Career Opportunities at Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Abuja and Yobe State

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Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an international non-governmental organization supporting relief and development work in over 99 countries around the world.
CRS programs assist persons on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity or nationality. CRS works through local church and non-church partners to implement its programs. Therefore, strengthening and building the capacity of these partner organizations is fundamental to our approach in every country in which CRS operates. CRS re-established its presence in Nigeria in 2000 and currently focuses on agriculture, governance, peacebuilding and Health/HIV programming.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is recruiting to fill the position below:
 

Job Title: Technical Program Director
Location: Abuja
Department: Programs/Feed the Future Nigeria Livelihoods Project
Band: E-2      
Reports To: Chief of Party 
Job Summary

• CRS/Nigeria is seeking a Technical Program Director (TPD) to lead the implementation of technical program activities for sustainable improvements in agriculture, food security, nutrition, livelihoods, entrepreneurial skills development and governance.
• The incumbent will provide technical leadership to the management of the project including assessment of progress and performance. S/he will report to the Chief of Party (COP) and will maintain close liaison with the M&E Director and Grants Manager.
• The TPD will ensure adherence to CRS’ technical and program quality standards in implementation and compliance by partners.
• As Technical Program Director s/he will interact closely with the other consortium organizations and technical partners (including 8 civil society organizations - CSOs involved in the implementation of program activities), coordinate inputs by the CRS Technical Advisers, and supervise the work of the other managers/technical team leaders.
• The major responsibilities of the position are technical leadership, team building, strategic leadership, coordination, monitoring/evaluation, mentoring/training, supervision, and report writing. This position will also serve as the Deputy Chief of Party.
  

Job Responsibilities
Primary Function:

• The TPD will work with the Technical Team Leads and Senior Program Manager (SPM) to oversee all technical aspects of the project and ensure that activities are effectively and , efficiently implemented according to proposal objectives and donor requirements.  
  

Specific Responsibilities
Program quality through technical service provision:

• Provide technical direction on agriculture, income generation, nutrition/WASH, education, socialprotectionand governance.
• Manage a team of technical staff in various sectors (agriculture production, nutrition/WASH, savings-led microfinance and governance).
• Ensure all sectoral strategies are aligned with Government of Nigeria priorities and CRS’ “Pathway to Prosperity” intervention modelsas well as other CRS technical and program quality standards.
• Address bottlenecks and scale up best practices to achieve high quality program implementation.
• Develop systems of planning, reporting, targeting and monitoring in consultation with the consortium organizations and Monitoring and Evaluation Director.
• Develop and manage the review of interventions to ensure synergy between sectoral interventions.
• Coordinate the involvement of technical assistance via advanced planning and discussions; managing consultants or technical assistance by developing and enforcing clear scopes of work and consistent engagement.
• Ensure the delivery of quality training and technical assistance on a timely basis
• Lead capacity building of sub-grantees (CSOs) and oversee learning in community of practice and peer exchange activities
• Coordinate with Grants Manager, Technical Leads and SPM in CSO budget development and oversight
• Oversee periodic technical reviews and implement evidence-based changes in program implementation and focus
• Mainstream gender sensitive project interventions, through support and promotion of gender throughout all areas of the project.

Program quality through Promotion of Innovation in technical program areas:

• Identify innovation in the respective technical area from elsewhere and facilitate its adaptation and application within the context of the situation in project locations with all implementing partners.
• Regularly review the project sector strategies to ensure relevance and enhance program impact by suggesting appropriate alternative strategies and changes to the program
• Promote and facilitate innovation through capacity building and motivation of implementing staff.
• Along with the Chief of Party, periodically review progress and direction of the project and identify appropriate actions to achieve planned outputs.

Program quality through facilitation of learning across program technical areas:

• Support M&E Director in developing a "learning agenda / knowledge data base " for the technical areas and coordinate the technical implementation of these learning agendas
• Enhance cross-learning within program technical areas through regular field visits, exchange of staff and other practical ways.
• Support M&E Director to record lessons learned and document success stories within the technical areas and facilitates its effective use to improve program quality and disseminate key achievements.
• With support from team leads, develop mechanisms for regular feedback on the quality of on the ground activities and targeting of supervisory support.
• Provide technical support to M&E Director in developing and conducting surveys and studies.
• Provide input into developing communications and networking systems (newsletter, website, events with government & stakeholders).

