Catholic Relief Services is recruiting to fill the following positions:

1.) Grant Accountant
2.) MEAL Manager
3.) Project Officer
4.) School Meal Coordinator
5.) Advocacy and Communications Officer

 

See job details and how to apply below.

 

1.) Grant Accountant

CRS JOB ADVERT – INTERNAL/EXTERNAL 

CRS is Recruiting for 1 Position: Grant Accountant 

If you are interested and your profile matches the requirements, please read the below job descriptions, and follow the instructions to submit your application package.  

About CRS 

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community  in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100  countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is  accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education,  microfinance and peacebuilding.

The project aims to promote an inclusive political process, social cohesion and socio-economic  improvement for young people in Sierra Leone. Through this project, CRS and implementing partners  will engage diverse stakeholders to address unequal power relations between leaders and young  people at district and national levels. The project will empower young people, particularly young  women, to engage in advocacy activities against gender-based violence (GBV) and underlying cultural  and traditional beliefs that undermine youth participation in socio-economic activities. Young people  will also be empowered and protected to support peacebuilding efforts at chiefdom and district  levels.

The project outcomes are:

• Enhanced participation and representation of youth (including women and PWDs) in  decision-making processes.
• Outcome 2: Youths are capacitated to mitigate conflict and promote social cohesion
• Outcome 3: Youths including young women and youths with disability engaged in diversified  livelihoods

 

Job Summary: 

You will help coordinate and contribute to the implementation of the United Nations Peace Building Fund  (UNPBF) 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 the UNPBF financial transactions by compiling, analyzing, and verifying account  information, preparing account entries, and delivering financial reporting services throughout the UNPBF life  cycle.

Note: The Project/Grant Accountant may be assigned responsibility for delivery of accounting and financial  reporting services for either payable or receivable transactions.

Job Title: Grant Accountant  

Department: Programming – UNPBF 

Reports To: Project Manager – UNPBF, with dotted lines to the Finance Manager- Grant Country: CRS-Sierra Leone.  

Duty Location: CRS Freetown Office 

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

• Set and monitor sound accounting and financial reporting procedures for UPBF subrecipients and  partners following established standards. Ensure setup and maintenance of all data required for  processing financial transactions for assigned UNPBF accounts in Sun Systems financial accounting  package.
• Review and validate supporting documentation before processing of financial transactions to ensure  all required documents are accurate and complete and authorizations are in place.  • 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.
• Assess, evaluate and monitor subrecipient financial management processes in accordance with  policy and strengthen capacity of partner in financial accounting and transactions.
• Monitor disbursement/receipt schedules, alert relevant UNPBF staff of due payments/liquidations,  and maintain appropriate communication and follow-up to facilitate timeliness of financial resource  management and compliance with set deadlines.
• Prepare various periodic and ad hoc financial reports and perform variance analysis to assist UNPBF  staff with decision-making. Assist with budget maintenance for proper management of financial  resources.
• Provide information to UNPBF staff, subrecipients, and partners on financial accounting policies and  procedural compliance issues and deliver training and other capacity building activities. • Perform assigned treasury UNPBF (cash payment/receipt, cash forecast, etc.) duties, as long as  segregation of duties is ensured.

 

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.

Required Languages – Good English Language

Krio

And other related (French)

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel when required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Excellent analytical skills with ability to detect and report inconsistencies
• Conscientious, accurate and thorough 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

Preferred Qualifications 

• Knowledge of the relevant public donor regulations preferred.
• Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications.  Knowledge of Sun Systems financial accounting package or similar financial reporting software  preferred.

Supervisory Responsibilities: none 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

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  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 28th February 2023.

---

2.) MEAL Manager

CRS JOB ADVERT – INTERNAL/EXTERNAL 

CRS is recruiting for 1 Position: MEAL Manager 

If you are interested and your profile matches the requirements, please read the below job descriptions, and follow the instructions to submit your application package.  

