Project Officer - BRIGHT Shea

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 worldwide. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to serving the poor and vulnerable without regard to race, religion, or nationality, and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency emphasizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and its processes reflect this commitment. CRS has a collaborative, mission-driven culture that aims to improve the lives of those in need globally, and it employs a diverse workforce to achieve its goals.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer for the BRIGHT Shea Project will play a crucial role in implementing project activities aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of women shea producers and youth-led enterprises. This position involves working closely with cooperatives, community institutions, and local partners to promote sustainable practices in shea production and market systems. The Project Officer will be responsible for coordinating various activities including trainings, community engagements, and technical support, ensuring that all project documentation and reporting align with CRS and donor requirements. The role requires frequent travel to project communities to monitor and support the implementation of project activities, thereby contributing to the overall success of the BRIGHT Shea Project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will be tasked with organizing and leading the implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan. This includes coordinating field-level activities by supporting women shea producers, cooperatives, and youth entrepreneurs in adopting improved production and business management practices. The officer will facilitate capacity strengthening through trainings, demonstrations, and community meetings, while also engaging stakeholders to enhance market systems and private sector involvement. Responsibilities also include monitoring project performance, collecting data, documenting lessons learned, and preparing technical reports. The Project Officer will ensure that all project documentation is complete and filed according to agency and donor requirements, and assist in the preparation of annual reports and case studies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Environmental Science, Development Studies, or Social Sciences. A Master’s degree in related fields such as agriculture (Economics, Extension, Agribusiness), Natural Resource Management, or Social Sciences is preferred. The position requires a minimum of 3 years of work experience in project support, particularly in agriculture or climate change projects within NGO settings. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, along with good relationship management abilities, are essential for success in this role.

Educational Background:
The educational requirements for this position include a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as agriculture, Environmental Science, Development Studies, or Social Sciences. A Master’s degree in agriculture-related disciplines or social sciences is considered an advantage, providing candidates with a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in agricultural projects and community development.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 3 years of relevant work experience in project support, particularly in the fields of agriculture and climate change within NGO environments. Experience in monitoring projects and collecting data is preferred, as well as familiarity with agricultural practices and livelihoods projects. This experience will enable the Project Officer to effectively engage with local partners and implement project activities successfully.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory for this position. Strong communication skills in English will facilitate effective collaboration with local partners and stakeholders, ensuring that project objectives are met. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Tamale, Ghana, and requires the candidate to be willing to travel up to 25% of their time to project communities. The role does not involve supervisory responsibilities but requires strong collaboration with various internal and external stakeholders. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and retirement savings plans. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits are based on the country of employment. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations.