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 100 countries, focusing on saving, protecting, and transforming lives in need without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization’s mission encompasses various programs, including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. In Ethiopia, CRS has been a leader in responding to both natural and man-made disasters, providing essential support to the most vulnerable communities. Their work includes disaster mitigation and recovery projects aimed at rebuilding community assets, particularly in drought and flood-prone areas. CRS is committed to promoting equality and inclusion while addressing the impacts of crises such as COVID-1

• The organization’s approach is characterized by a collaborative, mission-driven culture that emphasizes the importance of safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer – Nutrition will be a vital member of the Joint Emergency Operation (JEOP) nutrition team, responsible for monitoring and reporting on all project activities. This role is crucial in ensuring that CRS consistently applies best practices and works towards improving the impact of its benefits for the poor and vulnerable populations it serves. The Project Officer will coordinate and implement project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan and technical narrative documents, ensuring alignment with CRS program quality principles, donor requirements, and good practices. The position requires a thorough and service-oriented approach to effectively support the project’s objectives and enhance the overall quality of services provided to beneficiaries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: supporting the coordination and implementation of all assigned project activities as per the detailed implementation plan; collecting information on partner capacity and technical assistance needs; providing technical expertise for nutrition data management; ensuring the quality of services provided at health facilities through regular monitoring; conducting on-the-job training for health workers; engaging with the Woreda Health Office to identify training gaps; conducting routine monitoring visits to health facilities; ensuring the availability of therapeutic food supplies; collaborating with consortium partners to collect and analyze information; maintaining electronic records of nutrition data; developing databases; producing maps, charts, and infographics; 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 relevant data is preferred. Proficiency in using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) is also required. 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 background required for this position includes a Bachelor of Science (BSC) degree in Health, Nutrition, or a related field. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of nutrition and health interventions in emergency settings, as well as for effectively managing and analyzing relevant data.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of relevant experience in the field of health or nutrition, particularly in monitoring projects and collecting data. Candidates with experience in emergency response or humanitarian settings will be particularly well-suited for this role, as they will have a better understanding of the challenges and dynamics involved in providing nutrition support in crisis situations.

Languages:
Proficiency in spoken and written English is mandatory, along with a local language, specifically Afan Oromo. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication with local partners, community members, and stakeholders involved in the project.

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 in which it operates. CRS 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.