Project Officer, Sr. Economic Development

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, providing assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that all staff and partners respect and protect the dignity and rights of everyone.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer for Economic Development will lead programming for the Advancing Cross-border Resilience and Opportunities for Safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (ACROSS) Project based in Kebbi. This role involves collaboration with other sector leaders and the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) team to ensure effective integration and impact of interventions aimed at supporting the poor and vulnerable populations. The officer will oversee planning, coordination, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of economic development activities, ensuring high-quality and locally appropriate programming. The position requires strong management and facilitation skills to enhance the impact of interventions and to continuously improve program quality.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will be responsible for preparing annual implementation plans for economic development interventions, conducting regular follow-ups, and monitoring to ensure efficient implementation. Key responsibilities include facilitating the involvement of youth and women in economic activities, mentoring the partner livelihoods team in program planning and reporting, and overseeing market-based input activities. The officer will represent ACROSS and CRS in state-level coordination mechanisms, manage the agriculture and livelihood team, and analyze project performance data. Additionally, the officer will identify staff capacity needs and lead capacity strengthening interventions to support quality project implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong project design, planning, and management experience in agriculture and livelihood sectors. Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to work effectively with diverse groups. Experience in managing relationships with local partners and government stakeholders is required, as well as strong facilitation and communication skills. Proficiency in MS Office and information management systems is also necessary.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Development Economics, or International Development is required. Additional relevant experience may substitute for some educational requirements. Candidates should have at least four years of work experience in Northern Nigeria, specifically in the implementation of similar projects.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant work experience, particularly in Northern Nigeria, focusing on economic development and livelihoods. Experience in project management and implementation in similar contexts is crucial for success in this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Hausa is essential for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an advantage, but English and Hausa are mandatory for effective communication and engagement with stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The role may require travel up to 40%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, and a retirement savings plan for U.S.-based staff. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits will be based on the country of employment. The organization values a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds, including those from the regions where CRS operates. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's safeguarding policies and complete mandatory training upon hire.