CRS with funding from USAID is implementing the ‘Sustainable Agrifood Systems for Sudan (SASAS) project’ in Gedaref, Sudan. This project aims to improve the meat value chain and strengthen the equitable use of natural resources for peaceful coexistence. The strategic objective of the project is to transform the livestock meat value chain to become productive, sustainable, and market-oriented and production groups (livestock and farmers’ associations/cooperatives) experience strengthened social cohesion.The project focuses on the livestock sector with particular emphasis on the meat value chain working with livestock keeps, producers, traders, input providers, and other stakeholders. Considering the sensitivity of natural resources, the project is also working in natural resource management and social cohesion. 

CRS invites applications for the position of Senior Research Officer with extensive skills in community facilitation and engagement, understanding local-level perspectives and natural resources management options to support natural resources restoration and management. The senior officer will manage and support the implementation and coordination of participatory community events and dialogues, participate in the ground truthing and validation of NRM and rangeland management practices and building capacity of communities and partners.

• Provides leadership in coordinating and conducting facilitation of dialogues among Community Action Groups (CAGs) on natural resources uses and management, leading community participatory technology selection, validation and scaling, documentation of processes and innovations, and capacity building;
• Creating strong linkage and partnership with SASAS partners and local stakeholders and extension services to pave the way for technology scaling and adaptation
• Facilitate and/or participate in the regular partners meeting to exchange experiences and lessons.  
• Conduct community-based technology scaling in collaboration with the SASAS partners
• Provide capacity-building and awareness training
• Organize workshops, seminars, training events, field days, and stakeholder meetings;
• Distils key lessons across sites and regions, compile and publish reports on technology implementation activities.
• Works with a multi-disciplinary team of scientists;
• Co-publishes major scientific findings in journals, book chapters, and other communication outlets. 
• Facilitate community action groups and stakeholder meetings. 
• Facilitate communication strategies to exchange lessons and project outputs 
• Prepare monthly progress reports 

Education:

• Master’s or PhD degree in natural resources management, sustainable agriculture, soil fertility, or related fields 
• In-depth knowledge in community facilitation, natural resources restoration, understanding of the local context and culture

Experience: 

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience in the field of natural resources, rangeland restoration, flood farming and water harvesting, sustainable agriculture or related fields, 
• Significant experience in planning and executing project activities, facilitating large scale community actions, and working with extension agents and farmers; knowledge of the context of smallholder farmers, handling and working with partners.

Skills

• In depth knowledge in a technical or specialized field
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multidisciplinary, multi-institutional and multicultural environment
• Record of writing scientific papers and compiling, publishing, and sharing knowledge
• Willingness to travel and stay considerable time away from home

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of the context of smallholder farmers, handling and working with partners under difficult situation.

Required Languages: English and Arabic.

Travel Required: Must be willing and able to travel up to 50 % of the time in-country.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound judgments.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with local stakeholders. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, able to operate with local partners, local leaders, and local communities. 
• Experience monitoring project activities and collecting relevant data.
• Ability to deliver training and capacity building
• Good presentation and facilitation skills. Ability to contribute to written reports
• Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. 

Key Working Relationships

Supervisory: none 

Internal: Program Manager CRS, Program Manager ICRISAT, MEAL Manager, Area Manager, project team, Security Manager, and operations team.

External: local partnerproject staff, representatives of the Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC), and relevant line ministries.

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

***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. 

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

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

Female candidates are encouraged to apply. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, human trafficking everywhere and at all times. I, the applicant, accept these requirements as part of my job application.

Submission location: - 

If interested, please submit cover letter, resume and copies of your education and work certificates to Sudanjob.net. Ensure that your cover letter or resume has a phone number here you can be reached