Job Description

Job Title:                             Project Officer – Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA) (Ref: 2023/005)

Department:                      Country Programming

Grade:                                  7

Reports To:                         Program Manager – MPCA

Country/Location:           Somalia/Baidoa, Somalia (with frequent travel to project sites)

Length of Contract:         1-year contract, renewable based on performance and funding availability

About CRS:

CRS is an International non-governmental organization supporting relief and development work in over 100 countries around the world. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need, without regard to race, religion, or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work are accomplished through programs such as emergency response, health, livelihoods, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

CRS has a long history of supporting local civil-society organizations in Somalia and has implemented development and emergency programming in multiple sectors, primarily supported by the United States Agency for International Development. CRS’ work in Somalia supports populations across 6 regions of Somalia, with emergency presence concentrated in the South-Central area. CRS Somalia’s large flagship project currently covers the sectors of WASH, Health, Nutrition, Protection for the most vulnerable populations (SHARPEN). CRS has been working closely with and channelling resources and support to local organizations in Somalia since the 1960s. In addition to high-value emergency response and peacebuilding projects, CRS is also working on developing additional activities, including the newly funded Cash Assistance, Cash capacity, Nutrition, and Accountability strengthening project (CashNCaps).

Job Summary

As part of the Kaafia plus project team and reporting to the Program Manager – Multipurpose Cash Assistance (MPCA). the Project Officer – MPCA will play a key role in the implementation, coordination, and oversight of multipurpose cash assistance programs implemented by CRS Somalia. This position will be responsible for ensuring program quality, adherence to established standards, and effective utilization of cash transfers to meet the needs of vulnerable populations. The Project Officer will work closely with Kaafia plus MPCA program manager, project partners and stakeholders to ensure the successful delivery of cash assistance and contribute to the overall objectives of the project.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, coordination, and implementation of multipurpose cash assistance programs under the guidance of the Program Manager – MPCA and in line with project objectives, donor requirements, and CRS guidelines.
• With support from the Program Manager – MPCA, provide technical guidance on cash transfer programming, including community engagement, beneficiary selection, cash delivery mechanisms, and monitoring and evaluation of cash assistance activities.
• Identify capacity-building needs of project staff and local partners and share with the Program Manager – MPCA to develop and deliver training and mentoring to enhance their skills and knowledge in cash assistance programming.
• In consultation with PM – MPCA and CRS M&E team develop and implement robust monitoring and evaluation plans to ensure the effective tracking of project progress, impact, and compliance with quality standards.
• Represent the Program Manager – MPCA at the different cash coordination platforms. Establish and maintain strong working relationships with project partners, government stakeholders, and other relevant actors to ensure coordinated and harmonized implementation of cash assistance activities.
• Prepare timely and accurate program reports, including narrative and financial reports as per donor and CRS requirements.
• Monitor project budgets, track expenditures, and ensure effective and efficient utilization of project funds.
• Ensure compliance with CRS and donor regulations, policies, and procedures throughout the project implementation cycle.
• Promote a culture of learning, innovation, and continuous improvement within the project team, fostering adaptive management approaches and sharing best practices.

• Skills and Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, development studies, humanitarian assistance, or a related field. Master’s degree preferred.
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in implementing cash transfer programs, preferably in emergency or post-conflict contexts.
  • Strong knowledge and understanding of cash transfer programming principles, tools, and best practices.
  • Experience in capacity building and training facilitation for staff and partners.
  • Proven ability to coordinate and collaborate with diverse stakeholders, including government entities, NGOs, and community-based organizations.
  • Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and challenging environment, with a high degree of flexibility and adaptability.

   

  Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Strong Programme management and report writing skills.
  • Strong relationship and team player skills, and the ability to work effectively with culturally diverse groups.
  • Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented
  • Sound knowledge and skills in training and facilitation.
  • Good coordination, creative and innovative skills.
  • Should be very adaptive and responsive, due to the fragile nature of Programme context.
  • Great writing and review skills to develop and review high quality success stories.
  • Demonstrated commitment to respect, equity, diversity, and inclusion including gender equality.

   

   

   

   

  Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

  Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. 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.

  • Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
  • Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.
  • Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
  • Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
  • Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

  Agency Leadership Competencies:

  • Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
  • Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
  • Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

   

  Required Languages – English and Somali required.

   

  Travel Required

  • Based in Baidoa District, with frequent travel to project locations.
  • Must be willing and able to travel up to 50% of the time to KAAFIA+ MPCA project locations outside Baidoa currently Dollow, Luuq, under Gedo Region, and Mogadishu districts (Daynile, Hodan, Kahda and Hiliwa) for supportive supervision and strengthen CRS and Partners Sectoral teams’ coordination.

   

  Supervisory Responsibilities: None

   

  Key Working Relationships: 

  Internal: Country Manager, Emergency Coordinator, Program Manager, Technical Advisors, Program teams (KAAFIA+ and NABADOON), MEAL team, Accountability Officer, procurement, Security, Fleet, Finance and Admin Officers.

   

  External: Partner staff, consultants, volunteers, lead mothers, Vendors, Other stakeholders (MPCA Sector Coordinators, cash project leads, Community leaders and members).

   

   

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

   

   

   

  What we offer:

  CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

   

  CRS’ emphasis on family values supports benefits, including maternity and paternity leave, policies that promote exclusive breastfeeding, the availability of a baby room at the office, and flexible working hours where possible.

   

  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.

   

  CRS Somalia strives to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and work, stay, and do their best.

   

  CRS provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or handicap, medical condition and any other status protected by law. As an equal opportunity employer, CRS will recruit, hire, train and promote persons solely on their qualifications and abilities. Women are highly encouraged to apply.

   

  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.

  How to apply

  If your qualifications and experience meet this job requirements, please submit a written application, quoting the job title and reference number, and updated CV including daytime contact phone numbers, as well as names and contact information of three references to reach the below mentioned by close of business, Tuesday, November 07, 2023.

   

  Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.

   

  Human Resources Manager

  Catholic Relief Services-Kenya/Somalia program

  Email: crssomalia-recruitment@crs.org 

  Note: CRS does not charge any fees from applicants for any recruitment. Further, CRS has not retained any agent in connection with this recruitment.

   

  Emailcrssomalia-recruitment@crs.org