Jobs

Opportunities at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)


Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an International non-governmental organization supporting relief and development work in over 99 countries around the world. CRS programs assist persons on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity or nationality. CRS works through local church and
non-church partners to implement its programs, therefore, strengthening and building the capacity of these partner organizations is fundamental to programs in every country in which CRS operates. CRS re-established presence in Nigeria in 2000 and currently focuses on vulnerable children, agriculture, health and HIV, extractives and governance, and peace building programming. CRS is expanding its activities in the North-East in the area of Food Security, Nutrition, Non Food Items, Water and Sanitation.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is recruiting to fill the position below:

 
Job Title: Community Liaison Officer
Location:
Maiduguri-Borno State
Grade:C-1
Reports to: Area Manager
Liaises with: WASH, Shelter and Food Security Officers
Primary Responsibility

  • Coordinates all community-based relations for CRS construction activities; Ensures an integrated, community-driven development approach in accordance with the CRS guiding principles;
Specific Job Responsibilities
Project Implementation:
  • Ensure the effective implementation of a community-driven development process.
  • Ensure, in consultation with the Construction Manager, program compliance with CRS principles of justice, solidarity, and subsidiarity.
  • Ensure gender is fully considered throughout the project cycle with women being enabled to influence decision-making.
  • Facilitate appropriate problem solving relevant to CRS programming activities.
Management and Administration:
  • Responsible for assessment, community relations/coordination, monitoring and evaluation, and social oversight of all CRS programming activities.  
  • Assist the Construction Manager in tracking financial resources, ensuring the appropriate allocation of funds and tracking of the corresponding implementation indicators.
  • Develop and maintain appropriate project tracking and knowledge management systems for all project activities.
  • Coordinate with CRS staff and external consultants to develop program- and management-quality capacity building training opportunities for staff as appropriate.
  • Conduct regular team meetings concerned with the direct implementation of CRS projects.
  • For all direct reports, develop a performance management plan on an annual basis; Provide performance guidance and feedback on a regular basis.
  • As required, prepare or assist the preparation of concept papers, project documents and other material to develop or promote coordination/project activities.
Monitoring and Reporting:
  • Develop and implement village-based community monitoring systems, update/close-out end-of-project knowledge management systems/documentation, and end-of-project activities/evaluations as needed.
  • Ensure that M&E systems are properly implemented and reported by team members.
  • Regularly report the progress of program implementation to senior managers and technical advisors (i.e. monthly and quarterly reports in English).
Coordination:
  • Develop and maintain appropriate channels of communication with senior managers, technical advisors and other CRS staff.   
  • Establish frequent contact and regular meetings between CRS staff and stakeholders, including community members, local authorities, partner organizations, other NGOs, BRR representatives and other government officials.  Included in this coordination is oversight of BRR beneficiary lists and UN Matrices.
  • Represent CRS at coordination meetings relevant to programming activities in communities.
  • Assist in organizing site visits for senior CRS staff and donor partners as required.
  • Collaborate with Construction Manager to draft appropriate advocacy letters related to implementation issues that require government feedback.
Key Working Relationships
  • Internal: Deputy Country Representative/Programs, Emergency Coordinator (Borno State based), Nutritionist, Security Manager, Head of Operations, Nigeria Leadership and Management Team members,
  • External: UN Agencies, IOM, Shelter Coordination Mechanism, Partner Agencies, NEMA, SEMA
Agency Wide Competences (For all CRS Staff):
These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
  • Serves withIntegrity
  • ModelsStewardship
  • Cultivates Constructive Relationships
  • Promotes Learning
Qualifications
  • University/Bachelor's Degree in International Development or other related field.
  • Minimum 3 years relevant work experience.
  • Proven ability to build/work in a team and to manage and motivate personnel and to draw on individual skills to advance agendas and problem solve.    
  • Proven ability to diplomatically make suggestions and advocate to technical managers on improvements to social programming activities in relation to engineering works.
  • Experience in community development and mobilization, or similar self-help initiatives, and desire to work cross-sectorally to maximize integration of program delivery is essential.
  • Familiarity with current standards and guidelines for humanitarian emergency responses, particularly Sphere Standards.
  • Demonstrated ability to work in partnership with local communities and NGOs.
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret administrative reports, technical procedures, or government regulations.
  • Ability to write reports in English; ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, counterparts, government representatives, and regional CRS staff.
  • Must be proficient in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook Access- and ideally MS Project)
  • Proficiency in English (oral and written).
  • Self-reliance and an ability to work in challenging environments.
  • Awareness and understanding of cross-cultural issues, in particular in representing a US-based agency.


 
Job Title: Emergency Nutrition Officer
Location:
Maiduguri-Borno State
Band: C-1
Reports to: Emergency Coordinator
Liaises with: WASH, Shelter and Food Security Officers
Job Description
  • The Emergency Nutritionist officer will be responsible for nutrition and food security and needs assessments, and the development and management of nutrition interventions in Borno state
Key Tasks and Responsibilities 
  • Undertake/participate in nutrition, food security needs assessments of general populations and IDPS in line with  international standards/best practice
  • Lead in the design, implementation and monitoring of nutrition and food security interventions in response to the priorities identified through needs assessments and surveillance
  • Engage in analysis of the nutritional situation as part of the overall emergency response.
  • Contribute in preparing nutrition project proposals and budgets for submission to donors
  • Support the implementation of CRS’s emergency nutrition response and strengthen the integration of nutrition and food security/livelihoods
  • Ensure program quality and overall nutrition service delivery is within SPHERE minimum standards Organize , supervise and monitor project implementation
  • Prepare progress and final reports for submission to donors and host governments with the support of line manager
  •  Document project implementation, learning and recommendations during and at the end of deployment
  • Provide technical support to nutrition project staff and to the staff of partner organizations if appropriate
  • Recruit and manage nutrition project staff as required
  • Train and mentor CRS and partner staff in nutrition technical areas and program implementation
  • Liaise with government and other agencies/organizations working in nutrition and food security and represent CRS at co-ordination forums dealing with nutrition and food security related issues
Qualification Requirements
  • University degree in the relevant fields (Nutrition, Health, Public Health)
  • Past experience of minimum three years work in area of Nutrition projects implementation of with at least one year in leading role
  • Experience implementing large scale Nutrition programming in Nigeria. Work in Northeast Nigeria, specifically Borno a plus
  • Fluent in English speaking and writing is required. Ability to speak Kanuri a plus
Essential Skills and Experience:
  • Strong analytical skills and commitment to inter-agency co-ordination and collaboration in programme development and implementation in emergency situations is essential
  • Experience in nutrition assessment/survey methodologies, particularly 30 by 30 cluster sampling and SMART methodology
  • Experience in project design, development and monitoring and evaluation
  • Familiarity with emergency nutrition and food security interventions, including Community-based Management of Acute Malnutrition (CMAM)
  • Experience in training/mentoring staff
  • Excellent verbal and written English and local language
  • Experience in using participatory approaches in project design and implementation
  • Knowledge of challenges of working with and through local partners in emergency situations
Key Working Relationships
  • Internal: Deputy Country Representative/Programs, Emergency Coordinator (Borno State based), Nutritionist, Security Manager, Head of Operations, Nigeria Leadership and Management Team members
  • External:UNICEF, UNOCHA, Partner Agencies, Ministry of Health



Job Title: Emergency WASH Project Officer
Location:
Maiduguri, Borno State
Contract Period: 12 months
Starting Date: ASAP
Band:  C-1
Reporting To: Emergency Coordinator
Liaising with: Emergency Nutritionist, Emergency and NFI /Shelter officer
Job Description
  • The Emergency WASH officer will be responsible for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene needs assessments, and the development and management of WASH interventions in line with North East Emergency strategy and organization policy framework.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
  • Lead the planning of WASH project activities and set quality performance targets ensuring adherence to technical standards, best practices and donor guidelines.
  • Spearhead the selection of WASH project beneficiaries based on approved criteria and strategies, ensuring beneficiaries are consulted and their views taken into account at all stages of the program.
  • Oversee the work of project teams during the preparatory works, assessments, technical requirements, selection of external entities in support of the grants/projects and ensuring compliance with CRS agreements and with statutory and technical legislation issued by appropriate government authorities.
  • Support fields teams in carrying out selection, design, and construction/rehabilitation of water and sanitation systems including: water treatment, excreta disposal, solid waste management, and construction of Water and Sanitation facilities.
  • In collaboration with the Emergency Coordinator and Operations Manager, prepare contracts and documentation for works and oversee execution of those contracts.
  • Together with the Hygiene Promotion Officer, integrate public health concepts into water, sanitation and hygiene activities.
  • Ensure WASH activities are integrated with other sector teams, such as Shelter, NFIs, Nutrition, Protection and Accountability as appropriate.
  • Ensure that the project engages locals and develops local capacity for longer term sustainability.
  • Contribute to preparing plans, proposals, and budgets for project extensions and new projects.
  • Ensure protection issues are fully considered throughout the project cycle with women, elderly, disabled and most vulnerable being included in decision making for all Shelter and WASH issues.
  • Use appropriate project management tools to plan, review and track progress on projects implementation as well as on the utilization of project resources.
  • Ensure the development and implement strong M&E systems using appropriate CRS tools and resources to maximize project impact on beneficiaries.
  • Monitor project development and identify deviation from approved project plans and implement corrective measures when necessary to ensure that the partners meet the project objectives.
  • Identify technical assistance needs for CRS and partners and take the lead in developing SOWs and follow up with TA from the region and/or external expertise as appropriate.
  • Oversee management and maintenance of up to date documentation related to all projects approvals, monitoring and implementation in both hard and soft copies.
  • Undertake/participate in WASH and needs assessments of IDPs and host communities in line with international standards/best practice
  • Ensure a constructive co-operation with other CRS programs, local authorities, other international and local NGOs as well as the UN Agencies
  • Representing CRS at sectoral coordination forums and inter-agency engagements
  • Leading on monitoring and analysis of policy issues affecting WASH sector and advising the management and policy & advocacy team on key message formation;
  • Any other relevant tasks as assigned by the Emergency Coordinator
Key Working Relationships
  • Internal: Deputy Country Representative/Programs, Emergency Coordinator (Borno State based), Nutritionist, Security Manager, Head of Operations, Nigeria Leadership and Management Team members
  • External: UNICEF, UNOCHA, Partner Agencies, Ministry of Health
Academic Qualifications and Experience
  • At least 5 years of technical experience implementing WASH related interventions, especially in IDP/ displacement contexts
  • Technical background in Public Health. First degree or postgraduate diploma in Public Health Engineering (Water & Sanitation), or similar relevant discipline
  • Advanced understanding and experience on programme monitoring and evaluation issues. Ability to design M & E tools relevant to the WASH sector and roll it out to the technical and M & E teams
  • Experience in leading multisectoral assessment teams and providing technical guidance on WASH issues
  • Experience in capacity building and training of staff
  • Experience in project, logistics and admin. management
  • High level of communication, interpersonal, representation and negotiation skills
  • Good understanding and programmatic experience on various cross cutting issues such as gender, protection and environment
  • Ability to write high quality concept notes and technical sections for donor proposals 
  • Ability to speak and write English is required. Fluency in Kanuri is a plus.
Essential Skills and Experience:
  • Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills 
  • Strong analysis skills (qualitative and quantitative)
  • Excellent one to one and group communication /information presentation skills
  • Experience working with statistical computer software packages
  • Project design and management skills
  • Goal oriented with ability to work under pressure, independently and with limited supervision
  • Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a fast paced and complex environment.
  • Flexible and proactive attitude towards problem-solving
  • Experience in Water , Sanitation and Hygiene assessment methodologies 
  • Familiarity with different hygiene and sanitation approached applicable in Emergency
  • Experience in using participatory approaches in project design and implementation
  • Knowledge of working with and through local partners in emergency situations
  • Ability to work in local language of area where we respond – attends meetings, deliver training, manage staff, etc.




Job Title: Field Engineer
Location:
Maiduguri-Borno State
Grade: D-1
Reports to: Emergency Coordinator
Liaises with: WASH, Shelter and Food Security Officers
Primary Responsibility

  • Provide construction quality and progress inspection for the contracted construction projects;
Specific Job Responsibilities
  • Conduct site inspections to ensure that contract construction is in accordance with design specifications. 
  • Address field design change requests with contractor and engineering design staff.
  • Prepare field reports and maintain a filing system for proper and efficient project documentation.
  • Evaluate and process contractor progress payment requests.
  • Evaluate performance of contractors and issue notices of non-compliance when necessary
  • Ensure that design concerns raised by contractors are raised to the engineering staff 
  • Coordinate with other CRS departments concerning all aspects of project implementation.
  • Promote safety driven construction practices (safety culture) by regular review of project site safety initiatives and compliance by contractor
Key Working Relationships
  • Internal: Deputy Country Representative/Programs, Emergency Coordinator (Borno State based), Nutritionist, Security Manager, Head of Operations, Nigeria Leadership and Management Team members.
  • External: UN Agencies, IOM, Shelter Coordination Mechanism, Partner Agencies, NEMA, SEMA
Agency Wide Competences (For all CRS Staff)
These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
  • Serves withIntegrity
  • ModelsStewardship
  • Cultivates Constructive Relationships
  • Promotes Learning
Qualifications
  • Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering or equivalent field experience. Professional engineering license is a plus.
  • Must have at least 3 years experience in QA/QC, building inspection, or construction management, with a balanced awareness of how to effectively manage contractor performance.
  • Thorough knowledge of local building codes and design standards
  • Proficient in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook Access- and ideally MS Project).
  • Fluency in English with good verbal and written communication skills
  • Effective inter-personal skills, consensus-building;
  • Planning and organization skills and analytical approach;
  • Demonstrated experience of integrity and professionalism




Job Title: Engineering Team Manager
Location:
Maiduguri-Borno State
Grade: D-1
Reports to: Emergency Coordinator
Liaises with: WASH, Shelter and Food Security Officers
Job Description
  • The Emergency Nutritionist officer will be responsible for nutrition and food security and needs assessments, and the development and management of nutrition interventions in Borno state
Primary Responsibility
  • Manage Front End Engineering and Design (FEED) including all assessments and field investigations, project design, and specifications.
Specific Job Responsibilities
Planning:
  • Participate in the conceptual planning and technical assessment procedures for shelter; infrastructure and water & sanitation construction programs;
  • Prepare detailed cost estimates, project time frames, and resource allocation;
Program Engineering and Design:
  • Implement operational plans in coordination with other sector teams, as appropriate; 
  • Develop engineering drawings and specification;
  • Prepare site lay out in collaboration with other sectors and stakeholders;
  • Develop Construction Scope of Work as required for each contract.
  • Ensure that all CRS construction programs comply with relevant local, national and international standards and regulations, and reflect agency best practices. 
  • Coordinate with Local Government in developing post-disaster engineering and contracting;
  • Obtain all Governments approval for engineering design.
  • Oversee the cost estimate process for the CRS developed design.
  • Oversee the Tender technical review, provide required clarifications and recommendations.
  • Oversee the development and use of program documentation systems, in accordance with agency best practices; ensure accountability to the dispatch and approval matrix;
  • Ensure that environmental and sustainability issues are considered in the program design, in keeping with agency best practices.
Information and Co-ordination:
  • Provide support for the preparation of project reports as required by CRS, relevant Government coordination bodies, external donors, and other interested parties.
  • Provide regular updates to the Construction Project Manager on progress, priorities and constraints – verbally and in writing.
  • For all supervised staff, develop a performance management plan on an annual basis; Provide regular guidance and feedback on performance. 
  • Manage local staff, effort reporting, and staff allocation and management.
  • As part of the CRS Construction team, facilitate information flow between other engineering managers, and sector programming and program support departments; Coordinate and maintain an on-going dialogue with the Community Liaison Officers and actively participate in developing and maintaining productive relationships with individual families and communities;
Key Working Relationships
  • Internal: Deputy Country Representative/Programs, Emergency Coordinator (Borno State based), Nutritionist, Security Manager, Head of Operations, Nigeria Leadership and Management Team members,
  • External: UN Agencies, IOM, Shelter Coordination Mechanism, Partner Agencies, NEMA, SEMA
Agency Wide Competences (For all CRS Staff):
These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
  • Serves withIntegrity
  • ModelsStewardship
  • Cultivates Constructive Relationships
  • Promotes Learning
Qualifications
  • A Degree or similar professional qualification in Structural/Civil Engineering, Architecture or related technical field.
  • A minimum of five years design experience, including two years in a supervision role; experience construction or contract management a plus
  • Experience in developing and implementing shelter or community infrastructure projects on behalf of development organizations preferred.
  • Experience in community development, community mobilization, or similar self-help initiatives, and a desire to maximize integration of program delivery, is preferred.
  • Familiarity with current standards and guidelines for humanitarian emergency response, including the Sphere Handbook criteria.
  • Ability to work in partnership with local communities and NGOs as appropriate.
  • An ability to understand and adapt local construction technologies, materials, codes and laws.
  • An interest in and ability to build capacity in implementing teams, local partners and community bodies, with a focus on community participation.
  • Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
  • Ability to read, analyze and interpret administrative reports, technical procedures, or government regulations.
  • Must be proficient in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook Access– and ideally MS Project). Proficiency with recently released versions of AutoCAD
  • Ability to write reports, and procedure manuals and effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, counterparts, Government representatives, regional CRS staff and Baltimore HQ staff.
  • Fluency in English (both oral and written skills).
  • Self-reliance and an ability to work in a challenging and demanding environment.
  • Awareness, sensitivity and understanding of cross-cultural issues particularly in representing a US-based, Catholic agency.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should download the CRS Application Form , fill and send with a detailed Resume in a single file Microsoft word document to: [email protected]

Note
  • Interviews will be conducted on a rolling biases as applications come in. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.
  • This Job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties and responsibilities associated with the position.
  • This is a key staff position that will require USAID approval.
Application Deadline  2nd August, 2016.