Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Latest Recruitment September, 2016

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 agriculture, HIV and health extractives and governance, and peace building programming.

We are recruiting to fill the position below: 






Job Title: Database Assistant

Location: Maiduguri, Nigeria
Department: Programs
Reports To: B-2 Database Manager    

Project Background
Since the crisis in Northeast Nigeria escalated in 2013, the food security situation has continued to worsen. Emerging data of June 2016 has revealed that the severity of the food and nutritional crisis is well beyond emergency thresholds in Borno State.  The Federal Government has declared a food and nutritional crisis in Borno, where over 750,000 people are severely food insecure; including 180,000 in Maiduguri’s outskirts, 120,000 camp residents and approximately 275,000 IDPs in newly reopened areas. A growing number of people are in urgent need of food assistance, and alarming rates of acute malnutrition have been reported.  

The re-opening of Local Government Areas (LGAs), many which have been inaccessible for an extended period of time, has led to the identification of new IDP locations in Borno State, while ongoing conflict between the military and Boko Haram has resulted in the influx of more IDPs into Maiduguri metropolis and the establishment of several spontaneous camps. The number of IDPs in both Maiduguri, Jere and other LGAs continue to increase – with the current reports indicating a total of 1.6 million IDPs in Borno State alone.  
  
In this emergency context, IDP households are among the worst affected populations as displacement has resulted in the loss and destruction of key assets and the interruption of livelihoods. Furthermore, in Maiduguri center, the majority of IDPs families have found refuge with host families, with whom they share already scarce natural resources such as shelter and water. As per CRS’ needs assessments, these communities are in immediate need of food, WASH, emergency shelter, NFIs save lives and restore dignity. CRS has also identified agriculture and livelihoods as a key need and gap in the ongoing humanitarian response.

In order to effectively respond to the crisis, CRS Borno’s emergency and early recovery programs are focused on food security, NFI, WASH and shelter, for both IDPs and host families. Where possible, CRS will seek to maximize project impact, efficiency and effectiveness by adopting market based approaches – through e-vouchers and the RedRose OneSytem platform – privileging integrated programming and empowering targeted communities through participatory approaches. 

Primary Function

• The Database Assistant (DA) is responsible for the organization, maintenance and updating of existing emergency project databases and management information systems (MIS) and providing support to projects’ MEAL staff and to the Database Manger. 
• As may be required from time to time, she/he will develop computer programs and troubleshoot databases to generate data, data tables and reports in order to respond to program and donor reporting requirements, on schedule and as the need arises. 

Job Responsibilities

• Provide overall technical support on database organization/design, maintenance, development and update, to the emergency project MEAL officers and emergency program managers.
• Support the planning and delivery of trainings, workshops and other capacity development interventions for emergency program staff and MEAL team.
• Support emergency MEAL officers in ensuring that the information needs of project stakeholders and donors are met and adhere to system requirements.
• Provide technical support for the running of the emergency projects’ Red Rose platform (including troubleshooting, software and hardware updates, liaise with the Red Rose technical team, etc.)
• Provide support for collation and processing of data reports and other related reports from the programming team.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to programming and MEAL staff on the application and use of the available software/databases to ensure that high standards of program implementation are provided at all times.
• Support MEAL officers in the management of programs’ databases, ensuring that these are routinely updated and liaise Program Managers to ensure that quality data is reported to the donors.
• Provide support for the training for enumerators and daily workers on data collection using ICT.
• Support the collection of GIS coordinates of project site locations and the development of service maps as needed.
• Support the preparation of monthly, semi-annual and annual and ad-hoc reports to donors with strict adherence to standards and timelines.
• Maintain an inventory of data collection and monitoring visits to partners on a regular basis to monitor M&E systems.
• Support the development and testing of electronic data entry questionnaires using the iFormBuilder (or other software as needed) during periodic surveys and data analysis using appropriate statistical package.

Key Working Relationships:

• Internal: Emergency MEAL Officers, MEAL Director, Emergency Program Officers, Database Manager, Operations Staff
• External: Local partners, Red Rose team, external consultants and other key stakeholders

Travel:

• Travel up to 20% of the time as needed.
• 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 Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science with emphasis in rural development, public health, statistics or a development related fields.
• Demonstrated skills in MEAL, data management and quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• At least 2 years of professional experience in implementing M&E for emergency programs related to food and nutrition security programming, WASH, and/or shelter of which at least two years with a NGOs.
• Experience in creating and managing M&E databases.
• Demonstrable computer literacy in MS Office – Excel, Power Point and Word.
• Demonstrable experience working with Information and Communication Technologies (software and hardware)
• Experience in data analysis in Access and at least one of the following: CSPro, SPSS, EpiInfo or STATA is an added advantage.
• Ability to work effectively with government and civil society partners and communities as well as transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through workshops, training and meetings using participatory methods and adult learning principles.
• Ability to support partners working at a distance to achieve results against program objectives/targets.

Disclaimer Clause:

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

Job Title: Database Manager   

Location: Maiduguri, Nigeria       
Department: Emergency Programs             
Band: D-2
Reports To: MEAL Coordinator     

Project Background
Since the crisis in Northeast Nigeria escalated in 2013, the food security situation has continued to worsen. Emerging data of June 2016 has revealed that the severity of the food and nutritional crisis is well beyond emergency thresholds in Borno State.  The Federal Government has declared a food and nutritional crisis in Borno, where over 750,000 people are severely food insecure; including 180,000 in Maiduguri’s outskirts, 120,000 camp residents and approximately 275,000 IDPs in newly reopened areas. A growing number of people are in urgent need of food assistance, and alarming rates of acute malnutrition have been reported.  

The re-opening of Local Government Areas (LGAs), many which have been inaccessible for an extended period of time, has led to the identification of new IDP locations in Borno State, while ongoing conflict between the military and Boko Haram has resulted in the influx of more IDPs into Maiduguri metropolis and the establishment of several spontaneous camps. The number of IDPs in both Maiduguri, Jere and other LGAs continue to increase – with the current reports indicating a total of 1.6 million IDPs in Borno State alone.

In this emergency context, IDP households are among the worst affected populations as displacement has resulted in the loss and destruction of key assets and the interruption of livelihoods. Furthermore, in Maiduguri center, the majority of IDPs families have found refuge with host families, with whom they share already scarce natural resources such as shelter and water. As per CRS’ needs assessments, these communities are in immediate need of food, WASH, emergency shelter, NFIs save lives and restore dignity. CRS has also identified agriculture and livelihoods as a key need and gap in the ongoing humanitarian response.

In order to effectively respond to the crisis, CRS Borno’s emergency and early recovery programs are focused on food security, NFI, WASH and shelter, for both IDPs and host families. Where possible, CRS will seek to maximize project impact, efficiency and effectiveness by adopting market based approaches – through e-vouchers and the RedRose OneSytem platform – privileging integrated programming and empowering targeted communities through participatory approaches. 

Primary Function

• The Database Manager (DM) is responsible for the organization, maintenance and updating of existing emergency project databases and management information systems (MIS) and providing support to projects’ MEAL staff. 
• As may be required from time to time, she/he will develop computer programs and troubleshoot databases to generate data, data tables and reports in order to respond to program and donor reporting requirements, on schedule and as the need arises. 

Job Responsibilities

• Lead and provide overall technical support on database organization/design, maintenance, development and update, to the emergency project MEALofficers and emergency program managers.
• Support the planning and delivery of trainings, workshops and other capacity development interventions for emergencyprogram staff and MEAL team.
• Support emergency MEAL officers in ensuringthat the information needs of project stakeholders and donors are met and adhere to system requirements.
• Run and provide technical support for the running of the emergency projects’ Red Rose platform (including troubleshooting, software and hardware updates, liaise with the Red Rose technical team, etc.)
• Lead the collation and processing of data reports and other related reports from the programming team.
• Provide coaching and mentoring to programming and MEAL staff on the application and use of the available software/databases to ensure that high standards of program implementation are provided at all times.
• Support MEAL officers in the management of programs’ databases, ensuring that these are routinely updated and liaise Program Managers to ensure that quality data is reported to the donors.
• Lead training for enumerators and daily workers on data collection using ICT.
• Lead the collection of GIS coordinates of project site locations and the development of service maps as needed.
• Support the preparation of monthly, semi-annual and annual and ad-hoc reports to donors with strict adherence to standards and timelines.
• Maintain an inventory of data collection and monitoring visits to partners on a regular basis to monitor M&E systems.
• Provide recommendations to MEAL officers and Program Managers for improved data collection and analysis and storage.
• Support the development and testing of electronic data entry questionnaires using the iFormBuilder (or other softwares as needed) during periodic surveys and data analysis using appropriate statistical package.
• Develop new programs and adapt existing ones to new applications as the need arises, and in collaboration with CRS IT and MEAL units carry out systems analysis related to the study of new applications, testing and revision of programs.
• Attend relevant emergency program management and technical meetings to ensure close coordination between program, management, and MEAL staff.
• Collaborate with emergency programs MEAL officers and PM in planning, designing and undertaking program evaluations, regular monitoring exercises and/or special studies.
• Identify and introduce innovative approaches for improved data collection and management.

Key Working Relationships
Internal:   

• Emergency MEALOfficers, MEAL Director,  Emergency Program Officers, Database Assistant, Operations Staff

External:   

• Local partners, Red Rose team, external consultants and other key stakeholders

Travel:

• Travel up to 20% of the time as needed.

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 Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning

Qualifications and Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Science with emphasis in rural development, public health, statistics or a development related fields.
• Demonstrated skills in MEAL, data management and quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in implementing M&E for emergency programs related to food and nutrition security programming, WASH, and/or shelter of which at least two years with a NGOs.
• Experience in creating and managing M&E databases.
• Demonstrable computer literacy in MS Office – Excel, Power Point and Word.
• Demonstrable experience working with Information and Communication Technologies (software and hardware)
• Experience in data analysis in Access and at least one of the following: CSPro, SPSS, EpiInfo or STATA.
• Ability to work effectively with government and civil society partners and communities as well as transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through workshops, training and meetings using participatory methods and adult learning principles.
• Ability to support partners working at a distance to achieve results against program objectives/targets.

Job Title: Finance Manager

Location: Abuja Office
Department: Operations
Band: E-1               
Reports To: Head of Operations
Supervises: Finance Staff

Job Summary

• The Finance Manager is responsible for managing the CP’s Finance Department. As a member of the country program’s leadership team, s/he is responsible for ensuring the robustness of the CP’s financial management systems and processes.
• S/he is in charge of financial reporting, financial grant management and compliance, communication, capacity building of finance staff as well as capacity strengthening of sub recipients in the area of financial management. The Finance Manager designs improves and maintains effective financial systems and processes. 
• In line with CRS’ strategic priority to reinforce an organizational culture of high performance and accountability, s/he works with CP management to ensure that the country program maintains a high level of resource stewardship and strict financial accountability.

Leadership:

• The Finance Manager serves as the principal advisor to the CP leadership on all matters relating to financial management. S/he plays a leadership role in shaping the country program’s processes and practices in the area of financial management.
• The Finance Manager prepares financial information and interprets results to promote stewardship and manage risks.
• S/he stays abreast of changes in the financial operating environment and promotes policies and processes to ensure the country program adapts to these changes. S/he strives to enhance collaboration between Finance, Programming, and other departments.
• S/he ensures the Finance team consistently delivers a high standard of customer service.
• As a change agent, s/he champions, supports and oversees the implementation of new financial strategy, processes, tools, policies and procedures.

Functional Responsibilities
Financial Management and Analysis:

• Ensure that the country program’s financial accounting environment is in compliance with CRS’ policies and procedures, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), donors’ rules and regulations and legal requirements.
• Ensure the overall accuracy of financial information recorded in the Country Program’s general ledger and reflected on the country program’s trial balance and other financial reports submitted to HQ, donors and other stakeholders.
• Oversee the development and implementation of robust local financial systems and processes (e.g., payroll and cash management) as appropriate.
• Ensure that all assets including cash, investments,inventories, accounts receivable and fixed assets are accurately reflected on the trial balance.
• Oversee the execution and timely posting of all financial transactions, including intra-agency and suspense transactions.
• Proactively develop financial forecast analysis to assist in areas such as management of currency risk and cost allocation rates.
• Oversee monthly analysis of the country program’s trial balance and other financial reports. Such reports include but are not limited to budget comparison reports, aging reports, grant liability reports, efficiency reports and currency exposure reports.
• Lead the process of analysisand interpretation of financial reports to ensure that accurate financial data is provided to budget managers to inform decision making.
• Oversee the reconciliation of fixed assets’ physical counts with SunSystems records.
• Ensure financial records and transactions, including those for charges received via the Intra-Agency process, are adequately supported as per CRS’ Documentation Policy and Document Retention Policy with due consideration of local laws and donors’ documentation requirements.

Planning & Budget Administration:

• In close collaboration with the Head of Programming (HOP), Head of Operations (HoOP) and other senior managers, leads the preparation and submission of the Annual Program Plan (APP) and the Current Year Spending plan updates. As such, the Finance Manager is the focal point for eBudget maintenance and management at the CP level.
• Ensure that the country program’s board approved budgets and subsequent amendments are correctly recorded into SunSystems. Ensure budget amendment processes are in accordance with CRS’ policies and procedures.
• Support Program Managers in developing budgets for new programs/projects and revisions of existing projects. Ensure that reasonable estimates of direct cost andshared direct cost are used in budgets, based on historical data and current market conditions. In addition, s/he ensures that accurate indirect cost and support services rates are used in accordance with policies and guidelines.
• Provide the Senior Management Team and Program Managers with regular and timely budget comparison reports. Work closely with the CR, HoOP, Head of Programming and budget managers to provide analyses and action plans that addresssignificant variances between approved budgets and actual expenses.

Treasury:

• Analyze and review quarterly cash forecasts submitted to HQ, to ensure efficient management of cash flows. In addition, ensure that cash forecasts submitted to donors are accurate and based on proper cash flow planning.
•  Ensure availability of sufficient, but not excessive, cash in the CP’s operating account, by establishing cash balance monitoring systems to trigger timely accounts’ replenishments.
• Ensure bank accounts are managed in accordance with finance and treasury policies.  Coordinate the opening and closure of bank accounts and maintain an accurate list of bank signatories. In addition, keep HQ/Treasury informed of changes in bank signatories.
• Ensure that monthly bank reconciliations are performed in accordance with the Bank Reconciliation Procedure for all bank accounts and approved bank reconciliation forms are submitted to HQ/Finance on timely basis.
• Monitor currency exchange rates and alert management when/if unusual or unexpected changes occur. Institute measures to mitigate unfavorable foreign currency exchange exposure.
• Promote efficient and innovative solutions to cash management based on current trends. Such solutions might include electronic banking and mobile banking, when feasible and appropriate. S/he designs and implements internal controls adapted to such innovative solutions.  

Subrecipients’ financial management and Capacity Building: 

• Build and strengthen the capacity of subrecipients in the area of financial management. Plan and organize regular trainings and other capacity building initiatives such as exchange visits to ensure that subrecipients acquire and maintain the skills required to manage financial resources provided by CRS and other donors.
• Assess and regularly monitor sub recipients’ ability to safeguard financial resources entrusted to them. In addition, assess and monitor their ability to accurately record and post all financial transactions. Work closely with sub recipients to ensure that they design and implement effective internal control improvement plans.
• Ensure donors’ requirements are included in subrecipients’ agreements, and systems are in place to promote compliance.
• Maintain good working relationships with subrecipients based on mutual respect and effective communication and work closely with CR, HoOP, HOP and Program Managers to ensure coordinated and consistent partners strengthening efforts.
• Ensure subrecipient advances and liquidations are managed in accordance with the Subrecipient Financial Management Policy and the terms of the related subrecipient agreements.

Reporting:

• Oversee the month-end financial closure process and coordinate the timely submission of monthly financial reports to CRS/HQ and to the region.
• Ensure timely dissemination of monthly financial management reports based on the country program’s protocols. Such reports include but are not limited to budget comparison reports, aging reports, grant liability reports, efficiency reports and currency exposure reports.
• Supervise the preparation and submission of financial reports to HQ, donors and local government entities based on CRS’ policies, local laws and donors’ requirements. When required, provide background information on the nature of costs to donors and other stakeholders.
• Oversee timely and accurate financial year-end closure and submission of year-end reports.

Grant Management:

• Monitor grant agreements to ensure spending is within obligated budgets and the approved project periods; communicate with HQ/ Finance when new agreements are signed or existing agreements are modified.
• Review and understand the financial sections of all agreements with donors to ensure financial terms are reasonable, practical, do not contradict CRS’ policies and procedures and are in CRS’ favor when possible.  Proactively set up systems that enable CRS to respect the agreements’ financial terms and requirements, such as special reports, supporting documents and justification of cost.   
• Coordinate the submission of monthly, quarterly and final financial reports to donors in accordance with donors’ regulations or as stated in agreements and CRS’ Grant Reporting Policy.  In addition, when required, ensure supporting documents are accurate, financial reports tie to the general ledger and the cost can logically and accurately be explained to donors.
• Ensure grants are set up correctly and timely in CRS’ financial systems. Analyze revenue recognition transactions to ensure the correct currencycodes, indirect cost recovery rates, and grant liability accounts are used. Proactively resolve any irregularities.
• Ensure grant liability balances are analyzed and reconciled on a regular basis. Liaise with Program Managers and/or Chiefs of Party and ensure that cash due from donors is collected in accordance with CRS policies and donors’ terms and conditions.
• Lead the ongoing financial management of grants and related cost-sharesthrough timely communication with program managers, to ensure budgets are not overspent or significantly under-spent.
• Lead the timely and complete closure of all expired grants and costshares in conjunction with HQ/Finance.
• Ensure that all budget management tools (SunSystems “C” ledger, commitment ledger, etc.) are used effectively to enhance grants’ management.
• Ensure commodities and other Gifts-In-Kind (GIK) are recorded and accurately stated in the general ledger, in accordance with CRS’ policies and procedures. Review and analyze commodity physical inventory reports and communicate accurate inventory numbers to HQ/Finance. In addition, analyze intra-agency entries for inventory adjustments to ensure that the inventory account(s) is/are properly stated.

