About CRS

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the overseas relief and development agency arm of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.  It was founded in 1943 and works in nearly 100 countries/territories globally. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need 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.

NAMA (Arabic for ‘growth’) is a 12-month project funded by GIZ that aims to expand livelihood opportunities for rural communities in Gedaref. The project has been designed by building on successes from previous and current livelihood projects of CRS and will focus on supporting smallholder farmer groups and market entrepreneurs to start engaging in micro business opportunities and on market entrepreneurs to engage collectively to increase business opportunities.

CRS seeks to hire a Livelihood Project Officer (Sudanese National only) to organize and lead the implementation of livelihood activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan.

Job Summary:

The Livelihood Project Officer (LPO) will organize and lead the implementation of livelihood activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan. The LPO will provide technical support to the smallholder farmer groups and market entrepreneurs on value addition activities. He/She will coordinate and oversee working relationships with the private sector, all local project stakeholders, line ministries and serve as the liaison between them and the project team. The LPO will support training and provide oversight of the Livelihood Coaches and ensure that regular and effective coaching and mentorship is carried out in support of the smallholder farmer groups and market entrepreneurs. He/She will ensure that the Livelihood Coaches have the necessary skills to conduct the coaching activities. 

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead in implementing of livelihood activities as determined with the Project Manager and overall team in the detailed implementation plan. 
• Build close relationships with the smallholder farmer groups and market entrepreneurs and provide them with technical support for relevant value addition activities. 
• Build relationships with other private sector parties that have a business model and interest which is relevant to smallholder farmer groups and market entrepreneurs of the project. 
• Build relationships and coordinate with government line ministries in support of the successful implementation of the livelihood activities. 
• Provide oversight and train Livelihood Coaches within the target communities, who serve as liaison and support to the project participants.
• Ensure the smallholder farmer groups and market entrepreneurs receive regular and effective training and are mentored.
• Support other projects as required

Basic Qualifications 

• Degree in International Development, Agriculture/ Agribusiness, Economics, or in a similar field is preferred. 
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant field-based experience in Agriculture and Livelihoods 
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems.

Required Languages - 

             Fluent in writing and speaking Arabic and English 

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel in deep field up to 60-65%. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with culturally diverse groups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to write reports
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented.

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 

Superv/isory Responsibilities: none

Key Working Relationships: 

Internal: Project Manager, Head of Programs, Deputy Head of Programs, Head of Office, MEAL Manager, Operations staff

External: CRS implementing partners; UN cluster leads and agencies; peer humanitarian agencies; local government and authorities.

. 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