Assistant Project Officer Livelihoods
Position Title: Assistant Project Officer – Livelihoods (3)
Location: Gaza Field Office
Reports To: Project Officer II – Livelihoods
BACKGROUND:
Catholic Relief Services is an international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States and has been present in the Jerusalem, West Bank, and Gaza since 1961. The CRS JWBG country program currently supports development/relief programs and activities in the sectors of civil society, humanitarian assistance, youth development, education, and peace & justice. In Gaza, CRS’ primary focus is humanitarian assistance. For further information about CRS, please visit: www.crs.org.
JOB SUMMARY:
CRS JWBG is seeking 3 Assistant Project Officers (APOs) for a 5-year, USAID funded project to work closely with CRS’ implementing partners in support the following specific areas:
- Cash-for-work: 3-month work opportunities in private sector, agriculture, community infrastructure improvement, and other areas.
- Cash-for-internship and cash-for-apprenticeship: 6-month paid internship or apprenticeship activities for Gazan youth who have graduated from university or vocational training
- Entrepreneurship & Small Capital Grants: training and grants to support youth and women to start up small businesses, and grants to support businesses to re-start or expand.
CRS will hire one APO for each of the project areas described above. Under the supervision and guidance of the Project Officer II for Livelihoods, the APO will be responsible for the day-to-day coordination and implementation of these activities, including partner and employer relationships, employment opportunity coordination, activity monitoring & reporting, meeting project deadlines, and supervising Project Coordinators.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Program Management
- Coordinate the day-to-day implementation of project activities with consortium of partners
- Conduct regular project monitoring to ensure quality of activities & identify any challenges or delays
- Support partners and staff to solve any problems, challenges, or delays in programming
- Proactively share feedback on project progress and challenges with PO and senior management
- Share project monitoring data in a timely manner
Program Quality, Learning and Innovation
- Ensure adherence to CRS Program Quality standards
- Ensure accountability to project beneficiaries and local stakeholders
- Actively identify opportunities for innovation and project adaptation to improve impact.
- Take part in regular team, program and staff meetings.
- Participate in information sharing with other CRS JWBG offices.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Effectively supervise Project Coordinators in accordance with CRS Performance Management system.
- Ensure the timely implementation of all Performance Management steps, including Performance Development Plans, Coaching, and Performance Appraisals.
Administration and Compliance:
- Maintain adequate administration and filing systems.
- Ensure compliance with CRS policies and procedures, including those of administration, procurement and finance.
- Ensure compliance with donor-specific regulations.
Coordination and Representation
- Represent CRS at cluster meetings and other external working groups.
- Maintain external relationships beneficial for coordination.
- Host donor representatives or CRS visitors.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Supervisory: Project Coordinators
Internal: Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, Head of Programs, MEAL Officer, Project Officers, other Assistant Project Officers, and Project Coordinators; Finance Manager; Grants & Compliance Manager
External: Local partner organization; employers, project donor; community leaders
POSITION REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Technical/Professional
- University degree required in international development, business administration, economics, sociology, or related field.
- Minimum of three years’ work experience in livelihoods, women and youth, or cash transfer programming, preferably with an international NGO and with USG-funded projects.
- Demonstrated experience in community mobilization, organization and mediation among local actors;
- Excellent writing and communication skills in both English and Arabic;
- Strong cross-cultural skills and experience working with people from different ethnic and cultural backgrounds;
- Demonstrated capacities to establish and maintain strong, collaborative working relationships with donors, local organizations, communities and other stakeholders;
- Proven experience managing direct reports;
- Proven ability to multi-task and meet deadlines;
- Proven ability to develop proposals and write reports meeting donor requirements;
- Must be able to work independently and represent CRS;
- Proficiency in ICT4D and computer applications (MS Word, Excel).
Personal Competencies
- Demonstrated strengths in relationship management; able to work with diverse groups of people in multicultural, team-oriented environment
- Skilled in influencing and obtaining cooperation of individuals not under supervisory control; able to manage long-distance relationships to achieve results
- Utilizes skills in conflict management, peace building and behavior change;
- Understands and works with local contexts (operational and cultural).
- Supports partners to ensure adherence to financial guidelines Committed to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching
- Committed to the principles of Catholic Social Teaching
Agency-wide Competencies
- Serves with Integrity: Manifests CRS mission, values, and guiding principles to help improve the lives of the poor, vulnerable, and voiceless.
- Serves with Integrity: Manifests CRS mission, values, and guiding principles to help improve the lives of the poor, vulnerable, and voiceless.
- Models Stewardship: Makes responsible and efficient use of time, talent, money, assets, and natural resources to achieve plans and goals.
- Develops Constructive Relationships: Builds and maintains mutually beneficial relationships through solidarity.
Physical Requirements/Environment
- Able to be based in Gaza office;
- Able to work in a normal office environment with daily travel to the field and visiting partners.
Application Instructions
Interested candidates with relevant education and work experience are encouraged to complete the application form and submit their CV and a cover letter that directly addresses the position(s)’ requirements online at
later than May 12, 2016.
