Senior Project Officer – Accountability & Learning

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 Kenya since 1965. Over the years, CRS’ focus shifted from direct relief and food distributions to a comprehensive development program that works with partners and enhances local capacity. CRS Kenya development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

Background

CRS is leading the Nawiri Project, a consortium of international non-governmental organizations, local implementing partners and international/ national research institutions to implement a multi-year USAID Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA) Resilience Food Security Activity (RFSA). Our partner agencies include Isiolo and Marsabit county governments, Isiolo and Marsabit Caritas, JSI, Village Enterprise, Concern Worldwide, IBTCI, Tufts University and Kenyatta University. The overarching goal of this multi-sectoral activity is to sustainably reduce levels of Persistent Acute Malnutrition (PAM) in Marsabit and Isiolo Counties of Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs). Following completion of Phase 1 (Oct. 2019 – Feb. 2022), the project is now in its implementation phase, focused on systems and institutional strengthening. An extension period means the project will now run until 2027, but with less presence over time as local actors including county governments increasingly take over.

Job Summary

The Senior Project Officer for Accountability and Learning (SPO A&L) will manage and work closely with Nawiri’s Marsabit and Isiolo POs for A&L, supporting the Strategic Learning Lead (SLL) to facilitate and actively support a culture of collaborative learning and accountability across Nawiri on an on-going basis. S/he will directly manage both POs for A&L, to strengthen collaborative learning and consortium use of learning for timely, informed program adaptations (CLA). Championing and co-facilitating participatory adult learning approaches across Nawiri processes and teams lies at the heart of the role. S/he will also co-lead and actively support the implementation of Nawiri and joint county/ Nawiri accountability systems, overseeing and co-facilitating related processes and documentation, in line with Nawiri systems, CRS program quality principles and standards, donor guidelines and industry good practice. The SPO A&L will work closely with all consortium leads and teams to co-facilitate and actively support field learning, accountability, related documentation and to strengthen capacity on the same, to institutionalize the use of emerging M&E data, learning and knowledge for high-quality consortium programming. S/he will work in collaboration with and complement Nawiri’s M&E team, especially supporting the timely interrogation and use of emerging M&E system findings, reflecting a whole-systems approach to Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL), guided by key CRS resources and commitments. Supporting field staff to draft project Learning Briefs, Success Stories and mini Case Studies will remain a priority, alongside strengthening capacity on the same.

