Project Officer - Environmental, Social, Health and Safety

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 areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer for Environmental, Social, Health and Safety (ESHS) will lead the infrastructure component of the Advancing Cross-border Resilience and Opportunities for Safety and Stability (ACROSS) Project. This role involves coordinating and reporting on all project activities related to productive and social infrastructure, providing technical guidance to staff and partners, and ensuring that the project adheres to best practices and quality standards. The Project Officer will be responsible for monitoring project implementation, managing relationships with local stakeholders, and ensuring that project activities are executed in a timely and effective manner. The position requires a proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to improving the impact of the project on the communities served.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will lead and coordinate all ESHS functions as per the detailed implementation plan, ensuring compliance with CRS program quality principles and donor requirements. Responsibilities include completing project documentation, monitoring and reporting challenges, supporting local partnerships, supervising project site inspections, tracking resource use, producing technical designs and budgets for infrastructure projects, and overseeing the training of beneficiaries. The officer will also coordinate project evaluation activities, assist partners in data collection, and monitor capacity building efforts to ensure effective project impact. Additionally, the role involves collaborating with local partners to prepare reports and maintain effective communication with all stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, architecture, building, or construction management. A minimum of three years of work experience in project support, particularly in construction or infrastructure management, is required. Experience in developing and implementing infrastructure projects for development organizations or NGOs is essential. Registration with professional regulatory bodies in engineering or construction is an advantage. Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in MS Office applications and possess strong relationship management skills.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a bachelor's degree in civil engineering, architecture, building, or construction management. This educational background is crucial for understanding the technical aspects of infrastructure projects and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least three years of relevant work experience in project support, particularly in the field of construction or infrastructure management. Additionally, two years of experience in developing and implementing infrastructure or community infrastructure projects for development organizations or NGOs is preferred. Hands-on experience in construction design and project management is highly valued.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of Hausa is preferred. These language skills are essential for effective communication with local stakeholders and project beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The position requires a willingness to travel up to 60% of the time. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits are based on the country of employment. The organization emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on improving the lives of the poor globally. The successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS's safeguarding policies and complete mandatory safeguarding training upon hire and annually thereafter. This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.