates Several former participants of the JPP have excelled in various roles within CRS. Their testimonials showcase the impact of the program on their careers and their commitment to serving their communities. Click here to find out about them
Future Opportunities Successful completion of the JPP equips participants with the skills and experience to apply for onward positions within CRS. These may include roles in program management, quality assurance, business development, monitoring and evaluation, or operations.
Engage With Us CRS encourages interested individuals to attend webinars on the JPP for more information and to interact with the team. These sessions offer a platform to learn about the program, ask questions, and engage with CRS staff.
Learn More For additional information about the JPP, including FAQs, interested individuals can visit the CRS website or contact the program coordinators via email.
Conclusion The Junior Professionals Program represents a significant opportunity for West African women to pursue meaningful careers in international development with CRS. By providing comprehensive training, mentorship, and hands-on experience, CRS is empowering participants to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond.
