Administrative Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries worldwide. The organization is committed to serving the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS engages in various programs, including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The agency's mission is deeply rooted in its values, and it welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share a commitment to serving those in need. CRS has a strong focus on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that its processes and policies reflect this commitment. The organization also emphasizes the importance of a collaborative, mission-driven work culture that aims to improve the lives of the poor globally.

Job Overview:
The Administrative Officer will play a crucial role in the CDC-funded global childhood immunization project, which aims to provide immunization services to zero- and under-immunized children in Northern Nigeria, particularly in fragile and conflict settings. The position involves coordinating effective and efficient program support and administrative services that align with CRS's mission. The Administrative Officer will work closely with program managers to ensure that operational and administrative support is provided for program management activities. This includes ensuring that resources are managed responsibly and that a high-quality service approach is integrated into administrative systems, policies, and procedures. The role is vital for the success of the POISED project, which focuses on increasing immunization uptake and strengthening surveillance systems to respond to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs). The Administrative Officer will also be responsible for ensuring compliance with agency standards and local regulations, facilitating communication with external stakeholders, and coordinating logistics and travel support for staff and program participants.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Administrative Officer will be responsible for coordinating and reporting on project activities and required resources to ensure cost-efficient and quality implementation. Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring that administrative systems, processes, and policies comply with agency standards and local laws.
• Acting as a liaison with the operations unit of CRS Nigeria to facilitate seamless communication.
• Engaging with external stakeholders, including government officials and service providers, to ensure that necessary authorizations and documents are current.
• Coordinating the efficient use of assets and rented facilities.
• Ensuring compliant procurement of office materials and managing asset systems.
• Identifying safety issues to maintain a safe work environment.
• Coordinating travel and logistics support for staff, program participants, and visitors.
• Planning events, including training sessions and delegation visits.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong planning, organizational, and time management skills. A strong customer service orientation is essential, along with excellent communication and interpersonal skills. The ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate ethical conduct is critical. Candidates should be proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented, with a high level of interpersonal skills. The ability to work both as part of a team and autonomously is necessary, as is the capacity to interpret and apply policies and procedures effectively. Familiarity with corporate systems, such as travel booking systems, is also required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration or a relevant field is preferred for this position. This educational background provides the foundational knowledge necessary for effective administrative support and project management.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 3 years of work experience in project and administrative support functions, with increasing levels of responsibility. Experience working with a local or international NGO is considered a plus, as it provides valuable insights into the operational and administrative challenges faced in such environments.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 30% of the time. 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 for expatriates is informed by a term limit based on the job type and level, as well as the agency's needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct.