Catholic Relief Services
Job Description
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.
Job Summary:
As a lead for the ER4 Shelter & Recovery project team, you will facilitate the achievement of project objectives through coordinating and reporting on all project activities and providing technical guidance and advice to staff and implementing partner(s) advancing Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable. Your coordination and relationship management skills will ensure that the project for which you are responsible applies best practices and constantly works towards improving the impact of its benefits to those we serve.
Roles and Key Responsibilities:
- Organize and lead the implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.
- Ensure learning properly accompanies project activities throughout the project cycle. Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and guiding partners in their efforts to reflect on project experiences. Analyze implementation challenges and report any inconsistencies and/or gaps to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules.
- Coordinate and oversee working relationships with all local project stakeholders and serve as the liaison between them and the project team to mobilize local actors and promote project activities and impact.
- Supervise and perform ad-hoc inspections of various processes and resources at project sites to ensure timely project activities implementation and adherence to established process standards and procedures. Ensure proper tracking of resource use for project activities through periodic budget reviews and follow-up with and assistance to implementing partner.
- Support and coordinate capacity building and technical support activities to ensure assigned project activities are implemented per project guidelines and standards.
- Coordinate provision of any logistical and administrative support to staff and partners.
- Ensure project documentation for assigned activities is complete with all required documents and is filed per agency and donor requirements. Assist with preparation of trends analysis reports and documentation of case studies and promising practices
- Prepare and monitor shelter project spending against the ER4 Shelter & Recovery project budget
- Evaluate and support process of payments for contractors following payments terms as stated on contract
- Oversee the selection and verification of shelter project participants, based on approved criteria
- Ensure close collaboration with the procurement and logistics process for materials and equipment required by the shelter and recovery activities
- Ensure close collaboration with finance department for cash distributions required for owner-driven shelter activities
- Work closely with Gender and Protection Mainstreaming Officer to ensure project participants and local construction crews understand CRS’ Code of Conduct and apply its values in their daily work
- Facilitate routine project monitoring and evaluation in consultation and the MEAL team.
- Provide regular updates on progress, priorities and constraints – verbally and in writing to the Humanitarian sector lead, for sharing with the head of programs.
Required Languages – Fluency in English and Chichewa (both oral and written skills) required
Travel – include percentage of required travel, if applicable. Could be stated as Must be willing and able to travel up to 50%.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Analysis and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment
- Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners
- Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented
- Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience working with partners, participatory action planning and community engagement.
- Staff supervision experience a plus.
- Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data.
- Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
Supervisory Responsibilities: none
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: Humanitarian sector lead, Shelter Technical Advisor, Emergency administration officer, Cash and Markets Officer, MEAL staff and procurement team
External: Local NGOs and District Councils
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree in project management or relevant field of social sciences, those with masters will be a plus
- Minimum of 4 years’ experience in project management, preferably in emergency context.
- Proven ability to build/work in a team and to manage and motivate personnel drawing on individual skills to advance agendas and problem solving
- Proven experience in working with partners, community development, community mobilization or similar self-help initiatives and a desire to maximize integration of program delivery preferred
- Ability to write reports and effectively present information and respond to questions from CRS senior management
- Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint
Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)
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.
- Integrity
- Continuous Improvement & Innovation
- Builds Relationships
- Develops Talent
- Strategic Mindset
- Accountability & Stewardship
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.
***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.
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
Note: All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside their home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical examination.
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.
EOE/M/F/D/V – CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. (For all US and International positions)