District Project Officer

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 more than 100 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to serving the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality, and emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven work culture. The agency is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds who share its values.

Job Overview:
The District Project Officer will play a crucial role in overseeing the implementation, monitoring, and reporting of the Targeted Supplementary Feeding Program (TSFP) for children aged 6-23 months in collaboration with the District Health Office (DHO). This position requires the officer to ensure the quality of implementation and strengthen government supplementary feeding program structures. The officer will facilitate bi-weekly and monthly TSFP activities and outreach initiatives, working closely with district structures on Integrated Management and Prevention of Wasting (IMPOW). The role demands consistent high-quality technical support for the TSFP, community mobilization, and outreach components, ensuring effective impact and sustainability of the program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The District Project Officer will support the district coordination and implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan, adhering to CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices. Key responsibilities include ensuring data integrity and compliance with government and donor requirements, maintaining project dashboards and databases for real-time monitoring, facilitating digital data collection systems, and monitoring district challenges to inform adjustments to plans. The officer will assist partners in project evaluations, prepare reports, and collect information on capacity needs of TSFP implementing structures. Additionally, the officer will coordinate relationships with project stakeholders, complete project documentation, and facilitate training for health staff at various facilities. The officer will also ensure adherence to medical and nutritional treatment protocols, monitor the quality of TSFP implementation, and keep records of children and staff involved in the program.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Public Health, Nutrition, or related fields. A minimum of 6 months of work experience in TSFP is required, along with experience in participatory action planning and community engagement. Familiarity with SFP for children aged 6-59 months, Integrated Management and Prevention of Wasting, and knowledge of nutrition digital platforms are preferred. Proficiency in data collection and management, as well as experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), is essential. Candidates should demonstrate strong relationship management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing, Public Health, Nutrition, or other related fields. This educational background is essential to ensure the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively implement and manage the TSFP and related health initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 6 months of relevant work experience in Targeted Supplementary Feeding Programs (TSFP). Candidates should have experience in community engagement and participatory action planning, as well as familiarity with Integrated Management and Prevention of Wasting. Experience in monitoring projects and collecting relevant data is preferred, indicating the need for a candidate who is not only knowledgeable but also practical in applying their skills in real-world settings.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are English and Chichewa, with Tumbuka being a good to have language. Proficiency in these languages is crucial for effective communication with local stakeholders and community members, ensuring that the officer can engage effectively in the district's health initiatives.

Additional Notes:
This position may require travel up to 25%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment may be informed by a term limit based on the job type and level, as well as the agency's needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and community members from exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct.