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 its processes reflect this commitment. The agency fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture aimed at improving lives globally.

Job Overview:
The Senior Administrative Officer plays a crucial role in coordinating effective and efficient administrative services that support the mission of Catholic Relief Services. 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 logistics and procurement functions, ensuring high-quality service delivery while addressing challenges that may affect resource stewardship. The role requires proactive engagement with external stakeholders and the management of travel and logistics support for staff and visitors. The Senior Administrative Officer will also handle financial transactions, manage petty cash, and ensure compliance with procurement policies, all while maintaining a safe work environment for staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Administrative Officer will be tasked with planning, coordinating, monitoring, and reporting on administrative activities and resource requirements to ensure cost-efficient service delivery. Responsibilities include coordinating logistics and procurement functions, managing the office petty cash account, collecting and verifying payment request packages, and ensuring timely payments to vendors. The officer will also prepare asset inventory reports, facilitate document retrieval, and engage with external stakeholders on administrative matters. Additionally, the role involves ensuring compliance with agency standards and local laws, managing travel logistics, and coordinating event planning activities such as trainings and workshops. The officer will also be responsible for ensuring staff access to necessary information and safety materials, as well as identifying safety issues in the workplace.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a relevant field. A minimum of 4 years of work experience in administrative support functions is required, with increasing responsibility. Experience with local or international NGOs is considered a plus. Candidates should demonstrate strong planning, organizational, and time management skills, along with a strong customer service orientation and excellent communication abilities. Ethical conduct and the ability to maintain confidentiality are essential, as is a proactive and solutions-oriented approach to challenges.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Higher National Diploma (HND) or a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration or a related field. Additional education may substitute for some experience, indicating that candidates with advanced degrees may be considered even if they have less direct experience in administrative roles.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in administrative support functions. Candidates should have demonstrated increasing responsibility in their previous roles, showcasing their ability to manage administrative tasks effectively. Experience working with local or international NGOs is advantageous, as it provides insight into the unique challenges and requirements of the sector.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English. Proficiency in English is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders. While not explicitly stated, additional languages may be beneficial, particularly those relevant to the local context or the communities served by CRS.

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 that includes medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. The organization emphasizes a collaborative and mission-driven work culture, committed to improving the lives of the poor globally. Candidates are encouraged to apply if they are citizens or permanent residents of Nigeria, as CRS prioritizes local talent in its recruitment processes.