Representation and Advocacy:

• In collaboration with the Chief of Party, serve as primary technical program contact to donor and other local and international stakeholders, responsible for addressing all technical program matters.
• Support Chief of Party to liaise with other stakeholders from government, international agencies and NGOs
• Lead in establishing linkages with technical persons from the relevant ministries
• Support CSOs to develop strong working relationships with community and village district administrations, local government institutions, and other existing projects within project locations
• Support Chief of Party to represent project in programming areas especially with relevant government ministries
• In collaboration with Chief of Party, strengthen linkages with existing and potential partner agencies and other donor funded programs
• In collaboration with the Chief of Party, oversee program communication strategies, including compliance with donor’s branding and marketing requirements, as well as CRS marketing and communication procedures.
• Contribute as a member of the Project Senior Management Team

Human Resource Management:

• Lead, manage and supervise all technical staff (including SPM) of the project meet program objectives.
• Conduct periodic reviews of technical program staff and SPM performance in keeping with CRS’ performance management system and mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, dedication, commitment, capacity, and teamwork.
• Manage recruitment portfolio of technical staff, in collaboration with the Chief of Party, Human Resources and CRS country program management, to ensure optimum service delivery through recruitment of competent and qualified staff.

Supervisory Responsibilities
Manage a team of technical staff:

• Agriculture, Income Generation, Nutrition/WASH, Savings-led Microfinance, Cash Transfers and Governance

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results:
  • Serves with Integrity
  • Models Stewardship
  • Cultivates Constructive Relationships
  • Promotes Learning

Key Working Relationships

• Internal: Chief of Party, CRS Country Representative, CRS Deputy Country Representative, CRS Head of Operations, Monitoring and Evaluation Director, Data Manager, Grants Manager, Technical Team Leads and Program Managers
• External: Program Managers of Consortium Organizations and Technical Service Partners, USAID, GON, CSOs, Relevant Government Ministries and Community Leaders
  

Qualification, Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Minimum of Master's degree in Agricultural Economics Rural Development, Business, International Development, and/or Food Security related field
• At least ten (10) years of working experience in agriculture, nutrition, WASH, food security or governance program; Experience in a combination of these is preferred
• Understanding of U.S Government grant provisions, policies, procedures, guidelines and priorities, including reporting requirements.
• Excellent situational leadership style; strategic; analytical; participatory; and supportive and mentoring.
• Excellent partnership skills and the ability to interact effectively with donors, collaborating agencies, and local partners demonstrated through close work experience with international organizations.
• Experience in management of large projects required.
• Effective negotiation and representation skills in order to mentor program teams to follow quality standard and facilitate learning from each other.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrated capacity to understand the current best practices and challenges while coordinating the implementation of program strategies through a participatory approach.
• Flexibility, persistence, and ability to work well with people through cross cultural skills
• Demonstrated commitment to improving gender equality and gender responsiveness in programming and operations.
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required.
• Excellent English language oral and written communication skills required.
• Knowledge of Northern Nigeria is an added advantage. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook required.
• Willingness and ability to travel at least 50% of time

Job Title: Project Officer - Nutrition
Location: Yobe State, Nigeria
Department: Programs
Project: Food for Peace
Band: C-1              
Reports To: Food Security Program Manager

Context

• In October-November 2014 CRS conducted a food security assessment and market survey in Yobe State. This assessment confirmed the food security alerts from FEWS Net predicting the lean season to start earlier than normal, in March instead of July, and IPC phase (crisis level) from March through September 2015 in the region.
• Following the field assessment CRS submitted in December 2014 a concept notethat was approved. CRS has then developed a full proposal which will soon be submitted to Food For Peace (FFP).
• The project strategy is to providecash-based food vouchers to IDPs and vulnerable households. The project includes apilot phase using CRS private fund and the roll-out phase using the funds expected from FFP/EFSP. CRS is currently in the process of implementing the pilot phase of the project in one of the target LGAs.
• In anticipation that the project will be funded, CRS is looking for a strong candidateto work as aNutritionProject Officer (NPO) on the project team.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Under the leadership of the Food Security Program Manager, the Nutrition Project Officer (NPO) is responsible for conducting and facilitating daily nutrition promoting activities, while maintaining relationships with local partner staff as well as vendors and beneficiaries.
• The NPO, in collaboration with the local partner and the CRS MEAL Manager, will develop a KAP survey and utilize results to design and implement a nutrition promotion program tailored to program communities.

Specific Job Responsibilities
The NPO’s specific responsibilities will include the following:

• Design Nutrition KAP survey, using ICT4E technologies
• Co-facilitate enumerator trainings, focusing on use of KAP surveys
• Analyze KAP data and identify relevant behavioral trends to address with IEC sessions
• Develop IEC training curriculum and facilitation aids
• Co-facilitate IEC training of trainers for project staff
• Oversee and monitor IEC sessions as they are conducted, ensuring adherence to recommended messaging
• Prepare reports on KAP survey results for programmatic reporting as requested.
• Support endline KAP data collection and analyze results
• Collaborate with the local partner in preparation of monthly program progress reports
• Contribute to the planning, organization and implementation of the final evaluation

Key Working Relationships

• Internal: Food Security Program Manager, Food Security Market Coordinator, Food Security Project Officers, Country Program MEAL Coordinator
• External: Implementing CBO’s staff, MEAL RTA, HRD MEAL TA

Agency Wide Competences (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:
  • Serves with Integrity
  • Models Stewardship
  • Cultivates Constructive Relationships
  • Promotes Learning

Qualifications

• University degree in Social Sciences, Nutrition, Agriculture or any other relevant equivalent degree
• At least 3 years’ experience in project implementation preferably with an international humanitarian NGO
• Demonstrated experience in data collection and survey design
• Experience with or interest in learning ICT4E technology applications for emergency work
• Proven experience in conducting participatory activities for qualitative program monitoring
• Demonstrated commitment to gender responsive programming
• Excellent organizational, analytical, oral and written communication skills
• Team-oriented and strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to organize and prioritize a variety of initiatives
• Willingness to be located in Yobe State for all work activities

Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Manager
Location: Abuja, Nigeria
Department: Programs
Project: Food Security
Band: D-2          
Reports To: Emergency Coordinator
Background

• In October-November 2014 CRS conducted a food security assessment and market survey in Yobe State. This assessment confirmed the food security alerts from FEWS Net predicting the lean season to start earlier than normal, in March instead of July, and IPC phase (crisis level) from March through September 2015 in the region.
• Following the field assessment CRS submitted in December 2014 a concept notes that was approved. CRS has then developed a full proposal which will soon be submitted to FFP.
• The focus of the project strategy is food voucher to IDPs and vulnerable households. The project includes apilot phase using CRS private fund and the roll-out phase using the funds expected from FFP/EFSP. CRS is currently in the process of implementing the pilot phase of the project in one of the target LGAs.
• In anticipation that the project will be funded, CRS is looking for a strong candidateto work as a Food Security MEAL Officer (FSMO) on the project team.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Food Security Program Manager, the Food Security MEAL Officer will be responsible for all MEAL related activities including, monitoring progress on project indicators, conducting ongoing market and price assessments, beneficiary database management, recalibration of beneficiary targeting at project mid-point, development and implementation of accountability mechanisms as well as compilation of monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly reports.
• The FSMO will be based in Abuja with frequent trips to the project area and will report to the FSPM, but will also work closely with the CRS Country Program MEAL Coordinator for technical support.

Specific Job Responsibilities
The FSMO’s specific responsibilities will include the following:

• With technical assistance from the country program MEAL Coordinator and the MEAL RTA, conduct a SMILER workshop at the project start
• Track the project performances against project indicators
• Create and manage databases to ensure the traceability of the project beneficiaries and the vouchers
• Conduct a household level baseline study at the project start
• Regularly lead field volunteers in conducting post distribution surveys
• Regularly lead field volunteers in conducting post distribution market surveys
• Ensure the project final evaluation is carried out in a timely manner
• Promote the use of Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) solutions during the registration of beneficiaries, the registration of traders/vendors, the monitoring of the project activities, the post distribution household and vendorsurveys, and final evaluation
• Establish and manage asystem to track beneficiary and non-beneficiary’s feedback and manage complaints
• Ensure a timely submission of monthly post distribution monitoring, market monitoring, feedback and complaint management, and evaluation reports in collaboration with CBO field staff and CGPP PO.

Agency Wide Competences (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.
  • Serves withIntegrity
  • ModelsStewardship
  • Cultivates Constructive Relationships
  • Promotes Learning

Key Working Relationships

• Internal: Food Security Program Manager, Food Security Market Coordinator, Food Security Project Officers, Country Program MEAL Coordinator
• External: Implementing CBO’s staff, MEAL RTA, HRD MEAL TA

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Master's degree or Engineering Degree in Information and Technology Management, Statistics or any other relevant equivalent degree
• At least 3 years full-time experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning, preferably with an international NGO
• Professional proficiency in both English and Hausa
• Thorough technical knowledge and experience in MEAL
• Demonstrated experience in database management and usage of ACCESS, SPSS, EPI-INFO, STATA and/or EXCEL or other quantitative statistical management programs for data analysis
• Experience designing tools for, collecting and analyzingqualitative data
• High degree of competency and comfort with ICT4E or ICT4Ddevices, form creation and data management software, and data visualization. Specific skills using I-Forms Builder and Zoho a plus.
• Strong group process design and facilitation skills, including developing and leading workshops
• Demonstrated commitment to gender responsive programming.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, oral and written communication skills
• Team-oriented and strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to organize and prioritize a variety of initiatives
• Willingness to travel within Nigeria 50% of the time

Job Title: Accountability Manager
Location: FCT Abuja, Nigeria
Department: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL)
Band: D-2
Reports to: MEAL Coordinator
Job Summary

• CRS Nigeria is committed to integrating accountability mechanisms to communities throughout its programming portfolio and; as such, seeks an Accountability Manager to help implement the newly developed Accountability Framework and other related priorities. 
• The Accountability Manager will ensure that practical and effective mechanisms for accountability to beneficiaries and communities are integrated at the CP level and into programs through capacity building support and implementation.  The role will also prioritize the deployment and use of a new accountability software system for the CP and across projects.

Supervisory:

• No direct supervision
• The position will require a significant amount of coordination across CP projects.

Technical Assistance & Program Guidance:

• Provide technical assistance to ensure that accountability is integrated throughout the project cycle (design, implementation, and M&E) across CP programming.
• Be a champion and resource person for the accountability policies and procedures in the agency’s newly developed MEAL policies and procedures.
• Provide training and guidance for project staff on relevant accountability issues.
• Share resources and information with staff on accountability.
• Build capacity of staff to mainstream and develop accountability practices and mechanisms into programming, applying principles as outlined by Sphere, agency MEAL polices and other key guidelines.
• Lead the roll-out and testing of the accountability/feedback tracking software.
• Lead the training of CP and partner staff on use of the accountability/feedback software.
• Lead and support the development of communication materials for beneficiaries on CP and project feedback mechanisms.
• Integrate principles of protection and fraud reporting into project and CP feedback mechanisms.
• In conjunction with project teams, develop a process to solicit feedback from key project stakeholders.
• Design and provide feedback to the proposal development process on strengthening accountability measures.
• Liaise with HQ/Regional MEAL Team on strengthening accountability measures and CP framework.
• Act as content expert on donor accountability requirements.

Accountability to Communities and Beneficiaries:

• Be the primary point-person for the CP hotline.
• Develop standard talking point processes to manage various feedback scenarios (ie: if an individual would like to remain anonymous, etc.).
• Support project staff to:
  • Assess how beneficiaries and communities would like to receive informationabout CRS and its projects, and ensure that the required information is regularly shared.
  • Consult with beneficiaries and communities on project feedback mechanisms that are appropriate, effective, accessible and safe.
  • Ensure that beneficiaries and communities participate in a meaningful way at every stage of the program cycle, from design to M&E.
  • Monitor the effectiveness and relevance of the accountability mechanisms and practices put in place.
• Support partner organizations in setting up accountability mechanisms (as applicable).
• Support the sub-offices in managing and receiving feedback via the identified CP mechanism.
• Support the set-up of feedback hotlines and helpdesks, and provide training and monitoring to relevant staff on receiving and handling feedback and complaints.
• Ensure that feedback is routinely recorded, reviewed and acted upon in line with feedback mechanisms guidelines.
• Compile weekly and monthly feedback reports for CP MT and ensure all complaints and major issues are followed up and addressed in a timely manner.
• Generate timely reports on work planned and completed.
• Ensure that feedback is integrated into regular program planning, implementation, M&E and reporting.

Minimum Qualifications
Education:    

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Community Development, or other relevant subject area.  Holders of post-graduate certificates an added advantage.

Experience: 

• Minimum of three (3) years' experience working with NGOs or government agencies in planning and implementation of accountability programming in emergency response, disaster risk reduction, or development programs.
• Experience in participatory rural development, and in developing community accountability in projects and programs.
• Experience working with communities and CSOs at the grass roots level.
• Training experience required.

Knowledge:

• Knowledgeable in participatory and rural development processes.
• Acceptance of cultural differences in a continuously changing environment.
• Knowledge of principles and best practice in protection mainstreaming and community accountability in development and emergency work, including HAP standard and Sphere.
• Strong understanding of referral processing (to be used to strengthen staff awareness and understanding on agency policies of protection and fraud).
• Good understanding of project planning, reporting, M&E and participatory approaches.
• Excellent understanding of local NGOs and government system, with knowledge and appreciation of the vision and mission of CRS.

Skills:

• Strong skills in mentoring and coaching peers.
• Proven organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong verbal and written English skills.
• Proficiency in multiple Nigerian languages and dialects a plus to be able to engage with stakeholders across CRS Nigeria’s geographically expansive programming areas.
• Very good listening and facilitation skills – capable of facilitating group discussions with program participants, communities, local officials, partners and all levels of staff.
• Ability to appropriately manage sensitive situations and information.
• Excellent interpersonal communication and influencing skills.
• Calm demeanor to be able to solicit and receive varying types of feedback from stakeholders.
• Proficient in the use of MS Office suite of programs.
• Must be able to respect the privacy, sensitivity and confidentiality of the type of information individual may come across in this role.

Abilities:

• Can work independently and proactively to identify issues, involve appropriate stakeholders, and facilitate and implement solutions.
• Ease of use learning, exploring and training colleagues on new software systems.
• Quickly receive and process information to assess a rapidly evolving situation and ability to make timely decisions
• Ability to make timely decisions consistent with the values of the organization and the established delivery plan.
• Strong communication capability to build good inter-personal relationship with staff, partners and other key stakeholders.
• Ability to mobilize people - to develop and maintain relationships with staff and communities to ensure their participation in CRS programs.
• Non-discriminatory and readiness to involve beneficiaries and communities from diverse backgrounds, particularly the most marginalized groups, acting in a respectful and culturally sensitive manner.
• Can work in sensitive and high security environments.
• Willing to travel extensively to different locations; even on short notice   

Competencies (for all CRS Staff)
Agency-Wide Competencies:

• These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results:
  • Serves with Integrity
  • Models Stewardship
  • Cultivates Constructive Relationships
  • Promotes Learning

MEAL Competencies:

• Accountability: Improving our accountability to a range of stakeholders through increased participation, transparent communication, responsive feedback mechanisms, and adherence to internal quality standards and requirements.
• Learning: Promoting excellent knowledge management and collaborative learning processes at the project, program and institutional levels, generating robust evidence for project and programmatic learning that leads to action, decision-making and influence.
• ICT for MEAL: Applying knowledge on information and communication technologies (ICT), both hardware and software, for opportune and accurate data collection, database management, conducting analyses, and making information easily accessible.

Working Relationships

• External: NGO and CSO partners, Government partners, Technical partners, beneficiaries, and community members.
• Internal: MEAL Coordinator, Deputy Country Representative for Programs, Human Resources Manager, Head of Operations, Program Managers, MEAL Officers.

 
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should download the CRS Application Form below, fill and send with a detailed 3-page resume in a single file document to: [email protected] Title of the position must be stated as the subject of the email.

Click here to download the CRS Application Form

Note: Applications sent in the required format will be considered and only short listed candidates will be contacted.

Application Deadline  1st June, 2016.

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