Project Officer (Senior Nigerian National Only)

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 assistance 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, and it welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The organization emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture aimed at improving the lives of the poor worldwide. CRS has a strong presence in Nigeria, working on various development projects, including the Development of Cassava Seed Entrepreneur (DCSE) component of the Building Economically Sustainable Cassava Seed System, Phase 2 (BASICS-II).

Job Overview:
The Project Officer will play a crucial role in the implementation of the Development of Cassava Seed Entrepreneur (DCSE) component of the BASICS-II project in Nigeria. This project aims to enhance the cassava seed value chain by providing farmers with access to affordable, quality-assured seeds. The Project Officer will coordinate and report on all project activities, ensuring that they align with CRS program quality principles and donor requirements. The role involves working closely with local stakeholders, managing relationships, and ensuring that project activities are executed effectively to maximize impact. The Project Officer will also be responsible for capacity building among Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs (CSEs) and will facilitate the establishment of Seed Entrepreneurs Networks (SENs) to support marketing and quality control. The strategic objective is to double the number of commercially viable seed enterprises in Nigeria, thereby improving productivity and raising incomes for cassava growers and seed entrepreneurs.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will organize and lead the implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan. Responsibilities include ensuring that learning accompanies project activities throughout the project cycle, supporting accountability through project evaluation activities, and analyzing implementation challenges. The officer will coordinate relationships with local project stakeholders, supervise project site inspections, and ensure adherence to established standards and procedures. Additionally, the Project Officer will track resource use through budget reviews, support capacity building activities, and coordinate logistical and administrative support for staff and partners. The role also involves conducting monitoring visits, ensuring timely reporting from partners, drafting progress reports, and contributing to the agriculture and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security portfolio of CRS.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in agriculture, an agriculture-related field, or development studies. A minimum of 5 years of work experience in project support, particularly in agriculture and for an NGO, is required. Experience in the cassava value chain and public and private donor relations is also essential. The ideal candidate should demonstrate strong analysis and problem-solving skills, good relationship management abilities, and a proactive, results-oriented approach. Attention to detail and the ability to execute responsibilities accurately and timely are crucial for this role.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in agriculture, agriculture-related fields, or development studies is required for this position. This educational background ensures that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of agricultural practices and development strategies relevant to the cassava seed value chain.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in project support, ideally within the agricultural sector and for a non-governmental organization (NGO). Candidates should have experience in monitoring projects, collecting data, and engaging with local partners. Experience in the cassava value chain is particularly valuable, as is familiarity with public and private donor relations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of local languages spoken in Benue and Kogi states is preferred but not required. Proficiency in local languages can enhance communication with local stakeholders and improve project implementation.

Additional Notes:
The position involves significant travel, with a requirement to be willing and able to travel up to 50% of the time. The role is full-time and may involve supervising BASICS II Project field support personnel. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits packages are based on the country of employment. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and ensuring the rights and dignity of all individuals involved in its programs.