Project Officer-AIDI-GLR Project at Catholic Relief Services (CRS): (Deadline 20 May 2024)

Project Officer-AIDI-GLR Project at Catholic Relief Services (CRS): (Deadline 20 May 2024)

Job Title: Project Officer-AIDI-GLR Project

Department: Programming/ Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative-Great Lakes Region (AID-GLR)

Band: 7

Reports To: Program Manager I-AIDI-GLR Project

Country/Location: Rwanda (Kigali) with Field Trips 50%

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work are accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Recently, CRS completed the implementation of a first phase of the AID-IGLR project (Great Lakes Accelerated Innovation Delivery Initiative) aiming i) To equitably increase the availability and accessibility of proven agricultural and nutritional practices and technologies to farming households; and ii) To increase the use and adoption of good agricultural and nutritional practices and technologies to enhance productivity and consumption of nutritious food products equitably among farming households.

Building on achievements of the previous phase, CRS is carrying out the second phase of the AID-IGLR project,

continuing its efforts to promote the adoption and utilization of nutrient-rich crops through capacity building, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), and communication efforts.

Job Summary:

As a member of the AID-IGLR project, the project officer will be responsible of all agricultural extension services related to the promotion of new agricultural technologies promoted to the farmers, aiming at increasing agricultural production at farmer level. The project officer will monitor project activities and will collaborate with other CRS agriculture and nutrition technical staff with the local Government and community extensionists to ensure adoption of new agricultural technologies.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Support the coordination and implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.
• Work closely with community extensionists including sector agronomists and farmer promoters to promote new technologies among targeted farmers. Ensure the extension and use of new agricultural technologies including new varieties of bio-fortified crops and other nutritious crops among targeted projects participants.
• Collaborate with CRS technical staff of other CRS programs and projects (e.g. USAID Gikuriro Kuri Bose, STRONG project) to facilitate the distribution of seeds and monitor the adoption and use by targeted farmers.
• Prepare and supervise the training of community agricultural extensionists and health services providers farmer promoters and nutrition workers (Parents lumières, community health workers).
• Prepare and supervise the campaigns that aim to establish the linkages between the seed companies, seed multipliers with agro-dealers and between agro-dealers with farmers.
• Carry out all activities aimed at behavior change (dissemination of education messages) in relation to the use of best farming and nutrition practices by targeted farmers, through different mobilization campaigns organized in collaboration with local leaders and community extensionists.
• Monitor and report any challenges and/or gaps identified to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules.
• Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and assisting partners in their efforts to collect and analyze project data per specified mechanisms and tools.
• Contribute to the preparation of monthly, quarterly, and annual reports with respect of guidance provided by the project management. Complete project documentation for assigned activities. Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agri-business, Agriculture, Rural Development or related field
• At least two years of professional experience in project support, preferably in Agriculture/Food Security programming.
• Demonstrated experience in extension services, value chain promotion and development and access to markets for farmers.
• Demonstrated proficiency in MEL systems (Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning), including expertise in data analysis, collection, statistical analysis, and reporting.
• Previous experience working with local non-Government organizations or International Organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to work in teams.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken) required; French would be an asset.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, ability to work well with people, good judgment and commitment to CRS mission.
• Ability to transfer knowledge through formal and informal training.
• Willingness to travel approximately 50% of the time.
• Advanced computer skills – MS Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook.
• Rwandan nationality.

Required Languages –

Fluency in English (written and spoken) and Kinyarwanda. French is a plus.

Travel – The position is based in Kigali with frequent travel to Burera, Rulindo, Ngororero, Musanze, Nyabihu, Rubavu, Rutsiro, Karongi, Nyamasheke, Rusizi, Kayonza, Ngoma and Rwamagana Districts.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Analysis and problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound judgment.
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local community and stakeholders.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented
• Attention to details, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience implementing donor funded projects.
• Experience in participatory action planning, social change and community engagement.
• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data preferred.
• Experience in provision of capacity building/ training to stakeholders including community volunteers.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

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.

• Builds & Maintains Trust
• Collaborates with Others
• Open to Learn
• Leads Change
• Develops & Recognizes Others
• Strategic Mindset
• Personnel Accountability
• Acts with Integrity

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Project Manager and other CRS project staff, Head of Programming, CRS finance and, and operation staff.

External: AID-GLR Management, Technical Personnel from Districts, Relevant District-Level Teams such as those from Agriculture and Health units, Community Volunteer Networks across districts, and other pertinent stakeholders.

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

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

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourages women and young people to apply. We offer gender friendly recruitment and employment conditions.

How to apply

Interested and qualified candidates should complete the attached application form, Self -Declaration Clause and submit them together with one page Cover letter plus updated CV (maximum three pages) all in/as one document – via email only to: RW_HR@crs.org not later than Monday May 20^th, 2024, at 5:00pm.

Please, include below statement in your cover letter:

“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.”

Also include your full names and title “Project Officer @ Band 7” in the subject line. Due to anticipated high interest in this post and the expected number of applicants, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Kigali May 07^th, 2024.

Hans Fly

Country Representative