Project Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is a well-established organization dedicated to serving the poor and vulnerable across the globe. Founded in 1943, CRS operates in over 100 countries, employing thousands of staff members who are committed to improving the lives of those in need. The organization focuses on various sectors, including emergency response, health, agriculture, and education, with a mission to promote human development and social justice.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer will play a crucial role in the Financial Inclusion for Last Mile Actors (FILMA) project team, focusing on monitoring and reporting all project activities. This position is integral to ensuring that CRS's initiatives effectively serve the poor and vulnerable populations. The officer will be responsible for coordinating and implementing project activities as per the detailed implementation plan, adhering to CRS program quality principles and standards, and fulfilling donor requirements. The role requires a thorough and service-oriented approach to enhance the project's impact and benefits for the communities served. The Project Officer will also assist in evaluating project activities, collecting and analyzing data, and collaborating with local partners to prepare timely reports. This position demands a proactive approach to identifying challenges and gaps in project implementation, ensuring that adjustments are made to improve outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will be tasked with several key responsibilities, including:

• Supporting the coordination and implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan.
• Monitoring and reporting on challenges and gaps identified during project execution to inform necessary adjustments.
• Assisting partners in reflecting on project experiences to foster learning and improvement.
• Coordinating project evaluation activities and supporting partners in data collection and analysis.
• Collaborating with local partners to prepare reports according to the established reporting schedule.
• Collecting information on staff capacity needs and monitoring capacity building activities to ensure effective impact.
• Working closely with digital service providers and financial institutions to support the digitization of SILC/VSLA groups.
• Assisting Private Agricultural Service Providers (PASPs) in resolving challenges related to project implementation.
• Completing project documentation for assigned activities and identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices. 1
• Providing step-down training for PASPs in the districts and monitoring their training of Last Mile Actors (LMAs).

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Agri-business, Community Development, or a related professional field. A minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in project support is required, although fresh graduates may also be considered for this role. Candidates should have experience in participatory action planning, community engagement, and project monitoring, along with skills in data management and digital literacy training. Additionally, experience with IT system deployment and working with SILC/VSLA is essential. A valid motorcycle license is also required for this position.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Agri-business, Community Development, or a similar professional background. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the agricultural and community development aspects of the project.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have a minimum of 2 years of work experience in project support roles. However, fresh graduates with relevant educational backgrounds may also be considered. Experience in participatory action planning, community engagement, and project monitoring is highly valued. Familiarity with data management and digital literacy training, as well as experience in working with SILC/VSLA, will be advantageous for applicants.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the nature of the work and the organization’s international context. Additional local languages may be beneficial for effective communication within the communities served.

Additional Notes:
The position is likely to be full-time, and while the job ad does not specify the contract duration, it is common for project-based roles to align with the project timeline. The role may involve working closely with local communities and partners, and candidates should be prepared for potential travel within the project areas. Compensation and benefits details are not provided in the job description.