Project Officer

CRS JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Project Officer

External Job Title: Program Officer

Department: Program

Band: 7

Reports To: Senior Program Officer

Country/Location: India/Assam

About CRS:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an international NGO based in the United States that works in over 100 countries to promote human development by responding to major emergencies, fighting disease and poverty, and nurturing peaceful and just societies. CRS welcomes as staff and partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

The CRS India program was established in 1946. The national office is in New Delhi, with programs operating in several states of India. CRS works with local partner organizations to support and empower vulnerable communities and households through implementation of development, relief and recovery programs. The primary program sectors in which CRS India works are emergency relief and recovery, health, agricultural livelihoods, and antitrafficking.

Background:
In Golaghat district, CRS is supporting efforts to end child trafficking. The intervention also focuses on empowering communities and enhancing child protection mechanisms. CRS’s initiatives in Golaghat aim to not only address the immediate issue of trafficking but also to address the root causes and strengthen community resilience. By leveraging strategic partnerships and community engagement, CRS endeavours to create a comprehensive approach to child protection that promotes sustainable change and fosters a safe environment for vulnerable children to thrive.

Job Summary:
As a member of the project team working in the State of Assam, you will be supporting the implementation of the project “Suraksha: Strengthening Child Trafficking Prevention Pathways” funded by Vista Hermosa Foundation with CRS’ partners in Golaghat district. As a part of the team, you will monitor and report on all project activities in support of Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable. You will guide partner teams at all stages of the project cycle and will be responsible for facilitating strong relationships with communities, protection stakeholders, government stakeholders, church, and NGOs in Assam. Through your service-oriented approach you will ensure that the project consistently applies best practices derived from successful interventions of child protection in other states and constantly works towards improving the impact of its benefits to those we serve.

Job Responsibilities:
• Coordinate communication and facilitate information sharing among the project team, implementing partners, and project beneficiaries at the community level to assist local partners in strengthening the community interest, involvement, and support networks.
• Support the partner in liaising with various community stakeholders and mobilize them to ensure the full involvement of community leaders, community representatives, and local government representatives in the overall implementation and improvement of project activities.
• Monitor and report any challenges and/or gaps identified to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules. Assist partners in their efforts to reflect on project exp
• Support partners to engage key stakeholders at district and block levels (DCPU, AHTU, DLSA, WCD, PRI, Social Welfare, and education department) to support key interventions proposed under the project and for sustaining the changes facilitated by the project in long term and continue providing support in the communities.
• Support Senior Project Officer (SPO) to follow-up with key state level stakeholders on project related issues.
• 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.
• Coordinate with stakeholders in protection and represent CRS with district level stakeholders.
• Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and assisting partners in their efforts to collect and analyze project data per specified mechanisms and tools. Collaborate with local partner(s) to prepare reports as per established reporting schedule and collaborate with Delhi MEAL teams on MEAL data and MEAL activities.
• Collect information on staff and partner capacity needs and technical assistance needs of partner organizations, provide guidance and support, and monitor capacity building and technical support activities to ensure effective impact.
• Complete project documentation for assigned activities. Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices.
• Monitor and report any challenges and/or gaps identified to inform adjustments to plans and
• implementation schedules. Assist partners in their efforts to reflect on project experiences.
• Ensure timely submission of monthly progress report from partners, analyze and share information for progress reports to CRS and donor.

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Education and Experience :
• Bachelor’s degree in social science/ Rural development/ Humanities is required.
• Minimum of 4 years of work experience in project support. Experience in the field of gender/ advocacy/protection and for an NGO or INGOs would be a plus.
• Additional education may substitute for some experience.
• Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience of working with children and experience of child protection programing is preferred.

Personal Skills :
• Observation, active listening, and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and community members.
• Attention to details, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented

Required/Desired Foreign Language: Good written and spoken English and Hindi

Travel Required: Approximately 50 % of time travel in Assam for monitoring of technical demonstrations and training.

Key Working Relationships:

Supervisory: None

Internal: Senior Program Officer, Head of Program and Technical Advisors
External: Government and non-government organizations, like WCP department, Government of Assam, external donor agencies, other likeminded organizations.

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.

• Integrity
• Accountability and Stewardship
• Strategic Mindset
• Build Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Continuous Improvement and Innovation

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

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.

Interested candidates may apply with a detailed C.V. by 30 April 2024 stating current salary drawn and expected salary and giving details of three references to:

Click the link: https://crsindia.org/Employee_Resume/CurrentVacancy.aspx

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

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

1. All applicants should apply on http://crsindia.org/employee_resume
2. All applicants should attach the CV (file name should be candidates First name).
3. Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.