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Agriculture, Fishing & Forestry

Project Officer – HRD Full Time

Applications have closed

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:

The Cyclone Freddy Food Security Restoration project is a time sensitive, quick deliverable, 18 months activity that is designed to respond to the restoration and recovery from the effects of Cyclone Freddy and the chronic effects of El Nino in the Southern district of Malawi. Resources for the implementation of the project are obtained from the United States Agency for Development – Bureau for Humanitarian Affairs (USAID/BHA). The Cyclone Freddy

It is designed to work in partnership with local NGOs , Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research ( CGIARS)  and government research institutions to coordinate the procurement and delivery of farm inputs and assist participants to use these resources and good agriculture production and climate smart technologies productively and sustainably in response to the loss experienced by the 2023 Tropical Cyclone Freddy. The resources for the implementation of the project are obtained from the United states Agency for Development- Bureau for Humanitarian Affairs ( USAID/BHA).

As a member of the Cyclone Freddy Food Security project team, you will be responsible for planning, coordinating, collaborating monitoring and reporting  on all project activities in support of Catholic Relief Services ( CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable, Your thorough and service oriented approach will ensure  that the project consistently applies best practices and constantly works towards improving the impact of its benefits to those we serve.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

  • Support the coordination and 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.
  • Monitor and report any challenges and/or gaps identified to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules. Assist partners in their efforts to reflect on project experiences.
  • Manage the distribution of targeted inputs such as certified maize seeds and nutrient dense sweet potatoes utilizing both free distribution and e-voucher systems.
  • Coordinate with suppliers and seed companies and partners organizations to ensure timely procurement and delivery of inputs.
  • Implement quality assurance measures in collaboration with the Department of Agricultural Research Services and other relevant entities to certify available planting materials.
  • Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and assisting partners in their efforts to collect and analyze project data per specified mechanisms and tools. Collaborate with local partner(s) to prepare reports per established reporting schedule.
  • Collect information on staff, Lead farmers and community capacity needs and technical assistance needs of partner organizations and monitor capacity building and technical support activities to ensure effective impact.
  • Complete project documentation for assigned activities. Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices.
  • Account for all project expenditure consistent with the Donor requirements

Required Languages – English/ Chichewa

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 30%.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Observation, active listening and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment
  • Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and community members
  • Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
  • Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented
  • Familiar with USAID rules and procedures including planning, implementation, donor visibility, and Reporting processes.
  • Knowledge in emergency and Sphere standards will be an added advantage
  • Demonstrated knowledge of Smart agriculture and Conservation Agriculture

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement.
  • Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data preferred.
  • Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
  • Strong understanding of agricultural production systems including crop management , seed technologies and water conservation practices.
  • Proven experience in logistics and supply chain management including procurement , distribution and quality assurance.
  • Solid analytical and problem solving abilities with proficiency in monitoring and evaluation methodologies.
  • Demonstrated leadership and team work skills with commitment to promoting inclusion and gender equality.

Supervisory Responsibilities: none

 Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Program Manager, Senior Project Officers, MEAL, Program Assistant

External: Local partners and Government Agriculture Extension Officers

QUALIFICATIONS

Basic Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture , Development Studies or related field.
  • Minimum of 4 years of work experience in project support. Experience in the field of Emergency response  and for an NGO would be a plus.
  • Additional education may substitute for some experience.

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

***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.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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