Senior 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, providing relief and development programs that address various issues such as 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 employs a diverse workforce and emphasizes the importance of treating all people with dignity and respect, actively preventing harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. The agency's talent acquisition procedures reflect its commitment to protecting individuals from harm and ensuring a safe working environment for all staff members.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Officer will play a crucial role in leading the implementation of a multi-county child development, care, and protection project aimed at strengthening national systems that protect vulnerable children and support families. This position requires collaboration with government counterparts, local partners, community structures, and faith-based networks to enhance child protection systems, improve early childhood development, and reduce reliance on residential care. The Senior Project Officer will be responsible for ensuring that project activities align with CRS program quality standards and donor requirements, while also fostering accountability and learning throughout the project cycle. The incumbent will utilize their coordination and relationship management skills to ensure the project effectively serves the poor and vulnerable populations, ultimately improving outcomes for children and families in the targeted areas.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Officer will be tasked with organizing and leading the implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan. Key responsibilities include ensuring that learning accompanies project activities, supporting accountability through project evaluation coordination, analyzing implementation challenges, and reporting inconsistencies to inform adjustments. The officer will coordinate and oversee relationships with local project stakeholders, mobilize local actors, and promote project activities. They will also conduct ad-hoc inspections of project sites to ensure adherence to established standards, track resource use through budget reviews, and provide capacity building and technical support to partners. Additionally, the officer will ensure complete project documentation and assist in preparing trend analysis reports and case studies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree as a minimum requirement, with a preference for a Master's degree in International Relations, Child Protection, or a related field. A minimum of 4 years of work experience in project support, ideally in the field of Child Protection and within an NGO setting, is required. The candidate should demonstrate strong analysis and problem-solving skills, good relationship management abilities, and a proactive, results-oriented mindset. Proficiency in MS Windows and MS Office packages is essential, along with a commitment to respect, equity, diversity, and inclusion, including gender equality.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's Degree as a basic qualification, with a Master's degree in a relevant field being preferred. The focus should be on areas such as International Relations, Child Protection, or related disciplines that equip the candidate with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively contribute to the project.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in project support, particularly in the field of Child Protection and within non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Candidates should have experience working with partners, participatory action planning, community engagement, and monitoring projects while collecting relevant data to inform project outcomes.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position include proficiency in written and spoken English and Kiswahili. Knowledge of the local language of the county where the project is implemented is considered an added advantage, enhancing communication with local stakeholders and beneficiaries.

Additional Notes:
The Senior Project Officer position involves significant travel, with an expectation of 70% travel time within the project areas of operation. The role does not include supervisory responsibilities, but it requires strong collaboration with internal project staff, local implementing partners, and various stakeholders. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package and emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on improving the lives of the poor. The organization is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, especially children and vulnerable adults, and adheres to strict recruitment and employment practices to ensure a safe working environment.