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, focusing on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency has a strong commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and its processes reflect this commitment. CRS also prioritizes hiring candidates from the regions in which it operates, ensuring that its workforce is representative of the communities it serves. The organization is dedicated to maintaining the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly those who are most at risk, and adheres to a strict Code of Conduct to uphold these principles.

Job Overview:
As a Project Officer for the AgrEcoNUS+ initiative, you will play a crucial role in facilitating the achievement of project objectives aimed at enhancing nutrition" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food and nutrition security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, climate resilience, and inclusive economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa. This position involves coordinating and reporting on all project activities while providing technical guidance and support to staff and implementing partners. You will be responsible for ensuring that the project adheres to best practices and continuously seeks to improve its impact on the communities it serves. Your work will involve empowering farmers, women, youth, researchers, and small enterprises, while also fostering consumer awareness and policy support. The role requires strong coordination and relationship management skills to effectively engage with various stakeholders and ensure the successful implementation of project activities. You will report directly to the Program Director for Agriculture, Livelihoods and Landscapes/Designee and will be based in the project location, which is Tamale, Ghana.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Officer include organizing and leading assigned project activities in accordance with the detailed implementation plan, CRS program quality principles, donor requirements, and recognized good practices. You will provide training, technical guidance, and advisory support on neglected and underutilized species (NUS) crop systems through demonstration fields and farmer field schools. Additionally, you will support the establishment and strengthening of community seed banks and local seed systems, and assist civil society actors and networks in engaging with relevant authorities on the development or revision of policies and regulations for farmer-managed seed systems. Promoting structured information exchange, learning, and knowledge sharing among project actors and across countries is also a key responsibility. You will advocate for actions that promote NUS as part of sustainable food systems at both national and regional levels, and work to enhance consumer awareness and trust in NUS and agroecological products. Furthermore, you will ensure complete documentation of assigned project activities in line with agency and donor requirements, and support the preparation of annual reports and the documentation of case studies, success stories, and promising practices.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Development Studies, or Social Sciences. A Master's degree in agriculture (Economics, Extension, Agribusiness), Natural Resource Management, or in the social sciences is preferred. Candidates should possess strong knowledge and skills in project monitoring and data collection, as well as experience in participatory action planning and community engagement. Proficiency in using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate good relationship management skills, attention to detail, and a proactive, results-oriented approach to their work.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field such as Agriculture, Environmental Science, Development Studies, or Social Sciences. A Master's degree in a related discipline is considered a plus and may enhance the candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
A minimum of 3 years of work experience in project support or in the field of Agriculture, particularly in climate change projects within NGO settings, is required for this position. Candidates should have a proven track record of successfully managing project activities and engaging with community stakeholders.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not specified as required.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Tamale, Ghana, and may require travel up to 25% of the time. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For successful candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment may be informed by a term limit based on the job type and level, as well as the needs of the agency. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and community members from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and candidates are expected to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct.