Recent Job Vacancies at Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Sept., 2019

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an International non-governmental organization supporting relief and development work in over 100 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 vacant position below:

 

Job Title: ICT4D Consultant

Consultancy Code: ICT91319
Location: Abuja
Time and Level of Effort: This consultancy shall not exceed 21 days

Job Description

• Short Term Consultancy for a Consultant to Review and Develop a Briefing Paper on CRS/Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) initiatives

Terms of Reference

• This Terms of Reference (TOR) provides the description and work to Review and Develop a Briefing Paper on CRS/Nigeria’s Information and Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) initiatives.

Background

• CRS Nigeria has identified ICT4D as an area in which to grow influence efforts in the next 3-5 years. The Country Program has recorded a number of successes in using ICT to enhance efficiency and increase impact of development programs, as well as in building local capacity for ICT4D.
• CRS pioneered the use of technology to improve the efficiency and impact of LLIN distribution campaigns and has built the technical capacity of the National Malaria Elimination Program as well as the Society for Family Health to use this technology.
• CRS also uses technology to manage food assistance in north-eastern Nigeria and is currently working with Caritas Nigeria to build capacity in the use of technology for cash-based programming.
• Other technology initiatives within the Country Program include the use of ODK technology to monitor Vitamin A distribution in real time and to track home visits by community health volunteers, the use of 1-2-3 messaging technology to help cassava farmers access information on farm inputs, and the use of GIS technology to map tuberculosis (TB) hotspots and thereby improve TB case finding and referral.
  

Primary Purpose

• Although CRS Nigeria has been using technology to drive development for several years, the Country Program does not have a comprehensive compendium of these initiatives.
• Through this consultancy, CRS Nigeria seeks to produce a briefing paper that document what the country program has achieved and learnt in the course of using technology to improve efficiency and outcomes of emergency and development programming.
• The briefing documents will support CRS’s influence agenda with government, research institutions and investors and will help to position CRS as a leader in ICT4D in Nigeria.

Main Tasks/Deliverables
Working closely with the MARCOMS Specialist, the Consultant will be expected to:

• Carry out a desk review of program reports and other documents that contain information on CRS’s ICT4D initiatives;
• Meet with and interview key staff of the various projects to gather additional information on the ICT4D solutions they have applied, including information on the impact of these solutions on program outcomes, key success factors, and challenges faced;
• Carry out field visits to observe and document the use of ICT4D first hand;
• Write all sections of the document, following up with the appropriate CRS staff to improve/fill in information gaps;
• Revise the document based on reviewer feedback and finalize it, ensuring that all comments are addressed.

Timeline: The draft timeline for the assignment is as follows:
Task Timeframe (dates TBD):

• Desk Review 2 days
• Interviews with key staff 2 days
• Field trips to program sites 5 days
• Write initial draft of document 2 days
• Revise document based on reviews, including gathering additional information, final editing 1 days

Deliverables: A finalized document incorporating the following illustrative sections:

• Overview
• Context
• Interventions
• Outcomes
• Success Factors
• Effectiveness
• Lessons Learned
• Recommendations
• Conclusion

The document will incorporate images and text boxes that highlight key outcomes, strategies, case studies or learnings.

Approach and Method

• Place of Performance: The consultancy will be performed in CRS offices in Abuja, as well as at field locations which will be decided in collaboration with the MARCOMMS Specialist. Some elements of the work can be done remotely.
• Period of Performance: The consultancy will take place over 12 billable days, which may be spread across September and October 2019. The final deliverable is due on October 23, 2019.
• Key Working Relationships: The primary point of contact will be the MARCOMMS Specialist.
  

Required Qualifications
Excellent writing skills;

• Experience in developing case studies and briefing papers (samples needed);
• Background in development or in information and communications technology, or experience with ICT4D;
• Excellent organizational skills, including time management, and ability to work independently (seeking clarification when needed in a timely manner) and to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Ability to work within a multicultural setting and with multicultural teams.

Payment Schedule

• CRS will pay a consultancy fee based upon a mutually agreeable daily consultancy rate. Logistics for field trips will be arranged separately. CRS will reimburse operational and logistical costs if they are identified and approved by the Consultancy Manager in advance.
• Please note that CRS will deduct and remit to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) a 5% withholding Tax from the total consultancy fees in accordance with the Nigerian Tax Law.