Risk Management and Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to the Agency’s financial policies and procedures and compliance with all donors’financial requirements.
• Ensure internal control systems are in place and followed by all Finance Department staff and all other applicable CRS employees. Make certain that tools such as review checklists and process flow charts are made available to and consistently used by all appropriate staff.
• In close collaboration with the Head of Operations and other managers, conduct and document internal control assessments annually and develop action plans to address weaknesses within a reasonable time, using the Internal Control Questionnaire (ICQ).
• Liaise with the CR, Head of Operations or Equivalent and ensure that authorization charts for commitments and payments are up to date and are consistently used as reference to verify the proper approval of transaction documents.
• Ensure that there is an adequate segregation of duties among cash receipt, cash disbursement, bank reconciliation and Sun Systems maintenance functions.
• Actively engage with internal and external audit teams and ensure findings related to financial management are closed within the prescribed deadlines.
• Understand and keep abreast of changes in the local legal environment, and ensure that CRS adheres to local laws that pertain to taxation and other areas of financial management.
• Ensure the accuracy and timeliness of recording of risk accruals and reserves.
• Promptly apprise the Senior Management Team of any known or suspected instances of fraud or of ethical violations.

Finance Personnel Management and Overall Capacity Strengthening:

• Oversee the recruitment, training and development of a competent pool of finance staff that can effectively discharge the mandate of finance function.
• Supervise, mentor, coach finance staff. In addition, design and implement succession plans for finance staff.
• Oversee the orientation of accounting staff and project managers in relevant financial management practices, CRS policies and procedures and donors’ financial requirements.
• Encourage teamwork and facilitate job enrichment to involve team members in activities beyond their defined job descriptions. Ensure effective delegation of authority and staff capacity building within the Finance Department.
• Ensurethat job descriptions for Finance employees are up to date. In addition, ensure that performance and development plans are prepared each year. Complete annual performance appraisals for supervised staff. Make these documents a useful tool for employees to maintain and improve their performance.

Representation and Confidentiality:

• Attend and actively participate during management meetings.
• Act as primary liaison with all financial institutions. Where possible, and in close collaboration with the CR, Head of Operations or Equivalent, negotiate premium customer services for CRS. Using CRS’ annual bank relationship scorecard, ensure that banks provide financial services that meet or exceed the industry standards.
• Keep all documents and information related to CRS’ program activities, personnel and development plans confidential.

Internal Key Working Relationships:

• Country Representative, HoOP, HOP, Program Managers and Chief of Party,Procurement Manager, Administrative Manager, HR Manager, IT Manager and other Support Managers, HQ Finance, DRD for Management Quality, RFO, Internal Auditors.

External Key Working Relationships:

• Banking Institutions, Government Entities, Donors, Subrecipients, Suppliers and External Auditors

Requirements:

• Strong leadership, management, and analytical skills.
• Strong customer service orientation and effective communication skills (good listener, positive, supportive, clear, constructive, and accessible) both written and verbal.
• Knowledge of English is required.
• Excellent skills in Excel required.  Knowledge of other application software, such as Word, Visio and PowerPoint highly desired.  
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to prepare training materials and to present training materials.
• Ability to learn fast and adapt quickly to change.
• Willingness to work the hours needed to meet deadlines, and work well under pressure.
• Desire to work in a collaborative and proactive team environment, but able to work independently.

Qualifications

• University Degree in Accounting, Finance or related field or equivalent work experience required.A professional certification in Accounting or a related field highly desired.
• Minimum of five years professional experience in a financial management position of responsibility, at least three of which is in a supervisory position required;
• Budgeting and budget management experience required.
• Knowledge of SunSystems financial accounting packageor similar financial reporting software highly desired.
• Proven ability to analyze reports or issues and to provide appropriate recommendations required.
• Availability to perform work assignments out of the country required.
• Sound knowledge of local law in the areas of taxation and local regulatory reporting obligations is required
• Strong knowledge of effective management practices desired
• Knowledge of the relevant public donors’ regulations will be highly desired.

Agency wide competencies:
These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.

• Serves with Integrity
• Models Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should download the Application Form using the link below and send with a detailed 3-page Resume in a single file MS Word document to: NG-HR@global.crs.org

Click here to download the Application Form