Project Officer - Infrastructure

Job Summary:

As a Project Officer for the infrastructure component of the STaR Project in Nigeria, you will facilitate the achievement of project objectives through coordinating and reporting all Productive and Social Infrastructure component project activities and providing technical guidance and advice to staff and implementing partner(s) advancing Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable. Your coordination and relationship management skills will ensure that STaR project Nigeria applies best practices and constantly works towards improving the impact of its benefits to those we serve.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Support and coordinate all Infrastructure/ESHS assigned activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good 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.
• Support working relationships with all local project stakeholders (at community level, INGO/NGO and government) and serve as the liaison between them and the project team to mobilize local actors and promote project activities and impact.
• Supervise and perform ad-hoc inspections of various processes and resources at project sites to ensure timely project activities implementation and adherence to established process standards and procedures. Ensure proper tracking of resource use for project activities through periodic budget reviews and follow-up with and assistance to implementing partner.
• Produce technical designs and drawings, structural plans and bills of quantities for infrastructure projects proposed in STaR project or hire relevant technical specialists to ensure quality. Prepare indicative budgets for all infrastructure works designed.
• Work closely with other relevant project staff to design the Cash-for-Work protocol following community and LGA-level assessments. Work closely with community leaders to identify both skilled and unskilled CFW beneficiaries. Oversee the training of CFW beneficiaries.
• 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 per established reporting schedule.
• Collect information on staff capacity needs and technical assistance needs of partner organizations 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.

Required Languages - English and Hausa

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 75% to field locations in Adamawa state.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 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
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement.
• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data preferred.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). Familiarity with GIS and GPS technology and Knowledge of CommCare will be added advantages.
• Hands on experience in development construction designs/drawings, structural designs and bills of quantities. Also demonstrated experience using engineering design software for construction or water works (AutoCAD, EPANET, Autodesk Revit etc.).

Supervisory Responsibilities: Construction Supervisor and Construction vendors/contractors.

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Program Manager II - STaR, Infrastructure Technical Advisor II, Infrastructure Senior Project officer, ESHS Officer STaR Supply Chain Manager, MEAL Manager, MEAL Snr Officer, Gender Snr Officer, Component Leads.

External: Government ministries departments and agencies (MDAs), local and international NGOs, coordination platforms and working groups, community leaders.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture or Building or in the field of Construction management is required.
• Minimum of five years’ experience supporting development or humanitarian projects.
• At least three years of professional experience in project support, preferably in construction or infrastructure management, including experience in the development and implementation of infrastructure or community infrastructure projects for NGOs or other development organizations.
• Being registered with professional regulatory bodies or institutions in engineering, construction, or architecture (such as COREN, NSE, NIA, ARCON, COBON, etc.) is an advantage.

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• 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.

What we offer

CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. Benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role. CRS´ work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

About the team

General Requirements

CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements. All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.

About us

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. 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 safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse. The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.

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

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.