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 serve those in need, CRS operates in more than 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 also prioritizes candidates from the regions where it operates, reflecting its commitment to local engagement and empowerment.

Job Overview:
As the Project Officer for the 2LERP project in Bukavu, 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 efforts 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 we serve. This position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of project activities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
Your primary responsibilities will include supporting the 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. Additionally, you will assist partners in reflecting on lessons learned from the project, coordinate working relationships with all local project stakeholders in Bukavu, and serve as a liaison between them and the project team to mobilize local actors and promote project activities and impact. You will also gather information on capacity needs of partner staff and technical assistance, monitor capacity-building activities to ensure effective impact, complete project documentation for assigned activities, and help identify information for case studies and reports on promising practices.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a minimum of a BAC+3 degree in project management or a related field. You should have at least two years of experience in the humanitarian sector, particularly in implementing complex projects and addressing humanitarian access issues. International experience is a plus. A strong understanding of humanitarian principles and access issues is essential, along with experience partnering with local humanitarian organizations. Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and communication systems (including Team, WhatsApp) is required. You should also be adept at using communication equipment (SAT phone, radio, internet) and capable of conducting complex contextual analyses to identify trends.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a degree of BAC+3 in project management or a related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of project implementation and management in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The role requires a minimum of two years of relevant experience in the humanitarian field, particularly in the implementation of complex projects and addressing humanitarian access challenges. Experience working with local humanitarian organizations is highly valued, and international experience will be considered an advantage.

Languages:
Fluency in French and Swahili is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of English and other local languages is considered a plus, enhancing communication with diverse stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 25% of the time. CRS is committed to equal opportunity employment and encourages applications from women and individuals from diverse backgrounds. The organization does not accept bribes or commissions during the recruitment process, and candidates are expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct. Applications must include the job reference number and a CV with at least three professional references, along with copies of relevant documents such as diplomas and a motivation letter addressed to the CRS Resident Representative in Kinshasa. The successful candidate will undergo a thorough background check and must comply with CRS's safeguarding policies.