Senior Project Officer - Protection

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, providing relief and development services 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, ensuring that all staff and partners uphold the highest standards of safeguarding. The agency's mission is deeply rooted in its Catholic identity, welcoming individuals of all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Officer for Protection will lead the coordination and delivery of community-based protection interventions under the RAPID program. This role is crucial in ensuring access to safe, inclusive, and accountable services for communities. The officer will establish and support community protection structures, strengthen referral and accountability systems, and oversee psychosocial-support" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">psychosocial support interventions. Engaging with community actors and local authorities is essential for guiding protection planning and implementation while adhering to safeguarding standards and integrating protection principles across program activities. The officer's coordination and relationship management skills will be vital in applying best practices and improving the impact of the project for the beneficiaries.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Officer will organize 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. Responsibilities include supporting accountability through project evaluation activities, analyzing implementation challenges, and coordinating relationships with local stakeholders. The officer will oversee ad-hoc inspections at project sites to ensure timely implementation and adherence to established standards. Proper tracking of resource use through periodic budget reviews and assistance to implementing partners is also required. The officer will coordinate capacity building and technical support activities, manage logistical and administrative support for staff and partners, and ensure complete project documentation. Additionally, the officer will lead community-based protection activities, identify and mitigate protection risks, establish referral pathways, and integrate trauma-informed approaches into protection activities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong analysis and problem-solving skills, good relationship management abilities, and a proactive, results-oriented approach. Attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness in executing responsibilities are essential. Knowledge of protection principles, Do No Harm approaches, referral systems, and safeguarding/PSEA is required. Preferred qualifications include experience working with partners, participatory action planning, community engagement, and staff supervision. Familiarity with monitoring projects and data collection, as well as proficiency in MS Windows and MS Office packages, is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in law, social work, development studies, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of protection work and the legal frameworks that govern it.

Experience:
A minimum of 5 years of experience in the protection field for an NGO is required, with at least 2 years in a supervisory role. This experience should encompass direct involvement in project implementation, community engagement, and capacity building within the protection sector.

Languages:
The job requires proficiency in English as a mandatory language. Additional languages relevant to the local context may be considered advantageous but are not specified as mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 40% of the time. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. The agency is committed to a collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on improving the lives of the poor globally. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's safeguarding policies and complete mandatory safeguarding training upon hire and annually thereafter. The position is remote, and CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.