Project Officer - Agriculture and Livelihoods job at Catholic Relief Services

About the Organization

Catholic Relief Services was founded in 1943 by the Catholic Bishops of the United States to serve World War II survivors in Europe. Since then, we have expanded in size to reach more than 130 million people in more than 100 countries on five continents.

Job Description

Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Duties and Responsibilities

Project Planning and Implementation:

Develop detailed project plans, including objectives, timelines, and resource requirements.
Coordinate and implement agricultural and livelihood activities according to the project plan.
Ensure activities are aligned with the project's goals and donor requirements.

Technical Support:

Provide technical expertise and support to farmers and community members in modern agricultural practices, livestock management, and sustainable livelihoods.
Conduct training sessions and workshops on agricultural techniques, financial literacy, and business development.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks to assess project progress and impact.
Collect and analyze data to measure the effectiveness of project activities.
Prepare and submit regular reports on project status, outcomes, and recommendations for improvements.

Community Engagement:

Work closely with community members, local leaders, and stakeholders to ensure their involvement and buy-in for project activities.
Conduct needs assessments and participatory rural appraisals to identify community needs and priorities.
Foster relationships with local organizations, government agencies, and NGOs.

Resource Management:

Manage project budgets and ensure expenditures are within approved limits.
Procure necessary materials, equipment, and services for project activities.
Maintain accurate records of financial transactions and resource utilization.

Reporting and Documentation:

Document project activities, successes, and lessons learned.
Prepare comprehensive reports for donors, stakeholders, and management.
Ensure all documentation is up-to-date and stored securely.

Capacity Building:

Strengthen the capacity of local organizations and community groups to sustain project outcomes.
Promote best practices and innovative approaches in agriculture and livelihoods.

Qualification, Experiences and Competencies

Educational Qualifications:

A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agronomy, Agricultural Economics, Rural Development, or a related field.
A Master’s degree is an added advantage.

Experience:

At least 3-5 years of experience in project management, particularly in agriculture and livelihoods projects.
Proven experience working with rural communities and understanding their needs and challenges.

Technical Skills:

Strong knowledge of agricultural practices, crop production, livestock management, and sustainable livelihood strategies.
Experience with monitoring and evaluation methodologies and tools.
Proficiency in project management software and tools.

Soft Skills:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Problem-solving skills and the ability to make informed decisions under pressure.

Additional Skills: