Fresh Job Vacancies at Catholic Relief Services (CRS), 14th Dec.

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.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

 

Job Title: Programmatic Data Systems and Technology Specialist

Job Ref Code: PDSTS121218
Location: Borno, Nigeria
Department:NE Emergency Programs
Band:7
Reports To: Emergency Coordinator
Technical Support & Integration: IT Manager
Supervise: CAT Officer

Job Summary

• You will coordinate and deliver various Information Management services in accordance with established Agency policies, procedures, and standards to support emergency responses that serve the poor and vulnerable.
• You will provide CRS staff and partners with responsive professional services and technical support to enable the efficient operation and use of technologies for collecting, storing, and reporting project data.
• You will ensure the overall strategic coordination, day-to-day management, and key technical oversight of the NE Nigeria ICT4E functions and Cash and Asset Transfer (CAT) platform in coordination with the HQ CAT Technical Advisor to support high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable.
• You will analyze and anticipate operational and programmatic ICT4E service needs and challenges and will introduce cost-effective technology solutions in accordance with established policies, procedures, and service standards for optimal performance, integrity, security, and strategic alignment of systems.

Job Responsibilities
Programmatic Data Systems Management:

• Plan, design, direct, and coordinate the installation, configuration, maintenance, and integrity of the NE Nigeria data management system
• Deploy, configure, and maintain systems and databases for the emergency project team. Find solutions and answer problems to ensure optimal performance.
• Supervise quality data collection and management activities.
• Conduct analysis and lead reflection discussions on ongoing monitoring data.
• Prepare statistical and thematic reports; prepare visualizations of results and key information captured by project frameworks.

Technology Management:

• Evaluate user needs and system functionality to ensure that ICT4E devices meet these needs. Ensure timely and quality service delivery, technical support, and advice to user requests for ICT4E devices.
• Partner with program staff to prioritize and support integration and evolution of ICT4E solutions in improving program implementation.
• In collaboration with procurement, conduct supplier analysis, and assess effectiveness to ensure third-party services meet CRS business requirements and needs. Collaborate with Procurement to ensure ICT4E purchases are in line with CRS standards and in compliance with donor requirements. Provide strategic guidance and input to budget development with regard toICT4E-related expenses.
• Maintain functionality of hardware and software requirements of ICT4Eequipment, to ensure an adequate supply of functioning devices as per the needs of affected employees. Contribute to the budget preparation for expenses related to the relevant devices and software.
• Assess and analyze ICT4E training needs. Provide capacity building (training, coaching, on-the-job support, etc.), remotely or on-site, to staff and partners in ICT4E-related areas to ensure efficient and consistent adoption and use of ICT4E applications.
• Manage the CAT Platform, built on the RedRose system, and liaise with RedRose team members to ensure seamless integration with the overall NE Nigeria data management system.
• Support the development of, and contribute to, the implementation of CAT platform across programs.
• Monitor CAT systems operations in terms of functionality, security, and service delivery.
• Supports all facets of program implementation linked to the utilization of e-vouchers, includingsoftware and hardware set up, troubleshooting,etc.
• Ensure proper implementation of the standard operatingprocedures (SOP) for cash and voucher interventions and RedRose technology and updating SOPs as required, in collaboration with the HQ CAT Technical Advisor.
• Carry out staff and partners training on the utilization of e-vouchers and RedRose technology.
• Effectively manage and supervise the CAT Officer. Provide coaching, strategically tailor individual development plans, and complete performance management for direct report. Monitor and assess performance to ensure adequate capacity for successful support of high quality programming.
• Support capacity building initiatives, either remotely or on-site, to ensure efficient and consistent adoption and use of data collection applications (including CommCare).

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements
Education and Experience:

• Master’s Degree in IT-related field (Computer Science, Computer Networking, Programming, and Information Systems) required. Equivalent combination of relevant experience and Bachelor’s Degree and/or training/certification may substitute for advanced education.
• Proven track recordin implementing relational databases in humanitarian/development contexts, including data cleaning/wrangling, data analysis and creation of data visualization dashboards
• Expertise in Excel and statistical software, with experience in PowerBI and one or more of the following digital data collection tools: DHIS, CommCare, RedRose.
• Familiarity with geo spatial data management principles with demonstrable experience in GIS software and familiarity with concepts of relational databases and hands-on experience with one or more RDBMS a plus.
• Experience in planning and facilitating training/workshops in data management with demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through training, mentoring, and other formal and non-formal methods.
• Minimum of five years of progressively responsible related professional experience.
• Experience in introduction, design, implementation, and adoption of relevant technology and data management tools.
• Demonstrated proficiency in management of hardware devices and platforms.

Personal Skills:

• Strong relationship management skills.Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally with a strong client-service focus.
• Very strong communication skills with the ability to communicate technical ideas and concerns in a non-technical manner.
• Strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture, make sound decisions, and offer non-standard solutions.
• Strong organization, planning, review, and monitoring skills.
• Able to maintain confidential information.
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented.

Required/Desired Foreign Language:

• Professional written and spoken fluency in English is required.
• Knowledge of Hausa and/or Kanuri is preferred.
• Travel Required: The position is based in Maiduguri, Borno State.

Key Working Relationships:

• Technical Support and Country Program ICT4E Integration: IT Manager (Abuja)
• Supervisory:CAT Officer
• Internal: ICT Manager (Abuja),Program Managers, ICT officers, Operations staff, HRD CAT TA, GKIM.
• External:  CRS partners; RedRose team

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.
• Trusting Relationships
• Professional Growth
• Partnership
• Accountability

 

Job Title: Awards Management Officer

Job Ref Code: AMO121218
Location: Borno
Band: 9
Department: Operations
Reports To: Chief of Party
Travel Required 30% to locations in Nigeria, Chad and Nigeria.

Context

• CRS is anticipating confirmation ofa multi-million-dollar, multi-year Germany Government funded, Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KFW)-managed ‘Stabilization and Reconciliation in the Lake Chad Region (STaR) Project’ in the North East of Nigeria.
• Through programming in agriculture & livelihoods, social cohesion, community infrastructure and local governance, the project is intended to contribute to the stabilization and reconciliation in the most affected regions of the Lake Chad Basin namely Borno and Adamawa in Nigeria, Diffa in Niger and, the Lake Region in Chad.

Job Summary

• As Award Management Officer, you will be responsible for the overall financial management of the STaR project.
• You will oversee the effective and appropriate use of financial resources of the project and will develop effective mechanisms for budgeting, expenditure and liquidation tracking, and financial reporting, for the prime partner and any sub-awardees.
• You will oversee financial management and reporting on STaR project for Nigeria, Chad and Niger.
• You will ensure that project financial management processes for the project follow Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), donor (KFW) rules and regulations, and country legal requirements, and that all required project financial reports are prepared and submitted in a timely manner.

Specific Job Responsibilities
Grant Management and Budgeting:

• Ensure STaR grants management processes are aligned for Nigeria, Chad and Niger
• Monitor grant amendments, update grant files, submit copy of amendment documents to Catholic Relief Services by uploading relevant documents on gateway and monitor grant expiry period.
• Ensure that donor required reports (including accrual reports) are prepared accurately and disseminated within the due dates.
• Coordinate with HQ finance to ensure that donor reports that are generated by HQ finance are sent out to donor in a timely manner.
• Coordinate grant closure activities with the respective project/grant manager and HQ/Finance to ensure that expired grants are fully closed out as per donor regulations
• Review and approve liquidation journals ensuring accurate postings particularly to designated account codes, and that proper sub-recipient accounts (T-codes) are charged.
• Review posted journals for errors and recommend correction when necessary.
• Participate in the preparation of the budget commensurate with the program implementation plan and provide advice to the Chief of Party on budgetary issues.
• Review sub-recipient budgets and provide comments/recommend approval by the Chief of Party.
• Develop effective budget monitoring tools and implement them for all CRS sub-recipients.
• Actively engage in budget discussions and generate feedback for senior management team on adverse budget variances in monthly BCR meetings.
• Address the needs and the implementation of trainings on budgeting and compliance.

Sub-recipient Financial Support:

• Ensure that the Finance and Compliance Staff provide direct technical support in all aspects of finance for sub-recipient.
• Orient accounting and project management staff in relevant and appropriate Donors financial management policies, procedures, and standards.
• Ensure integrity of Donor grants financial reporting and the effective control of financial assets. Regularly monitor and assess sub-recipient ability to accurately record and post all financial transactions and provide feedback to Finance officers.
• Advice on GAAP and basic accounting records to be maintained at Sub-recipient.
• Coordinate the identification of training needs, and development of country-specific training curriculum for training of Sub-recipients

Financial Reporting and Auditing:

• Lead financial reporting for the STaR project, ensuring that financial information from Nigeria, Chad and Niger is accurate, timely and complete.
• Facilitate all internal and external audits for the STaR project

Key Working Relationships

• Supervisory: Dotted line supervision of Nigeria Grants Specialist, Niger Accountant and Chad Admin and Finance Officer
• Internal: Chief of Party, Director of Early Recovery and Resilience, MEAL Adviser, Head of Finance and Grants (Nigeria)
• External: Local partners

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 with Integrity
• Models Accountability and Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning
• Committed to Continuous Improvement and Innovation
• Has a Strategic Mindset

Qualifications and Skills
Education and Experience:

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Business, Accounting, Finance or related field plus a qualification in accounting (ICSA/ACCA or equivalent);
• At least 10 years’ experience in financial management for large, complex projects, of which at least five years were working in the field of international development;
• Extensive financial and grant management experience working with non-governmental organization sub-recipients and other sub-grantees
• Familiarity with German Government (KFW, BMZ, GFFO) financial regulations, policies and practices; OR experience working at a senior level on a DFID/EU/ECHO-funded grant;
• Knowledge of Sun Systems financial accounting package or similar financial management and reporting software;
• Flexibility to work both in a team and independently;
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook;
• Full professional proficiency in spoken and written English; and
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally, as required.

Personal Skills

• Proven leadership and ability to build and motivate diverse and talented teams
• Proven experience in building and maintaining institutional linkages
• Ability to work to meet deadlines in multiple tasking environments
• Excellent organization, planning and analytical skills; detail oriented
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated strength in relationship management

Job Title: Deputy Chief of Party, Rural Resilience

Req Nigeria: I4522
Location: Abuja
Position Status: Regular
Position Type: Full Time
Department: Nigeria
Job Type: Regular, full time
Reports to: Country/Location: Chief of Party

Project Background

• CRS is preparing for an anticipated multi-million-dollar, multi-year USAID/Nigeria Rural Resilience Program, which will support poverty reduction for vulnerable households in Nigeria.
• This effort will contribute to CRS’ agriculture and livelihoods signature program area and ongoing efforts to promote resilience, recovery and development within Nigeria and neighboring countries around the Lake Chad Basin.

Job Summary

• The Deputy Chief of Party (COP) will support the Chief of Party in meeting project objectives and deliverables and in providing overall leadership in technical, administrative, operational, and management aspects.
• The DCOP will support relationship management with USAID/Nigeria, Government of Nigeria, partners and external stakeholders.

Specific Job Responsibilities

• Manage key aspects of the development, implementation and consolidation of the Rural Resilience project. Serve as a point of contact to USAID as well as public, private and non-government stakeholders, when needed.
• Manage key functions of the project to meet donor expectations in terms of timely and quality results and budget. Contribute to ensuring coordination between program and operations leads. Contribute to ensuring the CRS program quality standards are adhered to per MEAL policy and procedures.
• Effectively manage talent and supervise. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching and mentoring. Strategically tailor individual development plans and complete performance assessments for direct reports. Contribute to the development of staffing plans and the recruitment process of senior staff.
• Manage and mitigate risk through monitoring national and regional issues that may impact staff and programming. Ensure all staff understand and adhere to CRS staff safety and security policies and plans and ensure the updating of such plans.
• Promote, uphold and model a commitment to the efficient use of agency and donor resources. Help ensure compliance with USAID grants, including financial tracking and oversight of partner budgets, finance, administration and reporting to USAID.
• Maintain relationships with key staff of consortium partner organizations. Contribute to coordination of the roles and activities of staff from other consortium member organizations in implementation in line with CRS partnership principles.
• Create and maintain proper conditions for learning. Establish a safe environment for sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to deficiencies. Identify performance gaps and training opportunities for CRS and partner staff and recommend trainings and technical assistance.

Supervisory Responsibilities (if none, state none):

• Program staff including technical, managerial, and administration staff.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s Degree in International Development, Management, Agriculture, Nutrition, Finance, Economics or other relevant field.
• At least 7 years of international management experience.
• At least 3 years’ experience in resilience, agriculture-based and rural development
• At least 5 years of DCOP experience on a USAID-funded program.
• At least 3 years’ experience in a similar environment i.e. conflict and harsh climatic conditions is mandatory; experience in North East Nigeria is preferred.
• Prior experience managing USAID-funded assistance projects of a similar size (US$ 10M and above) and scope in developing countries; experience managing multi-sectoral projects including livelihoods, agricultural development, resilience, market-based approaches to economic development, climate change, food security, gender, conflict.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with host governments, donors, other donor-funded projects and stakeholders, local organizations, and partners.
• Experience managing programmatic and financial reporting requirements.
• Experience with USAID rules, regulations and requirements is preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• Strong computer literacy with a full knowledge of office applications.

Personal Skills:

• Strong strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions.
• Strong relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.
• Team leadership abilities with diverse/multi-disciplinary teams. Coaching skills.
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented.

Required Foreign Language:

• English fluency, including excellent oral and written skills, required.
• Proficiency in Hausa or Kanuri preferred.

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.
• Serves with Integrity
• Models Accountability and Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning
• Committed to Continuous Improvement and Innovation
• Has a Strategic Mindset

Required Travel:

• To field locations in Nigeria

Work Environment:

• Office environment.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online