Senior Administrative Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to serve the poor and vulnerable, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development assistance 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 staff from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to service.

Job Overview:
The Senior Administrative Officer will play a crucial role in coordinating effective and efficient administrative services that support the mission of Catholic Relief Services (CRS). This position is responsible for ensuring that administrative systems, policies, and procedures are aligned with the agency's standards and local regulations. The officer will oversee the planning, coordination, and monitoring of administrative activities, ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently and that high-quality services are delivered. The role also involves engaging with external stakeholders and ensuring compliance with procurement and asset management processes, thereby contributing to the overall stewardship of resources within the organization.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Administrative Officer will be tasked with a variety of responsibilities including planning and coordinating administrative activities, monitoring service delivery, and addressing challenges related to resource stewardship. Key duties include coordinating logistics and procurement functions, ensuring compliance with agency standards, engaging with external stakeholders, managing travel and logistics support, and overseeing event planning activities. The officer will also administer the office petty cash account, verify payment request packages, and ensure timely payments to vendors. Additionally, the role involves preparing asset inventory reports and identifying safety issues to maintain a safe work environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong planning, organizational, and time management skills, along with a strong customer service orientation. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills are essential, as is the ability to maintain confidentiality and act ethically. The ideal candidate should be proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented, with a strong ability to solve problems effectively. Proficiency in MS Office applications and information management systems is preferred, and additional education may substitute for some experience.

Educational Background:
A minimum of a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a relevant field is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for understanding the administrative functions and responsibilities associated with the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 4 years of work experience in administrative support functions, demonstrating increasing responsibility over time. Experience working with a local or international NGO is considered a plus, as it provides valuable context for the administrative challenges faced in such environments.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Sokoto State, Nigeria, and may require the successful candidate to travel up to 25% of the time. The role does not have supervisory responsibilities. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. The work culture at CRS is collaborative and mission-driven, focused on improving the lives of the poor globally. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and participate in safeguarding efforts to protect program participants and community members from exploitation and abuse.