Job Advertisement

Position Title: Oficial de Proyecto Sénior
Location: Guatemala City
Country: Guatemala
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an organization that fulfills the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable in other countries. Founded with a strong Catholic identity at its core, CRS operates with a mission to serve those in need, welcoming individuals from all beliefs and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to humanitarian service. The organization has a significant presence in various countries, employing a diverse workforce dedicated to making a positive impact on communities worldwide.

Job Overview:
As the leader of the Learning for Life Program team, the Senior Project Officer will support the achievement of project objectives by implementing project activities related to the Ministry of Education (MINEDUC) and technical working groups at the national level. Key areas of focus include improving the School Feeding Law, promoting Municipal Reading Friends, bilingual and intercultural education, educational innovation, material requisition systems, and the National Educational Accompaniment System (SINAE). The role also involves facilitating methodological transfers from the project to education authorities, ensuring that project practices align with national standards and best practices. The Senior Project Officer will coordinate with implementing partners to execute projects that align with the mission of Catholic Relief Services, ultimately serving the poorest and most vulnerable populations. The position requires strong relationship management skills to influence national-level stakeholders and ensure consistent application of best practices to enhance project impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Officer will be responsible for organizing and directing the implementation of project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan, ensuring alignment with CRS program quality standards, donor requirements, and best practices. Key responsibilities include planning and ensuring the implementation of key actions with MINEDUC, coordinating with the influence sub-management, Project Management, and project team members. The officer will seek scalability of project models, including the training of school feeding agents, the 'From the Plot to the School' model, and the 'Kemom Ch’ab’al' and 'Sentir es Vivir' methodologies. They will ensure MINEDUC certification for subsequent cohorts of school feeding agents and follow up on the national certification process for Municipal Reading Friends. Active participation in designated working groups is required to position the project and CRS effectively in inter-institutional Coordination spaces. The officer will manage project closure activities related to MINEDUC, oversee budget management for influence and sustainability events, and coordinate financial and material resources relevant to project needs. Participation in meetings with NGOs in the USDA consortium and donor meetings at both national and international levels is also expected. The officer will ensure effective implementation of the Positioning, Influence, and Communication (PIC) plan and the project's sustainability and influence plan, achieving project goals. They will coordinate with the Influence Coordinator and local and regional procurement teams to align efforts related to the School Feeding Law, advise on educational practices, and maintain coordination with MINEDUC and other relevant institutions. Additionally, the officer will analyze project performance data with the MEAL team, proactively identify issues, and document information in collaboration with the monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) department. They will assist in preparing trend Analysis reports and case studies, review technical documents for transfer to MINEDUC, and act as a key reference for project proposal Design and development in the respective programming area.

Required Qualifications:
A Bachelor's degree in Education, Public Administration, Business Administration, International Development, International Relations, or a related field is required, with a Master's degree preferred. Additional experience may substitute for some educational requirements. A minimum of 5 years of relevant field experience in coordinating or managing moderately complex projects is required, preferably with an international NGO. Experience in national or municipal influence processes and their implications in the indigenous community context in the highlands of the country is essential. Experience in political negotiation processes, project management in education, and working on influence and sustainability plans is highly desirable. Familiarity with partner organizations and experience in developing technical proposals and project closures are also important. Knowledge of the educational systems and subsystems in the country is crucial, and MEAL skills and experience are preferred. Proficiency in MS Office (Teams, Zoom, Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and PowerBi navigation is required.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Education, Public Administration, Business Administration, International Development, or International Relations. A Master's degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and understanding of the complexities involved in project management and educational systems. Additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education, allowing for flexibility in candidate selection based on practical knowledge and skills.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of 5 years of relevant field experience, particularly in coordinating or managing projects that are moderately complex. This experience should ideally be gained within an international NGO context, providing insight into the operational and strategic challenges faced in such environments. Familiarity with national and municipal influence processes, especially in relation to indigenous communities in the highlands, is critical. Experience in political negotiation, educational project management, and developing influence and sustainability plans will be highly regarded. The ability to engage with partner organizations and contribute to technical proposal development and project closures is also necessary.

Languages:
While not mandatory, a medium level of English is desired for this position. Proficiency in Spanish is essential, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization and with local stakeholders. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance collaboration and influence within the educational and governmental contexts in Guatemala.

Additional Notes:
The position requires a significant amount of travel, with approximately 70% of time spent on activities within Guatemala City, 20% in field activities in the highlands, and 10% in Ciudad de Quetzaltenango. The role is full-time and involves working closely with various stakeholders, including project managers, sub-managers, and external partners such as MINEDUC and NGOs. The organization emphasizes a commitment to protecting vulnerable children and adults from abuse and exploitation, promoting equal employment opportunities.