Project Officer - Infrastructure (STaR Project)

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 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, ensuring that all staff and partners respect and protect the dignity and rights of everyone involved in their work.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer for Infrastructure will serve as a support lead for the infrastructure component of the STaR Project in Nigeria. This role is crucial for facilitating the achievement of project objectives by coordinating and reporting all activities related to Productive and Social Infrastructure. The officer will provide technical guidance and advice to staff and implementing partners, ensuring that CRS's mission to serve the poor and vulnerable is upheld. The position requires strong coordination and relationship management skills to ensure that the STaR project applies best practices and continuously improves its impact on the communities served. The officer will be responsible for monitoring project activities, assisting partners in reflecting on project experiences, and ensuring effective communication between local stakeholders and the project team.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will support and coordinate all assigned Infrastructure/ESHS activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan, adhering to CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices. Key responsibilities include monitoring and reporting challenges or gaps to inform adjustments to plans, assisting partners in project reflections, and maintaining relationships with local stakeholders. The officer will supervise and conduct inspections at project sites, ensure proper tracking of resource use, produce technical designs and budgets for infrastructure projects, and oversee the training of Cash-for-Work beneficiaries. Additionally, the officer will support project evaluation activities, collaborate with local partners for reporting, and monitor capacity building efforts for partner organizations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's Degree, preferably in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management. A minimum of 2 years of work experience in project support, particularly in Construction/Infrastructure management, is required. Experience in developing and implementing infrastructure or community projects for development organizations or NGOs is essential. Registration with professional regulatory bodies in engineering, construction, or architecture is an advantage. Additional experience may substitute for some educational requirements.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor's Degree is required for this position. Degrees in Civil Engineering, Architecture, or Construction Management are preferred. The educational background should align with the technical requirements of the role, ensuring that the candidate has the necessary knowledge and skills to perform effectively in the infrastructure sector.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 2 years of relevant work experience in project support, ideally within the field of Construction or Infrastructure management. Candidates should have experience in developing and implementing infrastructure projects, particularly in a community development context. Additional experience may be considered in lieu of formal educational qualifications, emphasizing the importance of practical knowledge and skills in the field.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, while knowledge of Hausa is preferred. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance the officer's ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders, ensuring successful project implementation and collaboration.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 75% to field locations in Adamawa state. The role does not include supervisory responsibilities but involves key working relationships with various internal and external stakeholders. CRS emphasizes personal accountability, integrity, and collaboration among its staff, and candidates are expected to adhere to the agency's safeguarding policies and procedures. The organization is committed to equal opportunity employment and prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.