Food Security Project Managers at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an International non-governmental organization supporting relief and development work in over 99 countries around the world. CRS programs assist persons on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity or nationality. CRS works through local church and non-church partners to implement its programs, therefore, strengthening and building the capacity of these partner organizations is fundamental to programs in every country in which CRS operates. CRS re-established presence in Nigeria in 2000 and currently focuses on agriculture, HIV and health extractives and governance, and peace building programming.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Food Security Project Manager

Location: Damaturu, Yobe State
Band: D-1
Duration: One Year (Renewable)
Reports To: Emergency Coordinator

Job Background/Summary

• In response to the “crisis-level” food insecurity resulting from the Boko Haram conflict in northeast Nigeria, CRS is implementing a food assistance program in Yobe state.
• The CRS Emergency Food Security Program (EFSP) will assist households in Bursari, Karasuwa, and Jakusko LGAs through the distribution and use of e-vouchers for food, thereby helping Internally Displaced Persons (IPD) and IDP-host households feed their families while strengthening markets with local sales.
• CRS and its local Community Based Organization (CBO) partner began operations in March 2015 with an initial cycle of voucher distributions.
• The program is now in its second phase of operations and will continue through to April 2017.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Under the leadership of the Emergency Coordinator, the Food Security Project Manager (FSPM) will contribute to the implementation, monitoring and reporting for the Emergency Food Security Program (EFSP) in Yobe state.
• This position will directly supervise 3 food security project officers (FSPOs) and will be responsible for maintaining relationships with local partner staff as well as vendors and beneficiaries.
• The FSPM, in collaboration with the local partner and FSPOs, will lead and validate beneficiary selection, ensure compliance with voucher methodology, assure data is collected as guided by the M&E Officer and assist the local partners, especially the Community Coordinator and Market Coordinator, in liaising with the local community, monitoring the effects of the voucher programming on the local market prices and as well as in reporting on the program’s impact.

Specific Job Responsibilities
The FSPM’s specific responsibilities will include the following:

• Contribute to the all aspects of the implementation of the implementation of the EFSP, including advocacy within the local and state governments, religious leaders and other key community members.
• Supervise the FSPOs in the process of beneficiary selection by the local partner
• Supervise the distribution of program ID cards to selected beneficiaries, with support from the FSPOs and local partner staff
• Supervise the vendor selection process, with support from the FSPOs and local partner staff.
• Organize and supervise the distribution of e-vouchers to beneficiaries, with support from the FSPOs and local partner staff.
• Coordinate and supervise the voucher collection from the vendors after each voucher distribution, with support from the FSPOs and local partner staff
• Prepare and submit to the Emergency Coordinator the proper documentation for vendor payments.
• Work with M&E Officer to ensure the post distribution household and market surveys are conducted in a timely manner, using electronic data collection with mobile devices.
• Collaborate with the local partner in preparation of monthly program progress reports.
• Provide regular updates to the EC and SMT in Abuja on project progress
• Contribute to the planning, organization and implementation of the program’s final evaluation.

Qualifications

• University degree in Social Sciences, Nutrition, Agriculture or any other relevant equivalent degree.
• At least 3 years’ experience in project implementation preferably with an international humanitarian NGO.
• Demonstrated experience in data collection.
• Experience with or interest in learning ICT4E technology applications for emergency work.
• Proven experience in conducting participatory activities for qualitative program monitoring.
• Demonstrated commitment to gender responsive programming.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, oral and written communication skills.
• Team-oriented and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to organize and prioritize a variety of initiatives.

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.

• Serves with Integrity
• Models Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning

Emergency Competencies:

• Each CRS staff member working in emergencies is expected to use the following competencies to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.
• Communicates strategically under pressure.
• Manages stress and complexity.
• Actively promotes safety and security.
• Manages and implements high-quality emergency programs.

Personal/Professional Skills:

• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, good judgment and ability to work in teams
• Able to navigate in stressful and demanding environments
• Flexibility and adaptability
• Commitment to Agency’s mission

Key Working Relationships:

• Internal: The FSPM will directly supervise three Food Security Project Officers while reporting to the Emergency Coordinator. The FSPM will also work closely with the CGPP Senior Program Manage and Technical Advisor, the Security Manager, the Head of Operations, as well as finance, procurement and administrative staff based in Abuja.
• External: The FSPM will also develop close working relationships with the partner CBO staff based in Damaturu, Yobe state, as well as, key government stakeholders e.g. SEMA, SMoH; and other implementing partners in the state.
• Required Language: Fluency in English and the Yobe state native languages – Kanuri and Hausa is required.Required Travel: This position will be based in Damaturu with 50% (could be more or less) travel to neighboring states.
• Physical Requirements/Environment: Willingness to travel and work in Yobe State

Application Closing Date
6th July, 2016.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should download the CRS Application Form below, fill and send with a detailed 3 page resume both in a single file document to: [email protected]

Click here to download the CRS Application Form

Note: Applications sent in the required format will be considered and only short listed candidates will be contacted.