About CRS 

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the  United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without  regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs  of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. 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 based on the country’s dynamic needs.  Today, the Country Program has a robust portfolio built around several major programs in Health, Nutrition,  Education, and Global Fund. CRS Sierra Leone has its main office in Freetown and a field office in Kabala, with  over 140 staff in total.

Job Title: Meal Manager – Global Fund 

Department: Global Fund 

Reports To: Project Director – Global Fund 

Country: CRS-Sierra Leone.  

Duty Location: CRS Freetown, must be willing and able to travel 

Job Summary: 

The purpose of this position is to manage, strengthen, and provide technical direction to the Global Fund MEAL system, ensure learning, build the capacity of MEAL staff, and support the implementation of CRS MEAL  policies and procedures. The MEAL Manager will support the Global Fund program team and partner staff to  develop high-quality monitoring systems and tools which measure progress toward indicators. He/she will  ensure that accountability and learning are systematically captured and used in the Global Fund and the  Country Program.

 

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

• Manage and implement all MEAL 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 teams and  partner staff use the appropriate systems and tools.
• Effectively manage talent and supervise the MEAL assistant. Manage team dynamics and staff well being.
• Champion learning with project staff, partner teams, and other project MEAL staff within the CP. 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 MEAL resource person in the MEAL system review for the Global Fund portfolio.
•  Coordinate the identification of MEAL needs of partner organizations and capacity strengthening and  required interventions to support quality project implementation.
• Compile, analyze and present project summary data and progress reports to Global Fund Director to  generate progress updates for reporting.
• Support partners through supervision and training to ensure that they provide CRS timely and quality  reports.
• Conduct data verification exercises in the field to ensure data and reporting are of high quality and data  reported to donors, CRS and other stakeholders are accurate.
• Monitor the use of standardized CRS reporting forms and suggest adaptations as required.
•  Developed new reporting forms as needed in consultation with Project Director.
•  Coordinate with project managers, MEAL assistants, project officers and the director to report on  barriers to implementation in the field and provide inputs to problem-solving.
• Support MEAL Assistants and project officers to follow up on the agreed monthly summary data and  quarterly progress reports.
• Monitor partners to report on MEAL-related activities as required during project implementation.
•  In consultation with Project Director, ensure the data collection needs are up to date
•  Establish strong working relationships with partners and other stakeholders.
• Represent the program at various levels as directed by the Global Fund Director.
•  Support the Director to meet all reporting requirements to Gateway.
• Collaborate with the CP MEAL coordinator to ensure that the CP program is compliant with the donor  and agencies’ MEAL policies, procedures, standards, and good practices.
• Carry out other CP, Regional, or Agency-wide MEAL initiatives that may be assigned from time to time by  the MEAL Coordinator.

 

Basic Qualifications 

• Master’s Degree in International Development, International Relations or in the field of Statistics,  Mathematics, or Computer Science required.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience
• Experience working with large donors e.g.: European Union, OFDA, USAID (including PEP FAR, FFP, FtF,  offices), USDA, Global Fund, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
• Familiarity with principles and current approaches to MEAL of development programs using both  quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Experience with participatory MEAL systems.
• Proficiency in database development/management, SPSS, Access, Excel, and skills in analyzing, interpreting, and communicating information to various stakeholders.
• Experience using ICT for data collection and information visioning and mapping using GIS.  • Significant experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative assessments and surveys (including sound understanding of sampling issues).
• Previous experience with leading and managing studies and consultants.
• Experience with facilitation, capacity strengthening, and partnership building, with the capacity to  empower staff through opportunities for growth & development.

Required Languages – English is essential, and Krio is an added advantage

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel around Western Urban and Rural settings.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  

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

Preferred Qualifications 

• Project management experience in MEAL is highly desirable.
• Experience engaging with partner organizations.
• Experience contributing to the development of technical proposals.

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

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  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 24th February 2023

---

3.) Project Officer

CRS JOB ADVERT – INTERNAL/EXTERNAL 

CRS is Recruiting for 1 Position: Project Officer 

If you are interested and your profile matches the requirements, please read the below job descriptions, and follow the instructions to submit your application package.  

About CRS 

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community  in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100  countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is  accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education,  microfinance and peacebuilding.

The project aims to promote an inclusive political process, social cohesion and socio-economic  improvement for young people in Sierra Leone. Through this project, CRS and implementing partners  will engage diverse stakeholders to address unequal power relations between leaders and young  people at district and national levels. The project will empower young people, particularly young  women, to engage in advocacy activities against gender-based violence (GBV) and underlying cultural  and traditional beliefs that undermine youth participation in socio-economic activities. Young people  will also be empowered and protected to support peacebuilding efforts at chiefdom and district  levels.

The project outcomes are:

• Enhanced participation and representation of youth (including women and PWDs) in  decision-making processes.
• Outcome 2: Youths are capacitated to mitigate conflict and promote social cohesion • Outcome 3: Youths including young women and youths with disability engaged in diversified  livelihoods

Job Summary: 

As a member of the United Nations Peace Building Fund (UNPBF) project team, you will monitor  and report on all project activities in support of Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor  and vulnerable. Your thorough and service-oriented approach will ensure that the project  consistently applies best practices and constantly works towards improving the impact of its  benefits to those we serve.

Job Title: Project Officer with Gender and Youth Expertise 

Department: Programming – UNPBF 

Reports To: Project Manager – UNPBF 

Country: CRS-Sierra Leone.  

Duty Location: CRS Freetown Office

 

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

• Support the coordination and implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in  the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards,  donor requirements, and good practices.
• Monitor and report any challenges and/or gaps identified to inform adjustments to plans  and implementation schedules. Assist partners in their efforts to reflect on project  experiences.
• Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and assisting  partners in their efforts to collect and analyze project data per specified mechanisms and  tools. Collaborate with local partner(s) to prepare reports per established reporting  schedule.
• Collect information on staff capacity needs and technical assistance needs of partner  organizations and monitor capacity building and technical support activities to ensure effective impact.
• Complete project documentation for assigned activities. Assist with identifying information  for case studies and reports on promising practices.
• Organize meetings with community stakeholders when necessary
• Responsible for decision-making processes at community, chiefdom, and district levels. • Project inception report.
• Meeting minutes and attendance list.
• Monthly Project progress

 

Basic Qualifications 

• High School diploma required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in project support. Experience in the field of gender  and youth(women) related issues and for an NGO would be a plus.
• Additional experience may substitute for some education.

Required Languages – Good English Language, Krio

And other related (French)

Travel – include percentage of required travel, if applicable. Could be stated as Must be willing and  able to travel up to 40%.

Key Working Relationships:  

Internal 

External  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Observation, active listening and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment • Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and  community members
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities • Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement.
•  Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data preferred.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Activities 
• Stakeholders’ engagement sessions with politicians, paramount chiefs, security apparatuses,  National Electoral Commission, PPRC, CSOs, etc.) to discuss proactive and meaningful  involvement of youths particularly young women in political processes and their protection  during and after elections.
• Organize awareness-raising sessions on the importance of peace and youths’ involvement in  political processes through media engagements and the production of IEC materials
•  Organize inter-community sports activities
• Organize an inter-political party and inter-community football matches
• Regional dialogue sessions with political party structures, traditional and religious leaders,  women’s groups, youth groups, and persons with disability organizations (PWD).
•  Strengthen the community’s existing structures through training, mentorship, meetings, and  coordination with another partner to advance advocacy and peacebuilding and the  community levels
• Organize meetings with community stakeholders when necessary
• Organize awareness-raising sessions through static parades, drama, and open space  “edutainment” session-popular artists or cultural groups entertainers to preach peace and  influence youths’ involvement on civic rights, responsibilities, and involvement in decision making processes in 5 districts.

Supervisory Responsibilities: none 

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

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  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 28th February 2023.

---

4.) School Meal Coordinator

CRS JOB ADVERT – INTERNAL/EXTERNAL 

CRS is Recruiting for 1 Position: School Meal Coordinator 

If you are interested and your profile matches the requirements, please read the below job descriptions, and follow the instructions to submit your application package.  

CRS Background 

Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the  poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We  welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our  values and our commitment to serving those in need.

Country Background 

CRS launched its work in Sierra Leone in 1963 supporting relief and development operations in the  country. CRS Sierra Lone 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, and Education. CRS Sierra Leone has its main office in Freetown and northern region field  office in Kabala, with over 180 staff in total.

 

Job Summary: 

As a member of the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition project-Lan  4 U Future V project team, you will monitor and report on all project activities in support of Catholic  Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable. Your thorough and service-oriented  approach will ensure that the project consistently applies best practices and constantly works towards  improving the impact of its benefits to those we serve.

Job Title: School Meals Coordinator  

Department: MGD5/FFE Project Unit 

Reports To: Senior Project Officer- School Meals 

Country: CRS-Sierra Leone.

Duty Location: CRS Field Office in Kabala and willing and able to travel up to 50% 

 

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

• Support the Senior Project Officer-School Meals in the coordination and implementation of all  assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.
• Monitor and report any challenges and/or gaps identified to inform adjustments to plans and  implementation schedules. Assist partners in their efforts to reflect on project experiences.
•  Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and assisting partners

in their efforts to collect and analyze project data per specified mechanisms and tools.  Collaborate with local partner(s) to prepare reports per established reporting schedule.

• Collect information on staff capacity needs and technical assistance needs of partner  organizations and monitor capacity building and technical support activities to ensure effective impact.
• Complete project documentation for assigned activities. Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices.

 

Specific Roles and Responsibilities: 

• Ensure that all stakeholders understand the procedures and processes of the school feeding program and the roles they will play to facilitate the achievement of the desired results
•  Liaise with the other competent field staff in collaboration with the Program Managers to ensure that each target school has the adequate infrastructure, equipment, and tools to facilitate the preparation and serving of daily school meals
• Organize and coordinate the training of school feeding committee members and field staff on the putting in place of daily school meals program in a way as not to distort but boost academic performance
• Collaborate with the health and Nutrition officer to develop manuals and train the cooks, teacher, and PTA on the use of good hygiene and food preparation practices
• Collaborate with the Field Coordinators to follow up and support the school feeding teams in each school as needed
• Train school committee, PTA on tracking and recording school feeding activities
•  Prepare and submit monthly school feeding and THR reports
• Capture success stories on school feeding and its impact on the children and parents
•  Collaborate with the school feeding committees and school authorities to ensure that food is regularly supplied to the schools.

 

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements: 

Education and Experience: 

• High School diploma required. Bachelor’s degree preferred bachelor’s degree in social  studies or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in project support. Experience in the field of Food Aid programs with a focus on education, Health and Nutrition, WASH, Agriculture, and  experience with INGO and USG programs would be a plus.
• Additional education may substitute for some experience

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience in Data management analysis
• Experience in Commodity Management and Accounting
• Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement.
• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data preferred.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

• Observation, active listening, and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment
•  Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and  community members
• Attention to details, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented

_________________________________________________________________________________________ 

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  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 28th February 2023.

---

5.) Advocacy and Communications Officer

CRS JOB ADVERT – INTERNAL/EXTERNAL 

CRS is Recruiting for 1 Position: Advocacy and Communications Officer 

If you are interested and your profile matches the requirements, please read the below job descriptions, and follow the instructions to submit your application package.  

About CRS 

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community  in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100  countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is  accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education,  microfinance and peacebuilding.

The project aims to promote an inclusive political process, social cohesion and socio-economic  improvement for young people in Sierra Leone. Through this project, CRS and implementing partners  will engage diverse stakeholders to address unequal power relations between leaders and young  people at district and national levels. The project will empower young people, particularly young  women, to engage in advocacy activities against gender-based violence (GBV) and underlying cultural  and traditional beliefs that undermine youth participation in socio-economic activities. Young people  will also be empowered and protected to support peacebuilding efforts at chiefdom and district  levels.

The project outcomes are:

• Enhanced participation and representation of youth (including women and PWDs) in  decision-making processes.
• Outcome 2: Youths are capacitated to mitigate conflict and promote social cohesion
•  Outcome 3: Youths including young women and youths with disability engaged in diversified  livelihoods

 

Job Summary: 

The Communications and Advocacy Officer for the Youth in Politics and Peacebuilding project will  work closely with the Country Program Communications team to create content and to ensure  strategic alignment of communications, consistent messaging, and strong brand identity of the  project. The Communications and Advocacy Officer creates content and uses effective  communications channels to reach several different audiences. This includes stories, multimedia, and  reports as required, as well as ensuring CRS’ compliance with donor branding and marking  requirements. She/He will develop IEC materials, advocacy, and communications strategies as  aligned to the project approach. The incumbent will support the program team to mobilize and train  project participants and partners on communications and advocacy.

Job Title: Advocacy and Communication Officer 

Department: Programming – UNPBF 

Reports To: Project Manager – UNPBF, with dotted lines to the Communications Manager Country: CRS-Sierra Leone. 

Duty Location: CRS Freetown Office 

Roles and Key Responsibilities 

• Write, design, and manage the production of creative and compelling communication and  marketing material –stories, photos, video, fact sheets, brochures, etc. – for various  audiences, including local and national governments, community stakeholders, 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 project communications plan.
• Use and tailor agency messages tailored for each audience and identify and utilize effective  distribution channels to disseminate communications materials to key audiences.
•  Contribute content to the Country Program social media channels.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local media and help identify opportunities to  reach key audiences.
• Develop social behavior change and campaign Information, Education and Communication  (IEC) materials.
• Support the dissemination of relevant information among personnel, partners, and project participants or other relevant actors related to the project.
• Provide marketing and communications support for events, including signage, handouts,  talking points, photos, liaising with media, etc., and convene local media whenever a CRS  event takes place.
• Support partners in visibility and branding of the project
• Support partners to develop and report success stories
• Support the creation of processes, manuals and training for CP staff and partners on issues  related to communications and advocacy.
• Develop communications and advocacy strategy for the project in collaboration with  partners.

Activities 

• Training youths (male) on CRS positive masculinity concept to advocate Gender Based  Violence and advance women’s leadership.
• Conduct basic social skills training such as public speaking, mobilization, lobbying, and  advocacy skills for young women
• Support the program team to organize dialogue sessions with key stakeholders to promote  and influence the positive involvement of young women in leadership.
• Organize training for women and youth.
• Develop communications and advocacy strategies support the implementation of the  strategy and train local partners in advocacy.

Basic Qualifications  

• Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Journalism, Social Science or related studies;  experience in INGOs or UN preferred.
• Minimum five years of advocacy and communication experience, ideally for an NGO or another  organization in development and relief programming.
• 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 customers 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.
• Travel up to 60 % is required.
• Highly proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and desktop publishing skills is required.

Preferred Qualifications  

• Experience in Adobe Creative Suite, especially InDesign, is strongly desired
• Experience in advocacy on sensitive issue in rural setting is strongly desired.

Required Languages – Good English Language, Krio

And other related (French).

Travel – include percentage of required travel, if applicable. Could be stated as Must be willing and  able to travel up to 40%.

Key Working Relationships:  

Internal 

External  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Observation, active listening and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment • Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and  community members
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities • Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented

Supervisory Responsibilities (if none, state none) 

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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  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 28th February 2023.