Oficial de Proyecto

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 over 100 countries, providing assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it promotes a collaborative, mission-driven culture aimed at improving the lives of the poor globally. The organization welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to service.

Job Overview:
The position of Oficial de Proyecto, specifically as a GAAP Specialist within the Microfinance and Gender component of the Horizontes initiative, is pivotal in ensuring the effective implementation of the project’s objectives. The role involves leading the implementation of the Self-Savings and Loan Groups (GAAP) approach using the Private Service Providers (PSP) methodology in the Ixcán and Barillas territories. The specialist will integrate gender issues into the project, leveraging CRS's flagship methodologies across various components. This position requires guiding and advising technical staff and partners to develop competencies in GAAP, microfinance, and gender, ensuring that resources are managed effectively and that best practices are consistently applied to enhance the project's impact on the communities served.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties of the Oficial de Proyecto include leading the implementation of GAAP and Gender activities as outlined in project proposals and detailed implementation plans. Responsibilities also involve identifying knowledge gaps and providing technical assistance to partners, documenting case studies, and reporting promising practices to the CRS learning community. The specialist will apply the GAAP-PSP methodology and other strategies, ensuring the involvement of partners, donors, and local governments. Additionally, the role requires coordinating capacity development activities, providing technical assistance to strengthen the financial management capabilities of local financial intermediaries, and maintaining constant communication with project coordinators regarding challenges and progress. The specialist will also represent Horizontes in strategic forums and ensure adherence to MEAL processes throughout the initiative.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a university degree in economics, administration, rural finance, social work, or related fields. A minimum of four years of work experience in project support, particularly in financing small rural producers, is required. Additional education may substitute for some experience, and vice versa. Specific experience in rural financing, financial training, and gender equality is essential. Proven experience in adult training, gender empowerment, and working with GAAP or women's groups is highly valued. Familiarity with the formal financial system and experience in community engagement and participatory action planning are also important. Proficiency in MS Office applications and a valid driver's license are mandatory.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as economics, administration, rural finance, or social work is required. Additional educational qualifications may be considered in lieu of some work experience, and vice versa, depending on the candidate's overall profile and expertise.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of four years of relevant work experience, particularly in projects related to rural financing and microfinance. Experience in training and capacity building, especially in rural contexts, is essential. Candidates should have a proven track record in gender equality initiatives and empowerment of women, as well as experience in working with community partners and stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory, and knowledge of indigenous languages, particularly Maya languages, is desirable. Proficiency in English may also be beneficial depending on the context of the work and interactions with international stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Ixcán Quiche, Guatemala, with a significant travel requirement of approximately 80% to project intervention areas. The role is full-time and may involve working under pressure to meet project deadlines. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, and retirement savings plans for U.S.-based staff, while benefits for international candidates are based on local employment conditions. The successful candidate will be subject to a thorough background check and must adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct, which emphasizes the dignity and respect of all individuals.