Method of Application
Interested candidates should send their expression of interest (EOI) along with a detailed resume attached as one document in PDF indicating the “Title of the consultancy and the Consultancy Code” to: tenders.ngr@crs.org.

 

Job Title: Case Worker Model Consultant

Consultancy code: CWK91319
Location: Abuja

Job Description

• Short Term Consultancy to document CRS Nigeria’s Caseworker Model

Terms of Reference:

• This Terms of Reference (TOR) provides the description and work to be done to document CRS Nigeria’s Caseworker Model in all required states in Nigeria.

Background

• The ‘Case Worker Model’ is a form of coaching and mentoring. In this approach, a trained social worker (Case Worker) ‘walks with’ individual beneficiary households providing focused and contextualized motivation and training as they participate in the project.
• The Case Worker carefully documents progress in a participatory manner with target households. S/he provides additional training to address identified gaps and is available for additional consultation should beneficiary households require it.
• The Case Worker supports families to identify their livelihood goals and develop a measurable plan for achieving these goals.
• This model was successfully piloted in the US$ 23M, CRS managed, USAID-funded ‘Feed the Future Nigeria Livelihoods Project’ (FTTNLP) that was implemented in FCT, Kebbi, Sokoto, Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States. The Case Worker Model is similarly being piloted by the World Bank and CRS on Nigeria National Social Safety Nets Project (NASSP).
• CRS has developed a curriculum, training guides, facilitation manuals and pictorial household diaries to facilitate to support implementation of this model. Training materials include picture-based diaries that were created to overcome literacy barriers. These pictorial guides were highly lauded for making training more accessible to beneficiaries of FTTNLP. CWM covers the following modules: Introduction to Program and Diary, Human Asset Mapping; Physical Asset Mapping, Income & Expenditure; Crisis, Coping, Savings; and, Goal Setting and Planning.

Primary Purpose

• To document, illustrate and produce a briefing document on the CRS Nigeria Case Worker Model (CWM) for both internal (within CRS) and external (donors, government agencies etc.) audiences.

Main Tasks/Deliverables

• Research similar models and draw comparisons with CRS case worker model; clearly illustrating areas for improving CWM.
• Study existing CWM materials and comment on their adequacy / recommend additional materials that need to be developed.
• Develop a detailed briefing paper on the CWM that highlights the benefits of case workers, the projects in which the model has successfully been implemented and that provides a diagrammatic illustration of the model.
• Document the household model: struggling households linked to model households for handholding support and mentoring
• Document current status of the FTF caseworker model including residual capacity and structures (for internal purposes only)
• Document key learnings from implementation of CWM and identify limitations to the model

Approach and Method:

• Desk research complemented by interviews with key stakeholders. Conduct interviews of former caseworkers, government officials, former liaisons and a small sample of households that benefitted from the scheme.

Schedule of Deliverables:

• A briefing document for CRS’ use in future proposal designs not exceeding 2 pages
• A public briefing document for external audiences not exceeding 4 pages.
• A final report sharing highlights of the assignment, methodology as well as current status of the FTF caseworker model.

Required Qualifications

• An advanced degree in Social Work, Sociology, Rural Development or related field.
• Training and hands on experience in curriculum development / training of trainers.
• Experience with CRS caseworker model is desirable
• An understanding of development challenges and opportunities in rural Nigeria.
• Ability to carry out research and synthesize findings into white papers.
• Knowledge of English knowledge and excellent writing skills are mandatory.
• Capacity to self-manage, work independently and remotely and deliver on time.

Time and Level of Effort:

• This consultancy shall not exceed 21 days.

Payment Schedule:

• CRS will pay a consultancy fee based upon a mutually agreeable daily consultancy rate. Logistics for field trips will be arranged separately. CRS will reimburse operational and logistical costs if they are identified and approved by the Consultancy Manager in advance.
• Please note that CRS will deduct and remit to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) a 5%
• withholding Tax from the total consultancy fees in accordance with the Nigerian Tax Law.

Equal Employer Opportunity:

• “CRS is an equal –opportunity employer, does not discriminate based on race, colour, religion and we are committed to gender sensitive programming and management’. etc.
• Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply”

Safeguarding:

• By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviours related to the above safeguarding-related topics.

Statement of Commitment to Protection:

• ‘’CRS’ recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation’’.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their “Expression of Interest (EOI)” along with a detailed Resume attached as one document in PDF indicating the Title of the Consultancy and the Consultancy Code to: tenders.ngr@crs.org

 

Job Title: SILC Consultant

Location: Abuja

Job Description
Short Term Consultancy for Evaluative Assessment of CRS Nigeria SILC Programming

Terms of Reference

• This Terms of Reference (TOR) provides the description and work to be done to document CRS Nigeria’s Evaluative Assessment of CRS Nigeria SILC Programming.

Background

• The Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) Private Service Providers (SILC PSP) model is a CRS’ methodology for developing sustainable local savings and lending schemes. Under this approach, CRS identifies entrepreneurial individuals and enrols them into an intensive training program on the SILC model. After successful completion of the training, these individuals are tested to determine if they have acquired the requisite skills to offer SILC support services to communities for a fee. Individuals that pass the test are certified as Private Service Providers (PSP). PSPs support community members to form and manage savings and lending groups. SILC groups pay the PSPs a reasonable fee for their services. PSPs’ provide services such as support for group functioning (including bookkeeping) and recovery of loans in addition to continuous mobilization to create new groups.
• This PSP approach redefines sustainability by allowing market forces to take over from subsidies, moving from free to fee, to empower the poor to take charge of their own development. SILC groups are a key entry point for programming in agriculture and livelihoods, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), nutrition and health. CRS uses SILC to reinforce project strategies and approaches. SILC enhances social cohesion and enables families to strengthen their assets base.
• An evaluation by Microsave determined that CRS’ SILC approach increases social cohesion which helps to address conflicts within communities and savings groups. SILC enables members to make friends, share problems, devise coping mechanisms and create new relationships. CRS deploys SILC in most of its developmental programming in Nigeria. For instance, the USAID-funded FTF-NLP established 215 SILC groups in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States. As of 2018, CRS has over 131,000 active SILC groups in 48 countries. The SILC PSP model is illustrated below:

Primary Purpose:

• To assess the relevancy, effectiveness, efficiency and sustainability of the CRS’ SILC PSP model in Nigeria and make recommendations for further improvements.

Main Tasks/Deliverables:

• Evaluate CRS Nigeria SILC programming and highlight differences in outcomes, impact and sustainability in different geographical, socio-cultural and economic settings by comparing SILC programming in the Northwest against programming in the Northeast. In particular, CRS would like to understand how SILC PSP implementation and sustainability differs in the Northeast (emergency / recovery setting) from the Northwest (developmental setting). The evaluation should be aligned to at least four principles as detailed below:
  • Effectiveness: Assess the extent to which CRS SILC PSP has been effective in comparison to other similar models. The consultant is expected to draw a dichotomy between effectiveness of SILC PSP in secure localities (e.g. the Northwest States of Kebbi and Sokoto) and insecure / recovery settings (e.g. the BAY States of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe). The consultant is reminded of CRS’ intentions for SILC PSP model particularly the self-sustaining element and the PSP fee-for-service approach. CRS defines sustainability of SILC groups as follows: Groups continue to operate; PSPs continue to form new groups; and, PSP Networks maintain the level of trainers through apprenticeship. It is important that the consultant notes that payments from SILC groups to PSPs is only means to motivate PSPs, not an obligatory requirement. As long as PSPs are motivated to work and SILC groups are functional, PSPs payments are not mandatory. Whilst the consultant is encouraged to report on proportion of paying groups, s/he needs to assess all groups including those that do not pay but continue to operate.
  • Efficiency: Assess efficiency of the CRS SILC PSP model as regards cost, effort and time. We would like to understand how much CRS uses to set up SILC groups (as compared to other models), the specific elements of this cost and the time to maturity (from mobilization to handover of SILC groups to PSPs). We would similarly like to contrast the cost, effort and time of setting up SILC groups in the Northwest and the Northeast.
  • Relevancy: Evaluate the materiality of SILC to economic empowerment of the rural poor – especially women; assess SILC’s influence on social cohesion; and, SILC’s contribution to other programming in agriculture and livelihoods, WASH, nutrition and health. CRS uses SILC to improve economic empowerment particularly of women. We also use SILC to build social capital and increase social cohesion. CRS at times uses SILC as an entry point for other programming e.g. as soft conditionality to uptake of positive agriculture, health, hygiene and nutrition practices and / or adopting new livelihood approaches.
  • Sustainability: Assess the extent to which SILC benefits are sustainable beyond the completion of the project that establishes them. See our definition of sustainability above. We are keen to understand the number of SILC groups that CRS has established in Nigeria and the proportion of these groups that remain active at least one year after the closure of the project that established them. We are also keen to understand the rate of member exit and replacement within SILC groups that continue to operate. We are similarly keen to draw out elements that increase sustainability. We would also like to understand how sustainability differs in the Northeast as compared to the Northwest.
• Assess and make recommendations on capacity (technical, operational and financial) to implement SILC programming within CRS Nigeria.
• Make recommendations on how CRS can expand its SILC programming within Nigeria using the available resources / funding opportunities.

Approach and Method:

• Desk research complemented by field studies in the Northeast and the Northwest. Field research must include interviews with key persons from government agencies and NGOs. Field studies must also include interviews with PSPs and members of SILC groups. Similarly, field research must include focused group discussions (FGDs) with SILC groups. This consultancy will be carried out in Abuja, the Northwest (any Feed the Future project States) and the Northeast States.
• Within CRS, the consultant is expected to understand how SILC is incorporated and implemented in our emergency, agriculture and livelihoods and health programs. The consultant will be expected to interview past and current project managers (including Chiefs of Party and Project Directors), proposal design team members and technical specialists. The consultant is also expected to understand the value and commitment that CRS Nigeria places on SILC by interviewing members of the Leadership Team.
• Within the non-profits, the consultant is expected to understand and articulate how other NGOs implement village savings and lending schemes within Nigeria. The consultant is similarly expected to understand and articulate the federal (national) and state governments’ savings and lending schemes regulatory frameworks.

Schedule of Deliverables:

• A consultancy report with a concise executive summary. The consultant is encouraged to annex supplementary information to the report.
• A debrief meeting at the CRS Abuja offices where the consultancy will be expected to present his / her findings and recommendations.
• A summary report not exceeding two pages for internal and external dissemination.

Required Qualifications

• An advanced degree in Economics, Micro-finance or related field.
• In-depth knowledge of village savings and lending methodologies.
• Familiarity with Nigeria’s banking and financial institutions and policies – particularly as pertaining to micro-finance.
• An understanding of development challenges and opportunities in rural Nigeria.
• Demonstrable knowledge of financing products for the rural poor from the public purse, non-profits and the private sector.
• Familiarity with Nigeria in general; the Northwest and the North East States in particular.
• An understanding of institutional donors’ approaches and policies regarding micro-finance and financing for the rural poor.
• Ability to carry out research and synthesize findings into white papers.
• Knowledge of English knowledge and excellent writing skills are mandatory.
• Capacity to self-manage, work independently and remotely and deliver on time.

Time and Level of Effort:

• This consultancy shall not exceed 21 days. The division of tasks within the 21 days will be proposed by the consultancy and evaluated by CRS.

Payment Schedule:

• CRS will pay a consultancy fee based upon a mutually agreeable daily consultancy rate. Logistics for field trips will be arranged separately. CRS will reimburse operational and logistical costs if they are identified and approved by the Consultancy Manager in advance.
• Please note that CRS will deduct and remit to the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) a 5% withholding Tax from the total consultancy fees in accordance with the Nigerian Tax Law.

Equal Employer Opportunity:

• “CRS is an equal –opportunity employer, does not discriminate based on race, colour, religion and we are committed to gender sensitive programming and management’. etc.
• Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply”

Safeguarding:

• By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviours related to the above safeguarding-related topics.

