About CRS: “Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partner’s people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.”
In Ethiopia, CRS has a long and rich history of providing emergency relief and development assistance to the people of Ethiopia since 1958. At present, CRS/Ethiopia implements multiple projects through different partner organizations. CRS/Ethiopia has a highly diverse portfolio currently focusing on community-based food and livelihood security through activities in agriculture, health, peacebuilding, WASH, emergency relief, and savings and lending. CRS is active in nearly all regions of Ethiopia: Tigray, Amhara, Oromia, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region (SNNPR), Somali, Benishangul Gumuz, Afar, and Dire Dawa Regions.
CRS strictly adheres to its Policy on Protection of Children and Vulnerable Adults among its staff, consultants, volunteers, and affiliates. CRS is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer: women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
As part of CRS family, you will join the more than 5000 strong and vibrant individuals working globally to accomplish the mission of CRS. CRS/Ethiopia invites you, the qualified candidate, to apply for the following positions;
Position Title : Roving Commodity Monitor(RCM)
Department: Programs: JEOP & DFAP
Duty Station: Nazereth
Required no: 1
Employment type: Full time position
Reports To: Commodity Monitoring Team Leader (CMTL)
Purpose of the Position:
Monitors risk associated to commodity management and distribution implemented by JEOP consortium members and DFAP partners (MCS & HCS), in compliance with Ext. JEOP Minimum Standards for Commodity Management and Distribution, and with USAID Food for Peace (FFP) regulations, in accordance with agreements signed with each partner;
Monitor risks and compliance at Final Distribution Point (FDP), reports back to JEOP and DFAP management accordingly, on activities of the FDP’s/centers/sites, general conditions of facilities/warehouses, distribution process and other compliancy issues related to the US Government commodities supplied by CRS;
Reporting back to Commodity Risk Monitoring Team Leader (CRMTL) and Commodity Risk and Compliance Manager (CRCM) – clearly and accurately, on any findings, issues or successes through JEOP/DFAP established reporting systems;
Maintains smooth working relationship with consortium members (partner) Commodity Management team at the FDP and local level;
Job Responsibilities
Risk Monitoring
Implements/adheres to the monitoring schedule and activities as per Monitoring Plan developed by the CRMTL and the CRCM;
Conducts regular field trips and plans them accordingly with CRMTL to undertake monitoring visits at FDP level, to verify that Ext. JEOP Minimum Standards for Commodity Management are implemented, including donor policies and regulations;
Conducts risk monitoring visits at FDP’s using the Mini iPad devices, iFormbuilder Data Collection tool, and upholding high standards of equipment maintenance, accurate input of data, and timely synchronization of data as specified by the JEOP/DFAP protocols. The monitoring visits comprise of but not limited to:
Checks for physical conditions of warehouses/storing facilities and ensures that any findings are in line with ext. JEOP Minimum Standards for Commodity Management
Examines commodity management at FDP level and all procedures implemented by the JEOP/DFAP partners are in place to protect vulnerable groups like women, disabled and children;
Conduct physical inventory check of commodities at the FDP;
Verifies for receipt and distribution of commodities are properly recorded and balances tally with physical inventories at the FDP level;
Verifies that distribution is in accordance with agreements made between CRS and partners;
Verifies that partner monthly reports including BUBD tracking are prepared accurately and in a timely manner at field level and that reports are sent periodically to CRS;
Verifies that quarterly CSR, RSR and LSR are submitted to CRS on timely manner;
Verifies the proper documentation of sub agreements, master beneficiaries list, distribution plan, monitoring reports and other related documents are available and authorized by relevant signatories;
Verifies availability and display of adequate and appropriate branding and marking at FDP during distributions;
Examines commodities are handled in line with GACAP (Generally Accepted Commodity Accounting Principles), JEOP standards and other donor principles;
Monitors condition of commodities, proper stacking and records are properly maintained and accounted for;
Checks whether the necessary forms, documents, source of information etc. are being used properly and regularly;
Conducts frequent market/mill assessment;
Make sure that all collected data through Mini iPads are recorded properly, clearly and accurately at FDP
Assessing capacity and gaps of each center/site (FDP)
Assesses requirements at each center and evaluates the capacity and knowledge the partner’s staff responsible for record keeping and warehouse management;
Identifies any gaps that may impede commodity management compliance with JEOP Minimum Standards, CRS Commodity Management Manual and USAID regulations;
Reports the analysis back to the CRMTL and Commodity Risk and Compliance Unit;
Conducting exit/closure meetings with Partner
Conducts exit meeting with the partners management staff and discuss observations, findings and the possible recommendations that may be reported at the end of the monitoring visit;
Exit meeting should be documented through debriefing minutes and sent to Commodity Risk and Compliance Unit.
Preparing and submitting reports
Ensure timely and accurate synchronization of all reports via mini iPad established platform and protocols;
Follows up and reports on implementation of Internal and External Audit recommendations, which are to be implemented by partners, as instructed by CRC Unit;
Submits iPad report at a reasonable time. The latest by the 5th of the following month;
In case of incidents, report immediately to TL or directly to Commodity Risk and Compliance Unit, if possible in written, if not through telephone
Planning and carrying out improvements in monitoring work
Plans and carries out the improvements of monitoring work by studying and keeping in touch with current practices and methods and development activities;
Performs other related duties as required and instructed by supervisor;
Requires to frequently travel and cover in other Risk Monitoring Units and Hubs, as requested by supervisor and Commodity Risk and Compliance Officer; This position is roving and requires up to 80% travel time in different JEOP operational areas.
Education and Experience
BA/BSc Degree OR College Diploma in relevant field,
3 years of relevant experience is required for BA/BSc, OR 8 years of relevant experience is required for College Diploma
Good knowledge and experience in food monitoring
High degree of initiative, integrity and accountability
Comprehensive knowledge of the polices, rules, and regulations of CRS/ET governing the operations of PDPs and distribution centers warehouses
Ability to work under pressure and meet deadline
Skill in report writing
Skill in the use of computer and S/W related to the job