Catholic Relief Services is recruiting to fill the following positions:

1.) Risk and Compliance Officer
2.) Communications Assistant
3.) Project Assistant – Gender

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 are accomplished through programs of emergency response, health (including malaria), agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

CRS/ Sierra Leone and Program Background

Catholic Relief Service (CRS) started work in Sierra Leone in 1963 carrying out the commitment of the Catholic bishops and the Catholic community of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. For over 57 years, CRS has been on the front lines in responding to emergencies and promoting health, education, agriculture, and urban resilience in Sierra Leone.

To date, the Country Program has a robust portfolio built around several major programs in Health, Agriculture, Nutrition, Education and Urban Resilience such as the USDA/McGovern Dole Food for Education and Nutrition (All Pikin for Learn) Program, Global Fund Malaria Program and COVID-19 Response Mechanism Project. In addition, the country program is working on several high-profile opportunities to improve water security in Freetown and support Freetown City Council to deliver its Transform Freetown strategy through slum regeneration.

See job details and how to apply below.

1.) Risk and Compliance Officer

Job Title: Risk and Compliance Officer

Department: Risk and Compliance Unit – Pool Operations

Reports To:  Risk and Compliance Manager

Country:CRS-Sierra Leone.

Duty Location: CRS Country Office, Freetown with 20% travel to program sites

Job Summary

The Risk and Compliance Officer’s objectives and yearly workplan will be aligned with that of the RC Manager, providing support to the latter in achieving the set objectives for the Unit and eventually for the Country Program (CP).

The Post Holder will support the conduct of timely audits, compliance and risk related activities for the CP and Partners (or subrecipient/SRs) in adherence to CRS policies, processes and procedures, local laws, and donor regulations to help ensure effective delivery of high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable.  His/her knowledge and skills will help reduce risk to staff, effectiveness of our programming and to the people we serve through the application of the principles of stewardship, integrity, transparency, and accountability.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the RC Manager and Senior RC Officer in strengthening internal control systems.

• To stay informed with CRS Policies and Procedures, local laws and donor regulations.

• To support the planning and conduct of periodic audits, control reviews, transaction processing, and compliance functions of CRS offices and Partners/SRs activities.

• To support the conduct of risk assessments and provide solutions to address challenging areas.

• To serve as Co-facilitator in the design and facilitation of trainings and capacity strengthening for CRS and SRs.

• To Support RC Manager to work on fraud investigation processes.

• To deputize the RC Manager or Senior RC Officer in Bid Committee meetings and all other meetings as may be delegated.

• To support compliance checks on all SRFMP assignments and reviews posted on CRS gateway.

• To support reviews of Commodity Stock documentations and the supply chain processes.

• To support the conduct of an independent inventory of CRS warehouses.

• To fully participate in the conduct of due diligence on suppliers/vendors.

• To support the conduct of Bridger verifications for CRS Partners/SRs.

• To support activities in fraud awareness raising, trainings, etc.

• To perform other audit/compliance-oriented tasks as requested by Supervisor

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Auditing, Accounting, Finance, or relevant Professional Equivalent.

• Minimum of 5 years work experience with International Non-Governmental Organizations (INGOs) including the Private Sector in audit, compliance, and risk management functions.

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience conducting fraud investigations in INGOs including the Private Sector.

• Knowledge of audit standards and compliance regulations and familiarity with international standards for internal control and risk management (e.g., COSO framework, etc.).

• Familiarity with accounting systems such as INSIGHT.

• Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word & PowerPoint).

Personal Skills

• Ability to recommend sound judgment.

• Ethical conduct in accordance with audit and compliance profession.

• Proactive, resourceful and results oriented.

• Excellent computer skills in Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel.

• Organized and flexible, ability to respond to changing priorities.

• Willingness to travel to field sites on a regular basis.

• Attention to detail.

• Excellent communication skills while interacting with colleagues and partners/SRs.

Key Working Relationships:

Supervisory: Risk & Compliance Manager

Internal: Senior Risk & Compliance Officer, Program and Operations Unit Heads.

External:  SRs during audit and due diligence visit with Vendors.

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. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to safeguarding-related topics.

WOMEN ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.  CRS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To apply for any of the position please send up-to-date CV and a supporting letter, copies of relevant certificates to SL_HR@crs.org. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Also send a copy of your application package to the desk Officers, Ministry of Employment and Social Security,New England, and Extension Offices in Applicants’ Locations

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Closing date for the receipt of application packages is 5th November 2021.

2.) Communications Assistant

Job Title:Communications Assistant

Department:Communications

Reports To:      Communications Manager

Country:CRS-Sierra Leone.

Duty Location: CRS Country Office in Freetown with 50% travel to program sites

Job Summary:

The Communications Assistant will work closely with programs staffs to create content and to ensure strategic alignment of communications, consistent messaging, and a strong brand identity. The Communications Assistant creates content and uses effective communications channels to reach several different audiences and help increase CRS Sierra Leone positioning for funding and influence.  This includes stories, multimedia and reports as required, as well as ensuring CRS’ compliance with donor branding and marking requirements. The job holder will also support social behavior change communications on Malaria, Tuberculous and COVID-19.

Job Responsibilities:

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Write, design, and coordinate the production of creative and compelling communication and marketing material –stories, photos, video, fact sheets, brochures, etc. - for various audiences, including public and private donors, local and national governments, local Church, partners, media, and others as needed.

• Coordinate freelancers in the production of above marketing materials as needed.

• Support the procurement processes for licenses, equipment and applications needed to implement the Country Program communications strategy.

• Use and tailor agency messages tailored for each audience, identify, and utilize effective distribution channels to disseminate communications materials to key audiences.

• As appropriate, manage social media channels and develop contents for the Country Program social media pages.

• Develop and maintain relationships with local media and help identify opportunities to reach key audiences.

• Organize media coverage for all external events as appropriate and document outputs.

• Support the dissemination of relevant information among personnel, partners, and project participants or other relevant actors related to the Country Program.

• Provide marketing and communications support for events, including signage, handouts, talking points, photos, liaising with media, etc.

• Support the creation of processes, manuals and trainings for Country Program staff and partners on issues related to communications, marketing, and media relations.

• Monitor the media for mentioned of CRS and produce weekly media review for staff.

• Work closely with the relevant Government bodies and partners to develop SBCC strategies and manage implementation of those strategies. Provide technical support to programs on SBCC components of their projects.

• Develop weekly contents for CRS social media pages and produce bi-yearly newsletter.

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, or related studies; experience in INGOs preferred.

• Minimum two years marketing and communication experience, ideally for an NGO or another organization in development and relief programming.

• Minimum 2 years’ experience developing and implementing SBCC strategies targeting vulnerable groups in remote setting.

• Excellent English language oral and written communication skills is required.

• Individual must possess the ability to influence without direct authority.

• Ability and desire to work well with diverse employees and partners in a cooperative and friendly manner.

• Must possess ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated track record of successfully disseminating information to a variety of target audiences.

• Highly proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and desktop publishing skills is required.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, Lightroom and Photoshop is strongly desired.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent English language oral and written communication skills is required.

• Individual must possess the ability to influence without direct authority.

• Ability and desire to work well with diverse employees and partners in a cooperative and friendly manner.

• Must possess ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

• Demonstrated track record of successfully disseminating information to a variety of target audiences.

• Highly proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and adobe creative suite required.

Required Languages – English and Krio

Travel - Must be willing to travel up to 50% to program sites.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Regional Marketing and Communications Team, Program Directors, Program Managers and Project Officers.

External: The Media, CRS Implementing Partners and Project Participants.

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. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to safeguarding-related topics.

WOMEN ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.  CRS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To apply for any of the position please send up-to-date CV and a supporting letter, copies of relevant certificates to SL_HR@crs.org. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Also send a copy of your application package to the desk Officers, Ministry of Employment and Social Security,New England, and Extension Offices in Applicants’ Locations

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Closing date for the receipt of application packages is 5th November 2021.

3.) Project Assistant – Gender

Job Title:Project Assistant – Gender

Department:   Gender

Reports To:     Gender Focal Point

Country:CRS-Sierra Leone.

Duty Location: CRS Country Office, Freetown with 40% travel to program sites

Job Summary:

Catholic Relief Services seeks for all its programming to be gender responsive at the minimum. The Gender Project Assistant will provide support to the CP programming gender audit team. She/he will assist the Gender Focal Point to work closely with programs and project on gender integration based on findings, recommendations, and action plan from the programming gender audit.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

Programming Gender Audit

• Support the CP programming gender audit: engage staff and partners through Focus Group Discussions and Key Informant Interviews to assess existing mainstreaming, successes, and challenges.

• Assist the Gender Focal Point to innovatively use findings to improve gender integration into programming activities.

• Visit and monitor staff and partners’ activities and work- plans; draws attention to successes and challenges faced in the program and suggest solutions.

• Support in writing the programming audit report with recommendations to ensure gender mainstreaming is embedded in all program activities and define areas of gender mainstreaming in all projects.

Support gender integration into CRS programming and Operations

• Using recommendations from the programming audit report, assist in providing support to program managers and technical advisors in the implementation of key gender components of their projects.

• Monitor and report on project related gender issues in the CP.

• Provide assistance in data collection, compiling lessons learned, prepare success stores and case studies on gender, establishing indicators to support knowledge sharing on gender.

• Assist in the development of concept notes, project documents and research area on gender integration.

• Participate in gender related community of practice in the region.

• Works closely with the program staff and partners to implement and monitor project plans and activities related to gender mainstreaming and raise any issues of gender concern with the program team and partners.

• Support to facilitate the inclusion of gender into all aspects of program planning, processes, and activities.

• Participates in mapping gender capacity assessment of partners.

• Support in coordinating trainings on gender sensitization for staff, partners, and other stakeholders.

• Organizes workshops and network meetings for partners and ensure timely and effective arrangements, prepare minutes, and produce training reports.

• Regularly organize the CP Gender working group meetings and ensure information flow.

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in gender studies, administration, or related field.

• Minimum 1 year experience in gender programming in an international development and relief field.

• Experience in conducting gender assessment and data collection.

• Experience facilitating focus group discussions and key informant interviews on a sensitive topic.

• Excellent report writing skills.

• Knowledge in gender and development.

• Basic administrative knowledge.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in analyzing qualitative data and writing quality report is strongly desired.

• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web conferencing applications, information management systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good time management skills with ability to work on multiple tasks.

• Strong customer service orientation, attention to detail with good communication and interpersonal skills.

• Proactive, resourceful, solutions oriented and results oriented.

Required Languages – English and Krio

Travel - Must be willing to travel up to 40% to program sites.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

 Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Gender Working Group, Program Directors, Program Managers, Project Officers, MEAL Coordinators, Operations staff.

External: CRS Implementing partners

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. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to safeguarding-related topics.

WOMEN ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.  CRS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To apply for any of the position please send up-to-date CV and a supporting letter, copies of relevant certificates to SL_HR@crs.org. Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Also send a copy of your application package to the desk Officers, Ministry of Employment and Social Security,New England, and Extension Offices in Applicants’ Locations

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Closing date for the receipt of application packages is 5th November 2021.