Project Officer – Nutrition

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established nearly 60 years ago, CRS operates in more than 80 countries, focusing on saving, protecting, and transforming lives in need without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization is dedicated to responding to both natural and man-made disasters, particularly in Ethiopia, where it has been a leader in providing emergency response and development programs. CRS's work encompasses various sectors, including health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding, with a strong emphasis on disaster mitigation and recovery projects that rebuild community assets and support livelihoods. The organization is committed to promoting equality and inclusion, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, and works collaboratively with local partners to enhance the effectiveness of its programs.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer – Nutrition will be an integral member of the Joint Emergency Operation (JEOP) nutrition team, responsible for monitoring and reporting on all project activities aimed at supporting the poor and vulnerable populations in Ethiopia. This role requires a thorough and service-oriented approach to ensure that the project adheres to best practices and continuously improves its impact. The officer will coordinate and implement project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan and technical documents, ensuring compliance with CRS program quality principles, donor requirements, and good practices. The position also involves collecting data on partner capacity and technical assistance needs, providing technical expertise for nutrition data management, and ensuring the quality of services provided at health facilities. The officer will engage with local health offices to identify training gaps and support health workers in managing severe acute malnutrition (SAM) cases, thereby contributing to the overall effectiveness of the nutrition program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: supporting the coordination and implementation of project activities as per the detailed implementation plan; collecting information on partners' capacity and monitoring technical support activities; providing technical expertise for nutrition data management; ensuring quality services at health facilities through regular monitoring; conducting on-the-job training for health workers; engaging with local health offices to identify training needs; conducting routine monitoring visits to health facilities; ensuring the availability of therapeutic food supplies; collaborating with consortium partners to analyze health facility data; maintaining electronic records of nutrition data; developing databases and ensuring data integrity; organizing evaluations of project activities; producing maps and infographics to convey nutritional data; and supporting the Senior Project Officer in producing accurate reports on nutrition situations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a BSC Degree in Health, Nutrition, or a related field, along with at least 2 years of relevant experience. Experience in monitoring projects and collecting data is preferred, as well as proficiency in using MS Windows and MS Office applications, particularly Excel, Word, and PowerPoint. Personal skills such as observation, active listening, analysis, relationship management, attention to detail, and a proactive, results-oriented approach are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a BSC Degree in Health, Nutrition, or a related field. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of nutrition-related issues and effectively managing the responsibilities associated with the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, particularly in monitoring projects and collecting data. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in similar roles, demonstrating their ability to manage nutrition programs effectively and contribute to the overall success of the project.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory, along with fluency in the local language, Tigrigna. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication with local partners and community members, ensuring that the project meets its objectives and serves the target population effectively.

Additional Notes:
The term of employment for this position is definite, lasting until February 28, 202

• The job grade is 7, and the successful candidate is expected to start on November 1, 202
• The role involves extensive travel within the cluster of woredas responsible for JEOP implementation, with travel requirements estimated at 60-80%. The position does not have supervisory responsibilities, and candidates should be aware that CRS prioritizes hiring individuals from the countries and regions where it operates. The organization offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan for U.S.-based staff, while benefits for international candidates are based on the country of employment.