Responsibilities

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Actively support establishing and nurturing a culture of learning across Nawiri actors and initiatives, especially in the counties, to strengthen collaborative learning, Nawiri responsiveness and informed program adaptations, with SLL and County Heads of Office guidance.
• In collaboration with A&L team, core county/ activity teams and Nawiri technical leads, facilitate and support Nawiri staff and key actor reflection and learning/ Pause & Reflect (P&R) sessions and collaborative learning events at various levels.
• Strengthen team critical reflection, adaptive programming and documentation skills, including on achievements, challenges, good practice and lessons learned. Actively support consortium/ county teams to lead, co-facilitate and document the same.
• Contribute to quality A&L system implementation, including Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) development and oversight, in proactive, collaborative ways. Critically oversee and/ or review related developments in line with donor and CRS reporting requirements, as guided.
• Help ensure Nawiri actor compliance with agency and donor A&L requirements, guided by Nawiri’s Adaptive Learning Strategy, USAID’s CLA resources and consortium MEAL DIP activities, in close liaison with the M&E team and project leadership.
• Oversee quality implementation of Nawiri’s accountability system in collaboration with A&L POs, the SMT and CRS Kenya accountability and ICT managers. Support personnel (Nawiri, LIP, county actors, as guided) to understand and fulfill related roles and responsibilities in quality ways, to ensure effective program feedback systems. Support related process and outcome documentation, for internal and wider learning and dissemination.
• Provide leadership and support to Nawiri/ LIP teams to review and refine consortium accountability and learning practices on a regular basis, addressing gaps and challenges that arise.
• Strengthen capacity and support field teams to document and disseminate core activity processes and outcomes, for project and wider learning.
• Working with the M&E team, support the collective analysis and/ or interpretation of project data and emerging findings, to foster timely learning and program adaptations (CLA).
• Support technical leads and core teams to implement Nawiri’s Learning Agenda, under SLL and senior management guidance.
• In close collaboration with the directorate of Civic Education & Public Participation (CEPP) and Nawiri’s Systems and Institutional Strengthening team, strengthen Multisectoral Platform for Nutrition (MSP-N) members’ and other key actors to strengthening a culture of accountability in Marsabit.
• Support tracking Nawiri’s A&L progress and uptake in diverse ways, using for example satisfaction surveys to elicit community/ participant perspectives on Nawiri FCRMs and related USAID resources. Support both A&L POs to regularly update and follow up Nawiri’s Learning and Adaptation Tracker (LAT).
• In collaborative ways, foster respectful relationships and dialogue on Nawiri interventions, learning and results with staff, community members and key stakeholders at all levels.
• Strengthen Nawiri, government and partner organization staff capacity in accountability and learning, on an ongoing basis. Actively support both A&L POs on the same.
• Actively support wide use of YouTrack platform to ensure feedback documentation, follow-up and closure, in line with agreed standards. Collaborate closely with CRS CP ICT team on the same.
• Remain flexible and open to taking on new responsibilities as Nawiri implementation continues to evolve, in response to unfolding developments and as requested and guided by the SLL.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Strong team player, with significant experience working in collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Observation, active listening and analysis skills, with proven ability to make sound judgment.
• Strong inter-personal communication and relationship management skills, seen in the ability to work closely with community members, local partners and county governments.
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and narrative reporting skills.
• Demonstrable commitment to self and team learning and capacity development.
• Ability to take initiative; proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented.
• Proven leadership skills and competencies.
• Exceptional facilitation, presentation, training, support and mentoring skills, especially in multi-stakeholder contexts.
• Attention to detail, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.
• Proven ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Proven ability to adapt, prioritize and remain responsive to unfolding circumstances and needs.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience designing, implementing and supporting accountability and learning systems for/ with county governments is an added advantage.
• Experience and skills in partner relationship management and multi-sectoral development project support.
• Experience using mobile-data collection and management software (e.g., YouTrack, ODK, Commcare, Iform builder, Kobo).

Required Languages: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.

Travel Required:Must be willing to travel and spend up to 70% of time with Nawiri field teams in Isiolo and Marsabit counties.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Oversees work of two-Nawiri Project Officers (A&L).

Key Working Relationships

Internal: Strategic Learning Lead, Heads of Office, A&L POs and activity leads, CRS ICT staff.

External: Partner staff, county government staff, community members, other local stakeholders and peer agency MEAL staff.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in the Social Sciences; Community Development, Adult/ Non-formal Education, Sociology or another learning-related field. Master’s degree is a plus. Additional education may substitute for some experience.
• At least 5 years of Participatory Development or Adult Education experience.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience focused on accountability and learning, ideally with an international NGO and working with county governments.
• Significant professional training and experience on participatory approaches/ adult learning and accountability.
• Significant management and supervisory experience.
• Significant capacity development experience and achievements.
• Experience supporting the quality implementation of dynamic accountability and learning systems.
• Experience in community engagement or similar.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems and knowledge-sharing networks.
• Demonstrated commitment to respect, equity, diversity, and inclusion including gender equality.

MEAL Competencies

• Demonstrates solid knowledge and ability to apply MEAL competencies in design, monitoring, evaluation, accountability, collective learning and analysis processes with minimal guidance, in a wide range of situations. Would require guidance to handle more complex situations.

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

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.

Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. 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 Kenya 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 based on 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.

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. Women are highly encouraged to apply. Please also submit a cover letter, clarifying your interest in this particular accountability and learning position with the CRS Nawiri consortium.

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.

About Us

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.

Organization

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.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate or global telecommuter, 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 an Equal Opportunity Employer