Coordinador Local Programático

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, 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 individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to service. The agency's policies reflect its dedication to protecting the rights and dignity of all people, especially those in vulnerable situations. CRS also emphasizes the importance of local engagement and welcomes candidates from the regions in which it operates, ensuring that its workforce is representative of the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The position of Coordinador Local Programático involves acting as the primary liaison between CRS and governmental institutions, other NGOs, and private initiatives. The role requires representation of CRS at various events and support for technical and operational initiatives linked to the project. The coordinator will analyze and coordinate actions with the Ministry of Agriculture (MAGA) and other institutions to maximize investments and technical services provided by the state. A significant expectation is the design and implementation of a municipal influence strategy, ensuring that local community needs are met effectively. The role also encompasses project management and technical accompaniment, ensuring compliance with CRS policies and guidelines while facilitating efficient execution of project activities. The coordinator will be responsible for promoting local development and community ownership through participatory strategies, enhancing citizen participation, and fostering leadership among youth and women. Additionally, the position includes monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) responsibilities, ensuring that quality reports are produced for CRS and donors, and that adaptive management practices are in place based on data analysis and strategic recommendations. The role also emphasizes innovation and digitalization, promoting the use of digital services to optimize administrative processes within municipalities and other government institutions.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as the main liaison between CRS and governmental institutions, NGOs, and private initiatives, representing CRS at events and supporting technical and operational initiatives related to the project.
• Analyze and coordinate actions with MAGA and other institutions to maximize investments and technical services.
• Ensure the design and implementation of a municipal influence strategy.
• Accompany administrative, financial, logistical, and technical processes for efficient project execution in compliance with CRS policies.
• Guarantee field programming, including ECAs/CADERES, and coordinate with MAGA, NGOs, and commercial houses related to rural development and agriculture.
• Strengthen poultry production in coordination with MAGA and related services.
• Develop stable market links for prioritized crops and value chains.
• Promote the establishment of municipal markets and financial education at all levels.
• Design participatory strategies to enhance community ownership and sustainability of initiatives. 1
• Promote citizen participation and leadership development among youth and women. 1
• Coordinate MEAL team compliance with policies and update information systems. 1
• Ensure quality periodic reports for CRS and donors. 1
• Promote the digitalization of services to optimize administrative processes. 1
• Conduct monthly budget progress follow-ups with CRS technical and administrative staff. 1
• Review and accompany donor reports before submission to CRS. 1
• Develop risk management strategies in coordination with municipalities and territorial actors. 1
• Implement Safe and Dignified Programming policies and feedback mechanisms.

Required Qualifications:

• University degree in Business Administration, Environmental Engineering, Agro-industrial Engineering, Agronomy, or related fields.
• Minimum of 3 years of work experience supporting agricultural development projects and local leadership.
• Experience in partnerships and inter-institutional relations in development or emergency projects.
• Experience working with public and private sector actors.
• Experience in budget management.
• Additional education may substitute for experience; additional experience may substitute for education.
• Experience in executing training methodologies or knowledge transfer to adult populations, particularly in rural areas.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), web conferencing applications, and information management systems.
• Valid driver's license for a 4-wheel vehicle.

Educational Background:
A university degree in relevant fields such as Business Administration, Environmental Engineering, Agro-industrial Engineering, Agronomy, or related areas is required. Additional education may be considered in lieu of experience, and vice versa. The educational background should ideally include training in project management, agricultural development, and community engagement.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience, particularly in supporting agricultural development projects and local leadership initiatives. Candidates should have experience in working with both public and private sector actors, as well as in managing budgets and executing training methodologies for adult populations, especially in rural contexts. Experience in inter-institutional relations and partnerships is also essential.

Languages:
Proficiency in Spanish is mandatory, and knowledge of English is desirable. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance collaboration with diverse stakeholders and facilitate project implementation.

Additional Notes:
The position requires approximately 80% travel time. CRS emphasizes the importance of safeguarding program participants and community members from exploitation and abuse. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and participate in safeguarding training. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates. The job description is not exhaustive and may evolve as needed.