Job Vacancies at Catholic Relief Service (CRS) – 3 Positions

Catholic Relief Service (CRS) is recruiting to fill the following positions:

1.) Program Director
2.) Senior Finance Officer
3.) Education and Literacy Program Manager

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.) Program Director

Job Title: Program Director (International Position)

Department: Urban Resilience Program Unit

Reports To: Head of Programmes – Country Programming

Country: CRS-Sierra Leone.

Duty Location: CRS Country Office, Freetown with 30% travel to program sites

Job Summary 

You will provide technical oversight and lead the development and implementation of the Country Program  (CP) urban resilience programming, particularly for large and complex projects, ensuring effective systems  and processes are in place that support high-quality program design and implementation advancing Catholic  Relief Services’ (CRS) work in serving the poor and vulnerable. Your technical, leadership, management and  knowledge will ensure that the CP delivers high-quality programming and continuously works towards  improving the impact of its urban resilience programming. This role will oversee programme development  and implementation in several urban resilience subsectors including urban health, slum regeneration and  relocation, water security, sanitation and hygiene promotion, urban malaria, solid waste management,  disaster response, preparedness and mitigation, and disaster risk reduction.

people we serve through the application of the principles of stewardship, integrity, transparency, and  accountability.

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

• Provide leadership, management, and technical guidance of all new and existing projects within the  CP urban resilience portfolio throughout the project cycle to ensure project design, start-up,  implementation and close-out are in line with CRS quality principles and standards, donor guidelines,  and industry best practices.
• Effectively manage talent for urban resilience and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well being.Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, and complete  performance management for direct reports.
• Lead the development of program learning - identify opportunities for learning, research and  publications in the area of urban resilience and implementation of MEAL policy. Facilitate the  dissemination of promising practices and lessons learned to contribute to the agency knowledge  management agenda. Ensure integration of innovations and best practices.
• Contribute to the proactive pursuit of opportunities for new funding to ensure growth of the CP  urban resilience sector portfolio in line with agency, regional, and CP urban resilience strategic  priorities. Serve as the technical lead and technical writer to ensure quality proposals in urban  resilience per agency and donor standards. Contribute to budgeting and staffing plans and activities  for proposals.
• Lead activities related to disaster risk reduction and ensure integration with emergency response  and resilience programming
• Work with the Water Fund Director to ensure the successful implementation of a Water Fund in  Freetown by liaising with lead technical partner The Nature Conservancy to ensure that a robust  business case is delivered, key stakeholders are convened, and donors contribute to the Water Fund.
• Oversee the slum regeneration consortium led by CRS in partnership with AAH, GOAL, Concern  Worldwide and CARE International. Support coordination of the consortium, donor engagement, and  program development activities.
• Represent CRS at all platforms related to urban resilience with government, private sector and civil  society engagement
• Produce and review documentation related to urban resilience to facilitate growth and investment in  high-quality interventions to transform Freetown and other urban areas in Sierra Leone
• Oversee technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities in urban resilience for staff and  partner organizations to enhance program quality and impact.
• Support the use of MEAL tools and practices in program development and implementation to ensure  that projects activities, outputs and outcomes comply with the objectives and expected  outputs/outcomes on an ongoing basis
• Oversee the identification, assessment and strengthening of partnerships relevant to urban  resilience and the appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches.
• Ensure timely and appropriate project expenditures in line with financial plans and efficient use and  stewardship of project material sources.

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements: 

Basic Qualifications

• Master's Degree in International Development, International Relations or in the field of urban  resilience required.
• At least 5 years working in the area of urban resilience, with preferably a minimum of 7 years’  experience in relevant field-based project management experience.
• Direct experience managing initiatives, programs and projects related to slum regeneration, waste  management, DRR, WASH and water security
• Experience in managing moderately complex projects preferably with an international NGO.
• Experience in driving and delivering high-profile urban resilience initiatives with multiple stakeholder  engagement and facilitation of investment

Personal Skills

• Good experience in project grants management, including project design, preferably for grants from  multiple public donors, including USAID.
• Demonstrated ability to write high quality technical proposals.
• Experience engaging with private sector, government representatives and local organizations.
• MEAL skills and experience required.
• Budget management skills.
• Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web  Conferencing Applications, information management systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to make sound judgment and decisions and  offer innovative solutions
• Strong relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and  externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.
• Good presentation and facilitation skills
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented

Required Languages – English – excellent spoken and written

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 30% to project locations. Some international travel may be  required.

Key Working Relationships:  

Supervisory Responsibilities: MEAL Manager, Grant Manager, Shelter Advisor, Water Fund Advisor, PrePD  Manager and Urban Malaria Manager

Internal – Team members as mentioned above, Communications Manager, Business Development Specialist,  Partnerships Technical Advisor, and the West Africa Regional Technical Advisors.

External – Freetown City Council, consortium members (GOAL, AAH, Concern, CARE), ministries of water  resources, environment, health and sanitation, and agriculture and forestry, national water resources  management agency

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 these positions please send up-to-date CV and a supporting letter, copies of  relevant certificates to:

[email protected].

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 19th November 2021.

2.) Senior Finance Officer

Job Title: Senior Finance Officer

Department: MGD/FFE Project Unit

Reports To: Grant Manager – MGD/FFE

Country: CRS-Sierra Leone.

Duty Location: CRS Field Office in Kabala with 25% (to the field, SR Offices and project implementation  sites)

Job Summary: 

You will help coordinate and contribute to the implementation of the Country Program’s (CP’s) accounting  systems, policies and procedures in compliance with CRS’ established accounting standards, Generally  Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), donors’ rules and regulations, and legal requirements to support  high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable. You will efficiently perform accounting services  through documenting financial transactions by compiling, analyzing, and verifying account information;  preparing account entries; and delivering financial reporting services.

Job Responsibilities: 

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

• Review and validate supporting documentation before processing of financial transactions to ensure  all required documents are accurate and complete and authorizations are in place.

o Review accuracy of POET coding for processing financial transactions for assigned accounts in  Insight.

• Ensure setup and maintenance of all data required for processing financial transactions for assigned  accounts in Insight financial accounting package.
• Record financial transactions following appropriate authorizations. Review and analyze various  accounts to detect irregularities. Advise on corrective actions and prepare correcting entries and  adjustments, as necessary.
• Monitor disbursement/receipt schedules, alert relevant staff of due payments/liquidations, and  maintain appropriate communication and follow-up to facilitate timeliness of financial resource  management.
• Prepare various, periodic and ad hoc financial reports, as needed, and perform variance analyses to  assist with decision-making and proper management of financial resources.

o Prepare Bank Reconciliation statements for Freetown and Kabala Sub-Offices. Ensure proper  follow up and clearing of outstanding unreconciling items in a timely manner in accordance with  policy.

o Serve as back-up to the Deputy Finance Manager for the preparation of FLCAT and ensure  Severance is printed and approved monthly.

o Provide relevant support for month and year-end close process.

o Prepare Quarterly Cash Forecast

o Prepare Monthly Aging Reports.

• Provide information to subrecipients and staff on financial accounting policies and procedural  compliance issues and contribute to capacity strengthening.
• Perform assigned treasury (cash payment/receipt, cash forecast, etc.) duties, as long as segregation  of duties is ensured.

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements: 

Basic Qualifications 

• B.A. degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration with courses in accounting,  or a qualification in accounting (CPA/ACCA or equivalent).
• Minimum of two years experience in a position with similar responsibilities, preferably with an  international or local NGO, or a financial/banking institution.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Excellent analytical skills with ability to detect and report inconsistencies
• Accuracy and completeness with great attention to detail
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions oriented and results-oriented
• Ability to work collaboratively

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Knowledge of the relevant public donors’ regulations preferred.
• Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Familiar with an accounting software systems. Knowledge of Project Insight is a plus.

Required Languages - English

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 25% to the field, SR Offices and project implementation  sites.

Key Working Relationships: 

Supervisory Responsibilities (if none, state none)

Internal: Finance and CP Team

External: 

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 these positions please send up-to-date CV and a supporting letter, copies of  relevant certificates to:

[email protected]

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 19th November 2021.

3.) Education and Literacy Program Manager

Job Title: Education and Literacy Program Manager

Department: MGD/FFE Project Unit

Reports To: Senior Program Manager – MGD/FFE

Country: CRS-Sierra Leone.

Duty Location: CRS Field Office, Kabala with 30% (travel within the District and weekly travel to  Freetown)

Job Summary: 

You will manage the Education Programme under the McGovern-Dole International Food for  Education and Child Nutrition project in the Country Program (CP), designing and implementing  projectsadvancing Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work in serving the poor and vulnerable. Your  management skills and knowledge will ensure that the CP delivers high-quality programming and  continuously works towards improving the impact of its programming across the districts and areas  where we work within Sierra Leone.

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

• Manage and implement all activities relevant to this project from project design, start-up,  implementation and close-out, to ensure efficient and effective implementation in line with  CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.
• Ensure project team and partner staff use the appropriate systems and tools.
• Effectively manage and supervise talent including managing team dynamics and staff well being. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, contribute to the  recruitment process of project staff, and complete performance management for direct  reports.
• Champion learning with project staff and partner teams. Analyze and evaluate project  performance data following MEAL policy.
• Proactively identify issues and concerns and use participatory processes to overcome  implementation obstacles.
• Act as a key resource person in project design and proposal development in the respective  programming area, gap-filling and taking on growth responsibilities, as and when needed.
• Coordinate the identification of staff capacity and technical assistance needs of partner  organizations and capacity strengthening and required interventions to support quality  project implementation.
• Help identify, assess and strengthen partnerships relevant to education, applying appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches.
• Coordinate and monitor financial and material resources relevant to project needs.Through  planning and oversight ensure efficient use of project resources

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements: 

Basic Qualifications 

• Master's Degree in Education, International Development or International Relations  required. Additional experience may substitute for some education.
• Minimum of 4 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing light to  moderately complex projects required, preferably with an international NGO. • Additional experience may substitute for some education.

Preferred Qualifications

• Project management experience in Education is highly desirable.
• Experience engaging with partner organizations.
• Experience contributing to the development of technical proposals.
• MEAL skills and experience preferred.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web  Conferencing Applications, information management systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound  judgment.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with culturally  diverse groups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to write reports
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented

Required Languages – English Language. Knowledge of Krio will be an added advantage Travel - 30 %. (travel within the District and weekly travel to Freetown)

Key Working Relationships: 

Supervisory Responsibilities: Senior Project Officer Education, SILC Manager Internal: Health and Nutrition PM, Field Operations Manager, School Liaison Officers, Field  Monitors and other FFE program staff members

External: MBSSE (at national and district level), School Feeding Secretariat, Teachers, Education  Stakeholders and partners, SMCs,

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 these positions please send up-to-date CV and a supporting letter, copies of  relevant certificates to:

[email protected]

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 19th November 2021.