Project Implementation Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to serve the poor and vulnerable, 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, and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds who share its values and commitment to service.

Job Overview:
The Project Implementation Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of projects by collaborating directly with local partners and community members. This position involves coordinating various project activities and events that align with the mission of Catholic Relief Services to serve the poor and vulnerable. The assistant will ensure that local partners and communities are actively involved in the project, applying best practices, and continuously working towards improving the project's impact. The role requires strong service and community relations skills to facilitate effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Project Implementation Assistant include supporting the coordination and monitoring of project activities at the field level, ensuring that implementation schedules are adhered to according to the detailed activity plan. The assistant will facilitate communication and information sharing among the project team, implementing partners, and community beneficiaries to enhance local partner engagement. Additionally, the role involves liaising with community stakeholders to mobilize their involvement in project activities, supporting capacity-building events, monitoring volunteer activities, and compiling community-level data to contribute to project reports.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting, along with at least 3 years of relevant work experience in finance and accounting, preferably within the NGO humanitarian sector. Familiarity with public donors' regulations is essential, and proficiency in Excel and Microsoft Office is required. Knowledge of Oracle applications, Project Insight financial accounting packages, or similar financial reporting software is considered a plus.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in finance and accounting is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding financial principles and practices that are essential for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of work experience in finance and accounting, with a preference for candidates who have experience in the NGO humanitarian sector. This level of experience is crucial for effectively managing project finances and ensuring compliance with donor regulations.

Languages:
Proficiency in English and Amharic is mandatory for this position, while skills in the Afar language are considered advantageous. This linguistic capability is important for effective communication with local partners and community members.

Additional Notes:
The employment type is a definite term for 1 year, with the possibility of extension. The position is based in Semera, Afar, at the CRS field office. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, and vision. Benefits for candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment. The organization emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture dedicated to improving the lives of the poor globally. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.