Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding. For nearly 60 years, CRS has taken the lead in responding to natural and man-made disasters affecting Ethiopia's most vulnerable communities. Moving beyond emergency response, CRS' disaster mitigation and recovery projects in drought and flood-prone areas have rebuilt individual and community assets through non-food aid in the form of agriculture, livestock, health, nutrition, and water and sanitation assistance. CRS's humanitarian work in Ethiopia also provides livelihoods support to farmers and entrepreneurs, promotes equality and inclusion, and mitigates the impact of COVID-19.

As part of CRS family, you will join the more than 5000 strong and vibrant individuals working globally to accomplish the mission of CRS. CRS/Ethiopia invites you, the qualified candidate, to apply for the following position.

Job Title:                        Sr. Project Officer-Commodity Management Risk Monitoring

Band:                              VIII

Required number:        One

Department:                 Programs/JEOP

Employment Term:      Definite Term

Reports To:                   PM I-Commodity Management Risk Monitoring

Country/Location:       CRS Ethiopia/Hawassa

Job Summary:

As a lead for the JEOP and RFSA commodity management monitoring field project team, you will facilitate the achievement of project objectives through coordinating and reporting on all project activities and providing technical guidance and advice to staff and implementing partner(s) advancing Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable. Your coordination and relationship management skills will ensure that the project for which you are responsible applies best practices and constantly works towards improving the impact of its benefits to those we serve.

Job Responsibilities

• Directly supervise the activities of JEOP Project Officers responsible for last mile commodity management risk monitoring according to the assigned monitoring hub.

• Monitor commodity dispatches and distributions by consortium partners; follow-up on findings documenting improvements and areas which still require support.

• Mentor Project Officers to ensure they are supported in developing strong monitoring skills.

• Implement logistical plans to support field monitoring in the assigned geographic area.

• Monitor partner FDPs and any other distribution centers to ensure accurate commodity dispatches and distribution, reporting and program operation in accordance with the agreement between CRS and partners.

• Organize and lead field level implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.

• Ensure learning properly accompanies project activities throughout the project cycle. Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and guiding partners in their efforts to reflect on project experiences. Analyze implementation challenges and report any inconsistencies and/or gaps to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules.

• Coordinate and oversee working relationships with all local project stakeholders and serve as the liaison between them and the project team to mobilize local actors and promote project activities and impact.

• Supervise and perform ad-hoc inspections of various processes and resources at project sites to ensure timely project activities implementation and adherence to established process standards and procedures. Ensure proper tracking of resource use for project activities through periodic budget reviews and follow-up with and assistance to implementing partner.

• Support and coordinate capacity building and technical support activities to ensure assigned project activities are implemented per project guidelines and standards.

• Coordinate provision of any logistical and administrative support to staff and partners.

• Ensure project documentation for assigned activities is complete with all required documents and is filed per agency and donor requirements. Assist with preparation of trends analysis reports and documentation of case studies and promising practices.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. 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. 

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.

• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. Is considered honest.

• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.

• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.

• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.

• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.

• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Job Requirements

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Completion 2nd Degree (Social or Natural Science) or 1st Degree (Social or Natural Science).

• 2 years for 2nd Degree or 5 years for 1st Degree ideally in the field of Commodity Monitoring and for an NGO.

• Additional education may substitute for some experience; additional experience may substitute for some education.

• Experience working with partners, participatory action planning and community engagement.

• Staff supervision experience a plus.

• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data.

• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). 

Personal Skills

• Analysis and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.

• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners.

• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented

• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.

Required/Desired Foreign Language: English/Amharic

Travel Required (include percentage of required travel, if applicable): 40% of field travel is required.

How to Apply

You should fill the application form through THIS LINK and attach your up-to-date CV on / before the application deadline January 11, 2024. You will be contacted only if selected for written exam/interview. Phone solicitations will not be accepted. These job opportunities are open to Ethiopian nationals only.

What we offer

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. 

** Qualified women & persons with disability are highly encouraged to apply**

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer