Job Openings at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

REF:2019/049

Job Summary:

The Project Officer (PO) will be responsible for ensuring effective coordination and delivery of the FBO program strategy. The incumbent will directly oversee the work of FBOs, LIPs and community volunteers while actively engaging and providing technical support to FBO management teams. S/he will coordinate regular community feedback forums, dialogues and meetings with partners, FBOs, community leaders or their representatives.

The Officer will also participate in a rapid needs assessment and mapping harmful gender norms and practices that impede HIV prevention and promote risky behaviours which accelerate the spread of HIV infection or child abuse. S/he will assist all project partners to effectively implement strategies to ensure that gender approaches are mainstreamed into all project interventions. S/he will provide monitoring and technical backstopping to FBO staff social workforce to help address barriers to implementing the FBO strategy as well as addressing harmful gender norms and practices and HIV prevention response.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Support the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of all assigned Faith Based Organizations (FBO)/Violence Against Children (VAC) MWENDO project 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 FBO/VAC plans and implementation schedules. Assist Local Implementing Partners (LIPs) in their efforts to reflect on project experiences.
• Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and assisting implementing FBOs in their efforts to collect and analyze VAC data per specified mechanisms and tools. Collaborate with FBOs to prepare reports per established reporting schedule.
• Collect information on technical assistance needs of the implementing FBOs and their networks. Provide technical support and monitor capacity building and technical support activities to ensure effective impact.
• Complete project documentation for assigned activities. Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices. Actively engage in dissemination and use of relevant knowledge in the field.
• Represent CRS in meetings at county and cluster levels, technical working groups (TWGs), and other events as requested, to support forging relations with the MoH, DCS, FBO networks, other stakeholders, and the community.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of all assigned Faith and Community Initiative /VAC MWENDO activities per donor and CRS standards and established schedules.
• Support development of context focused messages and presentations for key constituent groups, e.g. religious groups, faith groups, youth groups, community partners, and other identified groups
• Support advocacy for the promotion of gender equality, women’s empowerment, HIV prevention and campaign against all forms of child abuse
• Cultivate and manage relationships with partners, FBOs and their institutions and representative’s community associations and other key stakeholders.
• Support FBOs in addressing prevention of sexual violence targeting children and conduct referrals for legal redress.

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Health, social sciences, gender, international development, development economics or another related fields. Master’s degree will be a plus.
• A minimum of 4 years for Bachelors’ degree holders or at least 2 years progressive experience for Master’s holders implementing VAC, prevention of sexual violence project, integrated HIV/AIDS and other health related projects in Kenya, preferably in an NGO setting.
• Strong knowledge of the health and social service sector in Kenya
• Strong technical and programmatic skills and experience across a range of adolescent issues and topics.
• Training and knowledge in community HIV/AIDS prevention and working with children.
• In-depth understanding of donor expectations for program results, outcomes, impact, and reporting
• Experience in the development of strategic and tactical plans in collaboration with others (stakeholders) who may represent a wide range of interests and needs
• Experience working with religious leaders from different faiths particularly Christian and Islamic faith leaders and demonstrated leadership skills
• Deep understanding of different administrative and non-administrative systems of accessing and working with faith leaders from different religions and denominations

Personal Skills

• Observation, active listening and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with Faith Based Organizations and their networks and community members and inspire teamwork among diverse partners without direct supervisory responsibilities
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Strong interpersonal, writing, presentation, and organizational skills
• Proven collegial and cooperative approach to management and decision-making
• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented
• Strategic faith thinking as demonstrated in ability to plan and implement faith interventions in the short and medium term but with an eye for long term impact

Required/Desired Foreign Language

Able to clearly communicate in written and spoken English

Travel Required

60% of the time to FCI/VAC MWENDO project sites

Key Working Relationships:

Supervisory: None

• Internal: Project technical officers
• External: Representatives of the Counties and National governments, FBOs, other stakeholders, and the community

Agency-wide Competencies (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.

• Integrity
• Accountability & Stewardship
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Strategic Mindset

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

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REF: 2019/048

Project Officer-Faith and Community Initiative (2 Positions) (Background:

CRS is implementing a 5-year orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) program, MWENDO, which seeks to empower local and county-level OVC stakeholders to strengthen the formal and informal HIV and child protection systems and services and the linkages between them, including cross-sectoral service referrals and coordination to ensure quality service delivery for OVC and their Households.

Job Summary:

The Project Officer (PO) Adolescent/DREAMS will provide technical and management oversight to Local Implementing Partners (LIPs) to ensure efficient implementation, M&E and reporting of adolescent/DREAMS initiative interventions and their integration in the respective counties.

S/he will be responsible for specifically providing leadership in developing strategies and interventions to improve the quality and responsiveness of HIV prevention programming and service delivery to address adolescent needs. The key role of this position is to strengthen LIPs capability to address issues relating to adolescents with respect to OVC.

The PO will work with LIP staff on technical aspects of program implementation that pertain to adolescents and ensure MWENDO is responsive to the unique needs of this group, with a focus on the program goal of successful OVC graduation / transition into adulthood.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Support the coordination, implementation, and monitoring of all assigned Adolescent/DREAMS MWENDO project 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 DREAMS plans and implementation schedules. Assist Local Implementing Partners (LIPs) in their efforts to reflect on project experiences.
• Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and assisting LIPs in their efforts to collect and analyze DREAMS data per specified mechanisms and tools. Collaborate with LIPs to prepare reports per established reporting schedule.
• Collect information on technical assistance needs of LIPs. Provide technical support and monitor capacity building and technical support activities to ensure effective impact.
• Complete project documentation for assigned activities. Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices. Actively engage in dissemination and use of relevant knowledge in the field.
• Represent CRS in meetings at county and cluster levels, Adolescent technical working groups (TWGs), and other events as requested, to support forging relations with the MoH, LIPs, other stakeholders, and the community.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of all assigned DREAMS MWENDO activities per donor and CRS standards and established schedules.
• Support the conceptualization, integration and operationalization of specific adolescent/DEAMS strategies to address the needs and perspectives of adolescents.
• Work with CHMT, health facilities and community partners in the respective DREAMS Counties to ensure coordination with other programs and stakeholders for quality and comprehensive services to adolescents.
• Keep abreast emerging research and best practices in adolescent/DREAMS programming and ensure that information is shared in an appropriate manner.

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Health, Community Development, Gender, International Development or a related field. Master’s degree will be a plus.
• A minimum of 4 years for Bachelors’ degree holders or at least 2 years progressive experience for master’s holders implementing adolescent focused integrated HIV/AIDS, DREAMS/Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) and other health related projects in Kenya, preferably in an NGO setting.
• Excellent understating of GOK structures especially the MoH working structures or having worked with the MoH in a devolved unit.
• Strong technical and programmatic skills and experience across a range of adolescent issues and topics.
• Training and knowledge in community HIV/AIDS prevention and working with Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW).
• In-depth understanding of donor expectations for program results, outcomes, impact, and reporting
• Experience in the development of strategic and tactical plans in collaboration with others (stakeholders) who may represent a wide range of interests and needs

Personal Skills

• Observation, active listening and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with Local Implementing Partners and community members and inspire teamwork among diverse partners without direct supervisory responsibilities
• Strong interpersonal, writing, presentation, and organizational skills
• Proven collegial and cooperative approach to management and decision-making
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented

Required/Desired Foreign Language

Able to clearly communicate in written and spoken English

Travel Required

70% of the time to Adolescents/DREAMS MWENDO project sites

Key Working Relationships:

Supervisory: None

• Internal: Project technical officers
• External: Representatives of the GOK, LIPs, other stakeholders, and the community

Agency-wide Competencies (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.

• Integrity
• Accountability & Stewardship
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Strategic Mindset

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.)

go to method of application »

REF: 2019/048

CRS is implementing a five-year orphans and vulnerable children (OVC) program, MWENDO, which seeks to empower local and county-level OVC stakeholders to strengthen the formal and informal HIV and child protection systems and services and the linkages between them, including cross-sectoral service referrals and coordination to ensure quality service delivery for OVC and their households.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the SPO MEAL, the MEAL/Data Officer will be responsible for the organization, maintenance and updating of OVC databases and management information systems that includes CPIMS, DATIM, and other database systems at CRS, DCS and LIP level. S/he will provide overall technical support on database development, organization, maintenance and use; conduct monthly data collation for the entire MWENDO project, verification of results reported, analysis and presentation of findings; build the capacity of MWENDO staff (at both CRS and LIP level) on database set up, management, use and troubleshooting; lead review, and strengthen capacity of DCS, and LIPs to effectively collect, store, retrieve, use, and transmit data to inform program decisions.

The Officer will ensure that systems are in place so that data is readily available to be used as a foundation for programmatic adjustments and evidence-based decision-making, support set up of systems to ensure beneficiaries and other stakeholders have opportunity to give to and receive feedback from the project, and support documentation of project learning in line with project learning agenda.

MEAL Competencies:

Demonstrates solid knowledge and ability, and can apply the MEAL in Design, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, Learning, Analysis & Critical Thinking, ICT for MEAL, and MEAL in Management competencies, with minimal guidance or no guidance, in the full range of typical situations. Would require guidance to handle novel or more complex situations.

Required/Desired Foreign Language

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, able to write reports

Travel Required

Up to/approximately 20% of the time

Key Working Relationships:

Supervisory: None internal, possible supervision of external enumerators and data clerks

• Internal: Project technical advisors, Project Officers, Other CP MEAL and M&E staff
• External: Community members, partner staff, other local stakeholders, MEAL staff from other peer agencies

Agency-wide Competencies (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.

• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.)

go to method of application »

Background:

CRS is implementing a 5-year Orphans and Vulnerable Children (OVC) program, MWENDO, which seeks to empower local and county-level OVC stakeholders to strengthen the formal and informal HIV and child protection systems and services and the linkages between them, including cross-sectoral service referrals and coordination to ensure quality service delivery for OVC and their households.

Job Summary:

The SPO-MEAL will provide day to day technical support to a range of project design and implementation issues for MWENDO, in line with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) program quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices to advance the delivery of high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable. S/he will be responsible for the day-to-day tracking and reporting of activities under the project for the MEAL components assigned including Local Implementing Partners (LIPs). His/her MEAL knowledge and support will ensure systems are in place to measure the project’s impact and progress, and that data is readily available to be used as a foundation for programmatic adjustments and evidence-based decision-making.

Job Responsibilities:

• Work closely with the M&E Specialist to support the development and contribute to the implementation of project’s MEAL system and practices that effectively engage partners, donors, and other stakeholders and are compliant with agency and donor MEAL requirements.
• Supervise quality data collection and data management activities according to the project MEAL operating manual
• Review data input into project databases for quality
• Communicate key project information and results with community members and colleagues
• Lead/ contribute to simple analyses and reflective review discussions and workshops on ongoing project interventions and monitoring data to contribute field-based insights to project discussions
• Support field-level implementation of community feedback mechanisms under the guidance of M&E Specialist or program staff
• Build capacity of CRS project and partner staff on MEAL technical activities.
• Support the documentation of lessons learned and best practices to contribute to learning as informed by project learning agenda.
• In consultation with the M&E Specialist, actively contribute to the recruitment process through participation in development of Job descriptions and other selection processes for all new MEAL Officers Effectively manage talent, supervise and mentor direct reports. and complete their performance management.
• Foster respectful relationships with community members and stakeholders including LIPs and DCS and promote honesty and integrity between CRS and partner staff in MEAL work.

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in demography, sociology, public health, statistics or any other MEAL-related field. A relevant master’s degree would be an added advantage
• Minimum of five years of relevant work experience in MEAL, ideally with an international NGO.
• Knowledge of technical principles and concepts in MEAL.
• Experience in the use of key qualitative and quantitative evaluation tools and techniques.
• Experience in implementation of program studies and evaluation and use of findings to support adaptive management.
• Experience and skills in partner relationship management and development project support is a plus.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems, knowledge-sharing networks.
• Experience in using data analysis software is preferred (SPSS, STATA, EpiInfo, Nutrisurvey).
• Experience in using mobile-data collection and management software (e.g ODK, Commcare,I-form builder, Kobo)

MEAL Competencies

• Demonstrates solid knowledge and ability, and can apply the Monitoring competency, with minimal or no guidance, in the full range of typical situations. Would require guidance to handle novel or more complex situations.
• Demonstrates basic knowledge and ability and, with guidance, can apply MEAL in Design, Evaluation, Accountability, Learning, Analysis & Critical Thinking, ICT for MEAL, and MEAL in Management competencies in common situations that present limited difficulties.

Personal Skills

• Ability to learn, 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
• Presentation, facilitation, training, and mentoring skills
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills
• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented

Required/Desired Foreign Language

Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, able to write reports

Travel Required

Up to/Approximately 40% of time

Key Working Relationships:

Supervisory: Project MEAL Officers, possible supervision of external enumerators and data clerks

Internal: Technical Advisors, Project Officers, Other CP MEAL and M&E staff

External: Community members, partner staff, other local stakeholders, MEAL staff from other peer agencies

Agency-wide Competencies (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.

• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.