Project Officer – Food Assistance

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to serve the poor and vulnerable, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on relief and development work that includes emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to improving the lives of those in need, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS has a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it prioritizes candidates from the regions in which it operates.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer – Food Assistance will play a crucial role in the THRIVE project team by supporting the coordination and implementation of food assistance activities. This position is designed for individuals who are service-oriented and possess a thorough understanding of best practices in food assistance. The officer will be responsible for vendor coordination, price negotiations, redemption monitoring, and vendor payment preparations. Close collaboration with community mobilizers and partners is essential, as is participation in coordination meetings and support for various monitoring and evaluation activities. The officer will also facilitate training and community engagements, ensuring that the project consistently improves its impact on beneficiaries. Regular feedback to the Project Manager and collaboration with the Project Officer-CAT will be key components of this role, along with the collection of human-interest stories to support reporting efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will coordinate and communicate food assistance activities effectively, supporting vendor procurement and price negotiations in collaboration with the CRS Supply Chain Management team. Responsibilities include preparing bi-monthly vendor payments, acting as the focal point for field-level coordination with community mobilizers, and participating in field-level coordination meetings. The officer will support partner officers through capacity building and effective implementation of food assistance activities, including reviewing plans and reports. Additional duties involve supporting registration and retargeting efforts, conducting vendor spot checks, organizing vendor trainings, and providing feedback on project activities to the Project Manager. The officer will also review partner officer reports, document human-interest stories from beneficiaries, and perform any other tasks assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong knowledge and skills in using MS Windows and MS Office packages, including Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. They should demonstrate observation, active listening, and analytical skills, with the ability to make sound judgments. Good relationship management skills are essential, as is the ability to work closely with local partners and community members. Attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness in executing responsibilities are critical. The ideal candidate should be proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented, with the capacity to handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. Additionally, the ability to work effectively with a diverse team and stakeholders is required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, humanities, agricultural sciences, or any other relevant equivalent degree is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of food assistance and community engagement.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience is required, with at least 3 years in a position with similar responsibilities. Candidates should have experience in participatory action planning and community engagement, demonstrating their ability to work effectively in diverse environments and with various stakeholders.

Languages:
The position requires high-level oral communication skills in English and Hausa. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with project participants and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The role involves significant travel, with a requirement to travel about 70% of the time. There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this position. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment may be informed by a term limit based on the job type and level, as well as the agency's needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and community members from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct.