Project Officer – Start Ready NRF

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is a humanitarian organization that partners with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disasters to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and well-being. Established to address urgent humanitarian needs, RI operates in 14 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, focusing on Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods programming. The organization is structured as an alliance of four corporate members: Relief International Inc., Relief International-UK, Relief International-France, and Relief International-Europe, which allows for a unified management approach across its operations.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Start Ready National Reserve Fund (NRF) Project, which emphasizes anticipatory action (AA) activities, contingency planning, and early action activation. This position requires coordination with local government units, consortium partners, financial service providers, and community stakeholders. The Project Officer will be responsible for updating the Cagayan Contingency Plan, implementing WASH in Emergency Orientation, and enhancing community preparedness and early warning systems in targeted municipalities. The role demands a commitment to humanitarian principles and the ability to work inclusively and sensitively with diverse communities.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer's responsibilities include providing technical support for the localization and operationalization of the 2026 Start Ready Contingency Plan, assisting in the implementation of anticipatory action components, and supporting RI’s early response efforts in Cagayan. The officer will help in planning, monitoring, and documenting project activities, ensuring compliance with organizational standards and donor requirements. Responsibilities also encompass grant management, budget monitoring, and maintaining proper documentation of activities. The Project Officer will coordinate with consortium members and local stakeholders, participate in meetings, and represent the organization in field-level coordination efforts. Additionally, the role involves ensuring community feedback mechanisms are in place and that the highest standards of behavior are upheld within the team and in interactions with external stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Community Development, Public Health, Disaster Risk Reduction, or related fields. A Master’s degree in Public Health or Disaster Management is advantageous. Essential qualifications include a minimum of three years of progressive experience in humanitarian, development, or community-based projects, particularly within the Philippines. Experience working with local government units and community organizations, as well as skills in training facilitation and project coordination, are also required. Fluency in Filipino and local dialects, along with excellent written and oral communication skills in English, is necessary.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Social Work, Community Development, Public Health, or Disaster Risk Reduction. A Master’s degree in Public Health or Disaster Management is considered a plus, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in humanitarian and development work.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of progressive experience in humanitarian, development, disaster risk reduction, or community-based projects. Candidates should have experience working with local government units, barangays, and community organizations, as well as a background in training facilitation, community mobilization, and project coordination. This experience is crucial for effectively managing the responsibilities associated with the Project Officer role.

Languages:
Fluency in Filipino and other local dialects is mandatory, as effective communication with local communities is essential. Additionally, excellent written and oral communication skills in English are required to ensure clear reporting and documentation of project activities. Knowledge of other languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is classified under the T4 - Technical level within the organization. It requires standard pre-employment checks and involves travel to project sites. The role does not have direct reports or budget responsibility, but it necessitates strong relationship management skills with various stakeholders, including the Programs team, MEAL, local government units, and implementing partners. The Project Officer will be expected to uphold the values of Relief International, including integrity, adaptability, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability, while ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies and ethical conduct standards.