Project Officer - Partner Capacity Strengthening (PCS) at Catholic Relief

Job Summary: 

• As a member of the Partnership Capacity Strengthening and Local Leadership (PCS/LL) team, the Project Officer – Partnership Capacity Strengthening (PCS) will monitor and report on all PCS activities across programing and operations in support of Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable. His/her thorough and service-oriented approach will ensure that the project consistently applies best practices and constantly works towards improving the impact of its benefits to those we serve. S/he will work closely with CRS Kenya/Somalia PCS/LL Manager to ensure that strategies being applied in the various projects are in line with the CRS Kenya strategy. The Officer will work closely with the MEAL team to develop learning and training strategies and agendas/curriculums, conducting trainings and workshops, and mentoring and coaching partners on partnership principles.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Support the coordination and implementation of all assigned PCS/LL activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.
• Monitor and report any challenges and/or gaps identified to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules. Assist partners in their efforts to reflect on partnership principles.
• Collaborate with other departmental PCS focal point persons/officers to update the PCS action plan worksheet. 
• Collect information on staff capacity needs and technical assistance needs of partner organizations and monitor capacity building and technical support activities to ensure effective impact.
• Support the documentation for PCS/LL innovative strategies and share with the other projects. Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices.
• Maintain/update the list of CRS staff who has been trained in Partnership Principles
• Support the PCS/LL Manager and other relevant staff to provide technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities in management and operations for staff and partner organizations to enhance program quality and impact.
• Lead the HOCAI assessment of partners and follow up with various project officers on the implementation status of the identified activities.
• Build and/or maintain strong and effective relationships between CRS and partners, through the committed application of Partnership Principles and other relevant methods.
• Assist the PCS/LL Manager in ensuring that colleagues have the knowledge, skills, and attitudes to work collaboratively and effectively with implementing partners and government partners.
• Track and monitor our partnership strengthening activities

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Observation, active listening and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and community members
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, representation, and networking skills.

Required Languages – English and Kiswahili

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 40%.

Key Working Relationships: 

• Internal: CR, HOP, HOoP, Program, Operations and EARO PCS RTA, 
• External: Implementing Partners, Government, and other stakeholders 

QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in development studies, Public Health, Social Sciences, Business Administration, or related relevant field. 
• At least 2-3 years of experience with partnership activities and institutional strengthening, preferably with faith-based and government partners.
• Strong capacity to facilitate collaboration between partners and different departments (programs, operations, finance, etc.).
• Strong understanding of the Church and its internal structures.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement.
• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data preferred.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).