Head of Unit, Agriculture and Economic Growth at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Catholic Relief Services is the official agency of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops for relief and development assistance overseas.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is recruiting to fill the following position:

Job Title: Head of Unit, Agriculture and Economic Growth

Band: Band E-2
Location: Abuja
Duration: Full Time

Responsibilities

• Reports to the Head of Programs

Program Quality

• With key program staff and stakeholders, ensure each of the unit’s programs’ strategic objectives and results are fully accomplished and meet expected technical quality standards.
• Ensure that vision and plans for the programs are innovative and are in line with CRS agency and country program strategies as well as Ministry of Agriculture food security strategies.
• In collaboration with program staff, provide guidance and technical oversight to partners and other collaborating agencies to ensure that lessons of sound practice are documented and disseminated.
• Oversee program’s monitoring and evaluation system, using data analysis as the basis for measuring performance. Ensure that indicators and objectives are coordinated with CP, Agency, and donor standards, Use M&E learning and analysis toadjust program plans for maximum Impact and efficiency.
• Collaborate with Regional and Headquarters technical staff to identify and implement appropriate ICT4D solutions to improve timeliness and quality of M&E and project implementation.
• In coordination with the CR and HOP, develop cross-sector engagement opportunities that reinforce current and future programs.
• Ensure programs incorporate leading interventions in developing business skills and strengthening entrepreneurship.
• Ensure integration of program interventions with other CRS programs or through linkages with other service providers.
• Ensure effective gender mainstreaming in both programming and management aspects of implementation.
• With program staff, ensure the delivery of quality training, technical assistance and administrative and financial support to all partner agencies, including the selection and coordination of consultants
• Collaborate with the All Africa Agricultural Team, the Food Security Unit and relevant Regional Technical Advisors to promote sharing of learning and identify relevant innovations.

Business Development

• Coordinate the development of new proposals for agriculture and economic strengthening.
• Lead the development of and implementation of strategy with CRS/NG staff and partners.
• Develop innovations and scalable models for program expansion.
• Develop relationships with key donors and understand the priorities and opportunities of each.

Management and Administration

• Manage program budgets, including tracking of financial and material resources.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting of program finances and progress status; review actual financial performance against the budget, and explain variances on a regular basis.
• Ensure staff compliance with all CRS administrative and operational procedures and policies, as well as applicable donor regulations.
• Approve program expenditures, budget adjustments, and coat modification requests to donors

Representation and Advocacy

• In collaboration with CRS/Nigeria Country Representative (CR), act as primary program contact to donor and other local and international stakeholders, responsible for addressing all program matters
• In collaboration with CR and Head of Programs, strengthen linkages with existing and potential partner agencies, such as National Agricultural Research Services, State Agriculture Development Program offices, she International Institute for Tropical Agriculture, and other implementing partners.
• In collaboration with Head of Programs, oversee program communication strategies, including compliance with donor’s branding and marketing requirements, as well as CRS marketing and communication procedures.

Human Resource Management:

• Lead, manage and supervise a team of CRS/NG agriculture and economic growth staff to meet program objectives.
• Conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with CRS’ performance management system and mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork,
• Manage recruitment portfolio for the unit, in collaboration with Human Resources and CRS country program management, to ensure optimum service delivery through recruitment of competent and qualified staff,

Requirements

• Minimum Master’s Degree in Agriculture
• Minimum 10 years of experience in agriculture, economic development, poverty alleviation, and/or M&E.
• Knowledge of key USG regulations including, but not limited to USAID 22 CF Part 226 Administration of Assistance Awards to US, Non-Governmental Organizations, 22 CFR Part 145 Grants and Agreements with Non Profits, OMB Circulars A-122, Cost principles for non-profit organizations and A-133 Audit of states, local governments, and non-profits preferred.
• Proven leadership and inter-personal skills and ability to build and motivate diverse and talented teams.
• Proven experience in small and medium enterprise development, marketing and creating market linkages.
• Proven experience in building and maintaining institutional linkages required
• Demonstrated commitment to improving gender equality and gender responsiveness in programming and operations.
• Experience with participatory methods and partnerships required. Demonstrated capacity and experience with institutional strengthening of local civil society and government agencies.
• Public relations skills required
• Proven ability to think strategically.
• Flexibility to work both in a team and independently.
• Cultural sensitivity, patience and flexibility.
• Demonstrated personal accountability and driven to serve others,
• Understanding of and experience with faith-based organizations, local church structures, and accompaniment and capacity-building principles In local partnerships highly desired.
• Ability to travel nationally and internationally as required.
• Excellent English language oral and written communication skills required.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook required.
• Nigerian nationals only

Application Closing Date
9th October, 2013

Method Of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click hereto download the CRS application form and send with a detailed CV attached as a word documents to: [email protected] applicants must state the position applied for in the CRS application form and in the subject of the email e.g ADMIN OFFICER