Oficial de Proyecto

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 over 100 countries, providing relief and development services 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, and it welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency emphasizes the importance of integrity, accountability, and collaboration in its operations, and it actively promotes equal employment opportunities.

Job Overview:
As the Specialist in Positive Youth Development and Regenerative Agriculture for the Huista Region, the incumbent will facilitate the implementation of strategies and achieve the objectives of both components of the initiative. This role involves adapting the CRS approach to Water and Soils for Agriculture (ASA) in synergy with other methodologies, promoting the restoration of agricultural landscapes, integrating youth and women effectively, and mobilizing community involvement. The specialist will execute and monitor activities aimed at identifying, supporting, and integrating youth into the program, while leading the Positive Youth Development component. The position requires close collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders, including public, civil, and private sector actors, to enhance the impact and sustainability of the Horizontes Initiative. The specialist will represent both components at the territorial level, guiding partner organizations and ensuring effective resource management for programmatic activities in their region.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead and facilitate the implementation of all activities related to the Regenerative Agriculture component, ensuring alignment with CRS program quality standards and donor requirements.
• Advise and develop necessary competencies in ASA and agricultural production systems among partner organizations.
• Identify focus areas to maximize investment in land restoration and improve rural livelihoods.
• Develop and implement initiatives for sustainable soil and water management.
• Execute research proposals and technology transfer for sustainable soil and water management, emphasizing soil restoration and integrated soil fertility management.
• Design and implement training plans with participatory processes from community and producer bases.
• Supervise relationships with all partners involved in ASA and related activities, serving as a liaison to mobilize local actors.
• Collaborate with technical teams to disseminate promising practices and lessons learned.
• Conduct inspections of project sites to ensure timely implementation and adherence to established standards. 1
• Support capacity development activities to ensure project activities meet quality standards. 1
• Incorporate cross-cutting themes such as social cohesion, inclusion, safeguarding, and gender into interventions. 1
• Represent Horizontes in strategic forums related to Regenerative Agriculture. 1
• Coordinate local actions with academic institutions and public/private entities related to sustainable soil and water management. 1
• Prepare reports for the Regenerative Agriculture component, ensuring all documentation is complete and compliant with agency and donor requirements. 1
• Support project evaluation activities and guide partners in reflecting project experiences. 1
• Analyze implementation challenges and report inconsistencies to inform adjustments to plans and programs. 1
• Lead the implementation of Positive Youth Development activities, ensuring high programmatic quality standards and achieving proposed objectives. 1
• Identify opportunities for youth engagement at community and municipal levels. 1
• Build participation and leadership spaces for youth and women in their communities. 2
• Collaborate with market development efforts to strengthen capacities and partnerships. 2
• Facilitate networking among youth and establish mentorship programs. 2
• Ensure integration of youth and parental involvement in decision-making processes. 2
• Conduct field visits for activity monitoring and support to the territorial coordinator. 2
• Contribute to the MEAL system by documenting results and reporting data accurately.

Required Qualifications:

• Preferred university degree in Agronomy, Social Sciences, or related fields.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in agriculture-related projects, youth development, and entrepreneurship, preferably in an NGO context.
• Experience implementing methodologies such as Farmer Field Schools, demonstration plots, and rural extension.
• Knowledge of the MAGA Rural Extension System is valued.
• Experience coordinating with municipal extension agencies.
• Technical knowledge in community development and economic development, with the ability to transfer knowledge to rural communities.
• Skills in implementing life skills methodologies and working with local institutions.
• Experience coordinating with key stakeholders, including youth municipal offices and civil organizations.
• Experience in project monitoring, data collection, and analysis for results tracking. 1
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, PowerBI) and information management systems. 1
• Valid driver's license for 4-wheel vehicles.

Educational Background:
A preferred university degree in Agronomy, Social Sciences, or related fields is required. This educational background will provide the necessary theoretical and practical knowledge to effectively engage in agricultural practices and youth development initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in relevant fields such as agriculture, youth development, and entrepreneurship. Candidates should have a proven track record of working in similar roles, particularly within NGOs, and demonstrate experience in implementing methodologies that promote community engagement and capacity building.

Languages:
While Spanish is mandatory, knowledge of local languages specific to the region is highly valued. This linguistic capability will enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders, ensuring effective engagement and understanding of cultural contexts.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and is based in the Huista region, with a significant amount of travel (approximately 80% of the time) required to field locations. The contract duration is subject to the availability of project funding and may be influenced by local legal processes. CRS emphasizes the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect, actively preventing harassment, abuse, and exploitation. Successful candidates will undergo a comprehensive background check and must adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct.