Project Officer Sr - Peacebuilding

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults, ensuring they live free from abuse and harm. CRS values diversity and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its mission and values. The agency emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture aimed at improving the lives of the poor globally. With a strong commitment to fostering a supportive work environment, CRS offers comprehensive benefits, including medical and life insurance, leave entitlements, and opportunities for professional development and career growth.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer Sr - Peacebuilding will lead the Strengthening Capacities for Peace and Reconciliation (SCPR) project team, facilitating the achievement of project objectives through effective coordination and reporting on all project activities. This role involves providing technical guidance and advice to staff and implementing partners, ensuring that CRS's work aligns with best practices and maximizes the impact of its benefits for the communities served. The incumbent will be responsible for coordinating project activities, managing relationships with stakeholders, and ensuring compliance with CRS program quality principles and donor requirements. The position requires frequent travel to project sites in the East Hararghe zone of Oromia Region and Fafan Zone of Somali Region, with dual reporting to both CRS and Harerghe Catholic Secretariat (HCS).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and lead the implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan, ensuring alignment with CRS program quality principles, donor requirements, and good practices.
• Collaborate with HCS leadership and project officers to develop a detailed implementation plan for the SCPR project, ensuring all activities are executed according to the approved plan.
• Support project staff in setting performance goals aligned with project expectations, providing coaching and mentoring to maintain performance on track.
• Structure and lead community dialogues, including inter-governmental forums and meetings with women peace champions and youth peace ambassadors, ensuring effective implementation of Action Plans.
• Assign monthly roles and responsibilities to project officers and community mobilizers, convening weekly check-in meetings to ensure effective delivery and address operational gaps.
• Prepare and submit monthly cash forecasts, coordinate with the finance team for timely processing of project advances, and oversee cash requests for planned activities.
• Produce high-quality periodic updates, quarterly reports, and final project reports, documenting best practices and lessons learned.
• Coordinate with MEAL officers to facilitate monitoring visits and evaluations, ensuring continuous learning throughout the project cycle.
• Identify performance gaps and plan capacity-building activities for project officers and community facilitators, overseeing implementation to ensure compliance with guidelines. 1
• Represent CRS and HCS in project-related meetings, fostering collaborative relationships with stakeholders. 1
• Conduct periodic context analyses to monitor emerging dynamics and adapt project goals and activities accordingly. 1
• Support the development of concept notes and proposals for expanding peace interventions in the Somali and Oromia regions. 1
• Carry out additional tasks as assigned by the supervisor or program manager.

Required Qualifications:

• Fluent in oral and written English, Amharic, and a local language (either Af’Somali or Afaan Oromo).
• Strong analysis and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound judgments.
• Excellent relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented approach.
• Attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness in executing responsibilities.
• Experience working with partners, participatory action planning, and community engagement.
• Proven experience in project administration, planning, and implementation.
• Strong understanding of peace-building principles, conflict analysis frameworks, and reconciliation approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to document success stories and lessons learned. 1
• Experience in designing and facilitating workshops and dialogue processes. 1
• Proficiency in MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in Peace and Conflict Studies, International Relations, Development Studies, or a related social science field is required for this position.

Experience:
A minimum of two to five years’ experience in peacebuilding and/or governance programming within a non-governmental organization is required. Closely related experience may also be considered relevant.

Languages:
Fluency in oral and written English, Amharic, and a local language (either Af’Somali or Afaan Oromo) is mandatory. Proficiency in Afan Oromo and/or Afe Somali is preferred.

Additional Notes:
This position is for Ethiopian nationals only. The term of employment is definite, lasting up to September 30, 2026, with the possibility of extension based on funding availability and performance. The role requires a willingness to travel up to 50% to project operation areas. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and community members from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, encouraging qualified female candidates and persons with disabilities to apply.