Project Officer – WASH (Ref.:2022/004)

Department: Country Programming

Grade: 7

Reports To: Drought Emergency Coordinator

Country/Location: Somalia/Mogadishu

Length of Contract: 7 months

About CRS

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

CRS has worked in Somalia since 1964. Over the years, CRS’ focus shifted from direct Humanitarian, relief and recovery programming and works with partners and enhances local capacity. CRS programs now supports communities affected by humanitarian crises in south Central Somalia

Background:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has been working closely with and channelling resources and support to local organizations in Somalia since the 1960s and has implemented activities in Mogadishu since 2011, in Baidoa since 2012, and in Gedo region since 2014 with OFDA, FFP and other foundation and private donor funding. More than 350,000 people have benefited from CRS’ programs in Somalia since 2011. Currently CRS Somalia is leading SHARPEN III, in partnership with Save Somalia Women and Children (SSWC), SOS Somalia and TROCAIRE (BHA, 12 months, 7,650,000 USD, South Central Somalia, WASH, Health, Protection and Nutrition).

Following three failed rainy seasons and some of the lowest rainfall in 40 years, Somalia’s drought is dangerously escalating, with the Federal Government of Somalia declaring a state of emergency in November 2021. Since December 2021, the situation has significantly worsened, with 4.3 million people experiencing moderate to extreme drought conditions. CRS has secured private funding for a drought response, focusing on water provision, hygiene promotion activities and multipurpose cash assistance. Together with its partner Save Somali Women & Children (SSWC), CRS will implement these activities in Kahda, Daynile and Dharkinley districts of Banadir region. CRS will be prepositioning to expand the drought response with other donors, with a possible expansion of activities through SHARPEN III.

Job Summary:

As a member of the Drought Response Project in Somalia project team, you will monitor, report on and support WASH project activities in support of Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable. Your thorough and service-oriented approach will ensure that the project consistently applies WASH best practices and constantly works towards improving the impact of its benefits to those we serve.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

· Support the coordination and implementation of all assigned WASH project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices. This will involve:

o Developing hygiene promotion messages and dissemination methodologies, aimed at promoting the commitment of beneficiaries to adopt positive WASH behaviors;

o Developing adapted facilitation guides and training materials;

o Raising awareness among community leaders, local authorities and beneficiaries about CRS’s emergency WASH approach;

o Undertake hygiene promotion activities in affected communities; and

o Support the safe distribution of WASH and dignity kit items to beneficiaries.

· Support the smooth use of the electronic voucher platform for implementation of water voucher program (set-up, timely top-ups, etc.), providing troubleshooting support to key CRS and partner staff platform users and vendors, as needed.

· 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.

· Coordinate provision of any logistical and administrative support to staff and partners.

· Track and report any challenges and/or gaps identified (through monitoring activities and feedback mechanisms) to guide adjustments to implementation plans and timelines. Assist partners in their efforts to reflect on project experiences.

· 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 preparation of trends analysis reports and identifying information for case studies on promising practices.

Basic Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree required. License desired.

· A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in project support. Experience in the WASH sector and for an NGO would be a plus.

· Additional degrees may replace some of the experience; additional experience may replace some of the studies.

Required Languages – English and Somali language abilities required.

Travel – Position will be based in Mogadishu, Somalia. Must be willing and able to travel up to 30% to project field locations, as security conditions permit.

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

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).

· Demonstrated commitment to respect, equity, diversity and inclusion including gender equality
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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
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities: None.

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Drought Emergency Program Manager, MEAL Manager, Emergency Coordinator, Head of Office, Program Managers, Senior Project Officer-Protection, Grants & Compliance Officer, Administrative Assistant, HRD and regional technical advisors.

External: Implementing Partner (Save Somali Women & Children (SSWC) and possible other NGOs) staff, WASH Cluster 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.