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 assist the poor and vulnerable overseas, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on various areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. CRS has a strong emphasis on integrity, continuous improvement, and accountability in its operations, reflecting its mission and guiding principles.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer will serve as the field lead for the Improved Nutrition Outcomes Through Organized Management of Acute Malnutrition in Mothers and Children (INTO-MAMI) – ECHF Project team. This role involves facilitating the achievement of project objectives by coordinating and reporting on all project activities while providing technical guidance and advice to staff and implementing partners. The Project Officer will ensure that best practices are applied and that the project continuously works towards improving its impact on the communities served. The position requires strong coordination and relationship management skills to effectively mobilize local actors and promote project activities. The Project Officer will also be responsible for ensuring that project activities are implemented in accordance with CRS program quality principles, donor requirements, and good practices, while supporting accountability through project evaluation activities and guiding partners in reflecting on project experiences.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will organize and lead the implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan. Key responsibilities include ensuring that learning accompanies project activities throughout the project cycle, supporting accountability through project evaluation activities, analyzing implementation challenges, and reporting inconsistencies to inform adjustments to plans. The Project Officer will coordinate and oversee relationships with local project stakeholders, perform inspections of project sites, track resource use through budget reviews, and support capacity building and technical support activities. Additionally, the role involves coordinating logistical and administrative support, ensuring complete project documentation, assisting with trend analysis reports, and leading technical assessments for nutrition program development as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, Public Health, or a related field, with a Master’s degree preferred. A minimum of 5 years of work experience in community development, mobilization, and management of MAMI, CMAM, and MIYCN-E projects in emergencies, particularly in Northeast Nigeria, is required. The ideal candidate should have experience in conducting nutrition assessments, understanding nutritional surveillance and information systems, and demonstrating excellent communication skills. A willingness to be flexible and accommodating in challenging working conditions is essential, along with strong report writing, budget review, and concept note development skills. Proficiency in MS Windows and MS Office packages is also necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in nutrition, Public Health, or a related field. A Master’s degree in similar fields is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in nutrition and public health initiatives.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, particularly in community development and the management of nutrition-related projects in emergency settings. Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement is highly valued, as is a proven track record of working effectively with local partners and stakeholders.

Languages:
English is a mandatory language for this position, with a fluent working knowledge of Hausa considered an added advantage. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with beneficiaries and stakeholders in the project area.

Additional Notes:
The role may require travel up to 40%, and the Project Officer will have supervisory responsibilities over Partner Nutrition officers, CRS CAT officer, and MEAL officer. The position is full-time and may involve working in challenging environments. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and community members from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS' Code of Conduct. The organization prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of Nigeria, reflecting its commitment to local hiring.