Job Vacancies at Catholic Relief Services (CRS) – 4 Positions

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

1.) Education and Literacy Program Manager
2.) Health and Nutrition Program Manager
3.) Zonal Coordinator (Project Officer)
4.) Information Communication Technology for Development Officer

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, health (including malaria), agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

CRS/ Sierra Leone and Program Background

Catholic Relief Service (CRS) launched its work in Sierra Leone in 1963 supporting relief and development operations in the country. CRS Sierra Leone has proudly maintained a strong reputation and relationship with partners and the communities we serve in the country implementing a multi-sector program portfolio. Today, the Country Program has a robust portfolio built around several major programs in Health, Agriculture, Nutrition, Education and Urban Resilience. CRS/Sierra Leone currently implements projects in Education, Emergencies, Health and Urban Resilience sector area, including: the USDA/McGovern Dole Food for Education funded All Pikin for Learn (APfL) project, and is a co-principal recipient of the Global Fund malaria grant to the country. Other funding includes the EU-funded COVID response project, the Coca Cola-funded RAIN project, and the DFID-funded waste management project. In addition, the country program is working on several high-profile opportunities included establishing a Freetown Water Fund, supporting the Freetown City Council to deliver its Transform Freetown strategy through slum regeneration, and emergency response to COVID-19 funded by USG/OFDA.  CRS Urban malaria research project anticipate that by incorporating malaria activities in the Transform Freetown Project, a more holistic and sustainable approach to improving the health and reducing malaria prevalence can be achieved.

See job details and how to apply below.

1.) Education and Literacy Program Manager

Department: MGD Food for Education Project Unit

Reports To:        Chief of Party - MGD Food for Education Project Unit

Country:CRS-Sierra Leone.

Duty Location: CRS Office Kabala with 30% travel to program sites

Job Summary:

You will manage programming in the Country Program (CP) for the Education Program area of the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition project, designing and implementing projects advancing 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.

Job Responsibilities:

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Manage and implement all activities throughout relevant project cycles - 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 talent and supervise. Manage 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 respective programming area, gap-filling and taking on growth responsibilities, as 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 Kreo will be an added advantage

Travel- include percentage of required travel, if applicable. Could be stated as Must be willing and able to travel up to 30 %.

Supervisory Responsibilities: Senior Project Officer Education, SILC Manager

Key Working Relationships:

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 this position 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 20th August 2021.

2.) Health and Nutrition Program Manager

Department: MGD Food for Education Project Unit

Reports To: Chief of Party - MGD Food for Education Project Unit

Country: CRS-Sierra Leone.

Duty Location: CRS Office Kabala with 25% travel to program sites

Job Summary:

This is a hands-on supervisory position responsible for promoting health and dietary practices as part of CRS’ efforts to realize Strategic Objective 2 of the McGovern-Dole Food for Education and Child Nutrition project. The incumbent in this role will lead efforts to promote meal planning, school health and nutrition education, school health clubs, social behavior change communication (both at school and community level), deworming, WASH in schools and supporting the national government develop relevant school health and nutrition policies. You will further support coordination efforts between relevant ministries and departments as well as support assessments to identify health and nutrition needs of vulnerable groups. You will provide oversight to health and nutrition initiatives of the program and will take the lead in the design, implementation, monitoring and reporting of all training related activities of the MGD project either implemented directly by CRS or in collaboration with government and sub-recipient.

Job Responsibilities:

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Provide technical oversight and direction for health and nutrition activities as an integral part of the project and build on existing health and nutrition initiatives in Sierra Leone.

• Assess nutrition gaps and develop nutrition-sensitive activities to enhance the health and nutrition of project beneficiaries, especially in the area of meal planning, dietary diversity and nutrition and health practices amongst pupils in project schools.

• Lead the development of materials, key messages and trainings in schools and communities to promote health and nutrition.

• Ensure effective partnerships, coordination and collaboration between key project stakeholders, particularly sub-recipient and departments of line ministries.

• Lead the development of SBCC materials and coordinate implementation of initiatives by project sub-recipient.

• Develop and maintain effective and mutually beneficial relationships with other key health and nutrition stakeholders.

• Address the nutritional needs of pregnant and lactating women and children under five years of age, as applicable.

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree or equivalent in Nutrition

• Minimum of 5 years field work with an INGO

• Excellent oral and written communication skills

• Strong analytical skills

• Computer literate in word and excel

• Ability and willingness live in and travel to remote areas

• Ability to work under pressure, handles multiple tasks, and meets deadlines

• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work in a team

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in school meal nutrition and health programming

• Experience with Social Behavior Change Communication

• Budget management experience

• Monitoring and evaluation

• Research skills

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong writing and editing skills

• Ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders;

• Strong organizational skills

• Experience of team working

• Ability to work on own initiative under pressure and tight deadlines in a busy environment and competing demands

• Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook) and the Internet

• Good presentation skills

• Excellent numeracy skills

Required Languages – English (Krio will be an advantage)

Travel- 25% travel to field location

Supervisory Responsibilities: The incumbent will be responsible for supervising the WASH and Infrastructure Program Manager and Health and Nutrition Project Officer.

Key Working Relationships

Internal:  Chief of Party, Head of Programs, Program Managers, Program Officers, Area Operations Manager and other CRS staff.

External: DDHT, Caritas-Makeni, Teachers, MSGs, Pupils, SMCs, relevant line ministries and departments, district councils and community stakeholders.

Work Conditions/Environment Conditions

The position is based in Kabala in the Northern Part of Sierra Leone and requires approximately 25% travel, sometimes to hardship locations and for extended periods of time that can last several weeks. This is an unaccompanied position due to the remoteness of the field location and require flexibility.

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 this position 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 20th August 2021

3.) Zonal Coordinator (Project Officer)

Department: Global Fund Project Unit - Programs

Reports To:        Health Program Manager (Deputy Project Director) Global Fund Project Unit

Country: CRS-Sierra Leone.

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

Job Summary

• 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. Analyse 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

Other Specific Responsibility:

Under the overall supervision of the Global Fund Project Director and directly reporting to the Program Manager, the Zonal Coordinator will serve as a team member and responsible to support and ensure implementation of all Global Fund NFM3 project activities in an assigned Zone. A Zone is made up of 3 or more districts. In particular, the Zonal Coordinator will support and monitor implementation of IEC/BCC (Mass Media and Community Outreach) by Sub Recipients as well as the implementation of national surveys under the Global Fund grant.

Support implementation and Coordination:

• Ensure objective selection of clubs when sampling.

• Coordinate with Program Manager, M & E Coordinator and the Global Fund NFM3 Project Director to report on barriers to implementation in the field and provide inputs to problem solving.

• Participate in and coordinate with SRs and SSRs to report progress during DHMT monthly coordination meetings.

• Actively seek to understand the main interventions being promoted by other development actors in assigned operational area and ensure coordination.

• Compile, analyze and present zonal level information on BCC/IEC activities for reporting of program progress.

• As part of risk management, verify implementation and review SRs and SSRs reports to ensure accuracy of reports and field operations.

• Consistently use recommendations from trip reports to structure partner capacity building.

• Capture and report on program challenges, major decisions, lessons learned, and best practices gathered from monthly DHMT coordination meetings.

• Provide a copy of the agreed monthly summary data as part of their report to the CRS M&E Coordinator.

• Identify and report on any gaps or weakness in BCC and mass media reporting and monitoring systems.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Research:

• Monitor Sub-Recipients and Sub-Sub Recipients at a district level to report to M&E officer on program implementation.

• Conduct monitoring visits to project implementation sites:

• Observe 5SHC and 11 CHC every month

• Observe outreach activities, verify supporting documentation

• Provide supportive supervision, sharing observations

• Document observations during visits and make recommendations

• Consistently conduct entry meetings prior to monitoring SRs and SSRs explaining objectives

• Consistently conduct exit meeting/ debrief with key SRs and SSRs staff to share and validate findings and recommendations

• Systematically ensure the timely and quality reporting by SRs and SSRs in operational area.

• Monitor the use of standardized CRS reporting forms and suggest adaptations as required.

• Monitor and document BCC/IEC activities implemented through the media (Radio, TV etc.)

• Support the conduct of surveys (small- and large-scale studies)

Capacity Strengthening of Sub and Sub-sub Recipients:

• Support the development of program implementation and monitoring tools and lead the roll out of the tools in assigned districts.

• Support the Project Staff to facilitate capacity building sessions with the SRs and SSRs especially in reporting and project implementation.

DHMT Support:

• Work closely with District Medical Officers and other key partners to ensure that BCC and outreach activities are included in the planning and management of for the districts

• Ensure linkages between PHU staff and / or CHWs (or CBPs) with SHC and CHC as appropriate

• Linkages between DHMT, SRs, SSRs and other partners

Representation:

• Establish strong working relationships with SRs, SSRs, DHMTs and other stakeholders.

• Participate in District Health Management coordination meetings, technical working groups and general meetings.

• Represent the program at various levels as delegated by supervisors.

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Basic Qualification:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.

• Minimum of five years’ experience in data collection and/or capacity strengthening.

• Experience in financial statement preparation, budgeting and grant reporting

• Experience with the Global Fund, UNAIDS, Rollback Malaria or Stop TB a plus

• Ability to work to meet deadlines in multiple tasking environments.

• Significant field experience working with other partners.  Strong analytical skill.

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English, organized and detail oriented.

• Willingness to work additional hours during critical implementation periods.

• Ability to develop effective systems considering organizational effectiveness and impact on people.

• Excellent planning skills.  Demonstrate creative approaches to problem solving.

• Excellent independent judgment and decision-making skills.

• Ability to effectively interview and solicit information from individuals with varying educational and socio-economic backgrounds and levels, as well as ethnic and linguistic backgrounds.

• Ability to work independently and objectively maintaining the highest standards of integrity in job performance.

Flexible and easily adaptable to change. Ability to work in and promote a team environment/concept.  Strong computer skills (Excel, Word).

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:  Behaviour Change Field Agents, CRS Partner SRs and SSRs KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Internal: GF Project Director, Program Manager, MEAL Manager, Grant Manager, ICT4D Officer and Senior Project Officer

External: District Medical Officer, DHMTs, Schools, Program Sub Recipients, Sub-Sub recipients and Other.

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 this position 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 20th August 2021.

4.) Information Communication Technology for Development Officer

Department:Global Fund Project Unit

Reports To:        Program Director – Global Fund Project Unit

Country:CRS-Sierra Leone.

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

Job Summary:

You will coordinate and deliver various ICT and ICT4D (ICT) related services in accordance with established agency ICT policies, procedures, and service standards to support high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable. You will provide responsive, professional service and technical support to Global Fund staff and partners (SRs/SSRs) to ensure efficient operation and use of project information sharing, communication, and collaboration technologies.

Job Responsibilities:

Roles and Key responsibilities

• Deploy, configure, and maintain ICT systems and databases, including networks, servers, and telecommunications. Troubleshoot and address issues to ensure optimal performance.

• Configure and maintain applications and user devices. Provide timely and quality service delivery, technical support, and advice to user requests to ensure proper user access to agency business data and information.

• Maintain inventory of ICT equipment, hardware, and software and ensure adequate supply and functionality, in collaboration with relevant staff.  Provide input to budget for ICT related expenses.

• Coordinate relationships with suppliers to facilitate delivery of ICT-related services that meet CRS business requirements and needs.

• Partner with program staff to support integration and evolution of digital solutions in improving program implementation.

• Support building capacity of program staff by supporting use and integration of digital data collection tools with ICT4D solutions (CommCare & Power BI) to facilitate and track data collection done by Global fund staff and partners.

• Prepare statistical reports on ICT-related data and metrics. As needed, implement measures to ensure required standards are met by staff and partners.

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in IT-related field (Computer Science, Computer Networking, Programming, and Information Systems) required. Significant work experience in a directly related field combined with appropriate training/certificates may substitute for degree.

• Desired certifications include Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate or equivalent, Cisco Certified Network Associate or equivalent, Microsoft SharePoint Foundations or equivalent and ITIL Foundation Certified.

• Minimum of three years’ work experience in a position with similar responsibilities.

• Experience in introduction, design, implementation, and adoption of relevant technology and data management tools.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated capacity in management of network/server software and hardware devices and platforms.

• Grasp of complex network, security, mobile, desktop, server, telephony, backup, application and database technologies.

• Experience with ITSM and systems management tools preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good relationship management skills. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally with a strong partnership focus.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate technical ideas and concerns in a non-technical manner.

• Strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture, make sound decisions, and offer non-standard solutions.

• Able to maintain confidential information.

• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented.

• Basic understanding of analysis concepts and best practice.

• Demonstrated experience building ICT capacity with professional staff.

Required Languages - List languages required to perform the job

Travel- include percentage of required travel, if applicable. Could be stated as Must be willing and able to travel up to extra hours as and when necessary.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Behavior Change Field Agents

Collaborate with CRS MEAL Staff and Partners - SRs and SSRs data processing, DHMT on data verification.

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: GF Project Director, Program Manager, MEAL Manager, Grant Manager, Senior Project Officer and CP-IT Manager

External: DHMTs M&E Unit, Sub Recipients, Sub-Sub recipients, NMCP, NLTCP and Other 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 this position 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 20th August 2021.