Statement of Commitment to Protection:

• ‘’CRS’ recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation’’

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should send their Expression of Interest (EOI) along with a detailed resume attached as one document in PDF indicating the title of the consultancy and the consultancy code – SIL91319 to: tenders.ngr@crs.org

Job Title: Technical Specialist – Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL)

Job Ref Code: TSM91319
Location: Abuja
Band: 8
Department: Programs
Reports To: Program Manager/ Trainer of Trainers

Background
CRS Nigeria is collaborating with the Nigeria National Social Safety Nets Project (NASSP) on a pilot scheme to assess the effectiveness of a mentoring and coaching intervention that will accompany a package of cash assistance and business skills training. NASSP provides targeted regular cash transfers to targeted poor and vulnerable households identified through a national social registry (NSR). Under NASSP, each household receives 5000 NGN per month. This base benefit is designed to ensure a minimum, reliable payment to promote consumption smoothing, address food insecurity and protect against economic shocks.

NASSP is piloting a complementary livelihood intervention to support households receiving cash transfers to pursue sustainable income generating activities. The livelihood package will promote households to transition from subsistence to sustainable livelihoods. The package includes the following four key components: (i) Life-skills training, (ii)Business skills training, (iii)Coaching/Mentoring and (iv) Productive grant transfer. The NASSP livelihoods pilot will be implemented in two LGAs per state in six states across the country: Anambra, Bauchi, Cross River, Jigawa, Niger and Oyo. CRS will implement and monitor the coaching and mentoring component of this livelihood’s intervention.

Job Summary

• The M&E Technical Specialist, under the direct supervision of the Program Manager/Trainer of Trainers will lead the monitoring of project implementation and the collation, analysis and presentation of data on the project
• S/he will work in close collaboration with the Program Manager to produce periodic data and narrative reports that highlight progress and flag areas of improvement to guide project adjustments
• S/he will work with other stakeholders to develop tools and build capacity to generate, analyze and interpret data and use it to inform program strategies and learning, and meet reporting requirements.

Specific Job Responsibilities

• Develop a MEAL system outlining indicators, tools, data sources, data flow, procedures, staffing and statistical procedures required to monitor implementation and assure quality project interventions;
• Deliver training on key components of the project MEAL system to Master Trainers and state level operatives, and support them to cascade this training to CTFs and CBVs;
• In collaboration with the Program Manager, carry out spot monitoring checks on the Master Trainers’ delivery of trainings to CTFs and CBVs, and the CTF and CBVs’ delivery of mentoring and coaching to project beneficiaries;
• Outline and implement a process for producing summary visual reports on the mentoring and coaching activities implemented by CTFs and CBVs at LGA and state levels;
• Support and mentor State Social Safety Project staff to SSP in the pilot states to analyze and interpret data, and utilize evidence-based information for program management;
• Build capacity of Master Trainers to provide basic coaching to CTFs and CBVs on data generation, analysis and interpretation;
• Ensure timely capture and processing of auxiliary qualitative information and learning to enhance overall performance of mentoring/coaching delivery;
• Lead the production of consolidated data reports that summarize implementation progress, trends, gaps and learning;
• Attend relevant technical meetings with donors and stakeholders to present and discuss project data and results as required;
• Participate in country program community of practice meetings and ensure close coordination with other CRS Nigeria MEAL activities.

Qualifications and Skills
Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field (Statistics, Development, Finance, Economics, etc);
• At least 5 years of professional experience in implementing M&E for programs related to livelihoods, education, agriculture, social behavior change communication or other integrated programming;
• Demonstrable skills in monitoring and evaluation, data management, and research methodologies;
• Demonstrated experience developing and delivering diverse training programs and transferring knowledge to community level health and social service workers and/or volunteers;
• Experience in managing databases, data applications, statistical packages and MIS;
• Ability to support government and community level partners to deliver against program objectives/targets.

Personal Skills:

• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with culturally diverse groups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to write reports.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and deliver outputs on schedule.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented

 

Deadline: 5:00pm; 26th September, 2019.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should download the “CRS Application Form” using the link below, fill and send with a detailed Resume as one document (in a PDF Format) indicating position being applied for and the Job Ref Code (e.g. MEAL Director, MED211118) as the subject of the application to: ng.recruitment_health@crs.org

Click here to Download Application Form (Doc) – Dropbox

Click Here for Job Details (Docx)

Additional Information
Equal Employer Opportunity:

• “CRS is an equal –opportunity employer, does not discriminate based on race, color, religion and we are committed to gender sensitive programming and management’. etc.
• Qualified women are strongly encouraged to apply”

Safeguarding:

• By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking
• Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics.

Statement of Commitment to Protection:

• ‘’CRS’ recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation’’.