Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to provide assistance to those in need, CRS operates in over 100 countries, focusing on saving, protecting, and transforming lives without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization engages in various relief and development programs, including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that its processes and policies reflect this commitment. The agency welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and dedication to serving those in need. CRS prioritizes hiring candidates from the regions where it operates, and if an expatriate is selected, the duration of their assignment will be determined by the job type and agency needs.

Job Overview:
As the Project Officer for the 2LERP project in Goma, you will play a crucial role in facilitating the achievement of project objectives by coordinating and reporting on all project activities, particularly focusing on capacity building for partners. You will provide technical guidance to partner staff involved in the implementation of their capacity building plans and the execution of projects funded by the rapid response fund. Your coordination and relationship management skills will ensure that the project adheres to best practices and continuously strives to enhance its impact for the beneficiaries served. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure effective project delivery.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your primary responsibilities will include supporting the coordination and implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan, ensuring compliance with CRS program quality standards, donor requirements, and best practices. You will monitor and report any identified issues or gaps to adjust implementation plans and timelines accordingly. Assisting partners in reflecting on lessons learned from the project will be essential, as will coordinating working relationships with all local project stakeholders in Goma. You will serve as a liaison between these stakeholders and the project team to mobilize local actors and promote project activities and impact. Additionally, you will gather information on capacity needs of partner staff and technical assistance requirements, monitoring capacity building activities to ensure effective impact. Completing project documentation for assigned activities and assisting in identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices will also be part of your duties.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a BAC+3 degree in project management or a related field. A minimum of two years of experience in the humanitarian sector, particularly in implementing complex projects and addressing humanitarian access issues, is required. International experience is considered an asset. Strong understanding of humanitarian principles and access issues is essential, along with experience partnering with local humanitarian organizations. Proficiency in MS Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.) and communication systems, including Team, WhatsApp, and various communication equipment (SAT phone, Radio, internet, etc.), is necessary. The ability to conduct complex contextual analyses and identify trends is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a minimum of a BAC+3 degree in project management or a related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of project implementation and management in a humanitarian context.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of relevant experience in the humanitarian field, particularly in the implementation of complex projects and addressing humanitarian access challenges. Experience working internationally is a plus, as it provides a broader perspective on humanitarian issues and practices.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, and proficiency in Swahili is required. Knowledge of English and other local languages is considered an advantage, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 25% of the time. CRS emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct and confidentiality, expecting all staff to treat individuals with dignity and respect while actively preventing harassment, abuse, and exploitation. The organization encourages female candidates to apply and does not accept any form of bribery or unethical practices during the recruitment process. Applications must include the job reference number and a CV with at least three professional references, along with copies of relevant documents such as the job seeker card, voter ID, diplomas, and a motivation letter addressed to the CRS Resident Representative in Kinshasa.