Job Summary:
The Emergency Project Officer for Shelter will be the principal liaison between Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Ethiopia Country Program and its local Church partner Ethiopian Catholic Church- Social and Development Coordinating Office Gambella (ECC-SADCOG). Major activities of the project officer include but not limited to: implementation, management, monitoring and evaluation, reporting and coordination of the Irish Aid (ID) funded School Facilities Construction for South Sudanese Refugee in Jawi Camp, Gambella National Regional State .
The Emergency Project Officer for Shelter is also responsible for building the capacity of ECC-SADCO Gambella on the bases of identified capacity gaps/needs. The Officer will maintain and facilitate a constructive relationship between CRS/Ethiopia and ECC-SADCOG and pertinent government organizations for successful implementation of the project.
The Emergency Project Officer for Shelter will closely work with ECC-SADCOG and CRS program and finance staff in the planning, implementation and reporting of project activities and budget management. The Project Officer reports to the DRR and Emergency Program Manager and carries out the following duties & responsibilities:
I. Overall Responsibilities:
Act as a focal person for ID funded School Facilities Construction and liaising between CRS Ethiopia Country Program and the local partner – ECC-SADCOG;
Facilitate the implementation of ID funded School Facilities Construction activities and budget planning, implementation, monitoring & evaluation, and reporting;
Coordinate the implementation of the project with pertinent Government and Non-Government organizations working in the area;
Provide support to partner staff in the areas of financial management and budgeting;
Strengthen capacity of local partner staff to manage the project effectively and efficiently;
II. Specific Duties and Responsibilities:
Program Design
Undertake project operational plans in accordance with the agreed construction strategy;
Ensure that all construction activities are planned and implemented in coordination with the community, and other partners teams, as appropriate;
Prepare appropriate design, construction and monitoring methods which draw upon the industry standards and best practices of CRS and others;
Ensure that all CRS construction programs comply with relevant local, national and international standards and regulations, and reflect industry standards and agency best practices;
Oversee the development and use of program documentation and tools, in accordance with industry standards and agency best standards;
Ensure that environmental and sustainability issues are considered in the program design, in keeping with industry standards and agency best practices.
2. Project Management and Implementation
Implement and oversee all construction programming, including technical assessments, project development and design, tendering and contract administration;
Ensure that documents and procedures are produced and maintained to provide the required level of internal program and financial control;
Ensure compliance with quality, safety, and environmental standards for the project, in keeping with internationally agreed best practices or as otherwise outlined in agency guidelines;
Liaise with key non-government organizations (NGOs) and national, and local government, task-force teams, technical committee meetings, and coordination groups as necessary;
Ensure program compliance and compatibility with CRS principles of justice and solidarity;
Serves as point person between ECC-SADCOG and CRS Ethiopia Country Program;
Facilitates development and implementation of detailed implementation plan (DIP) of the project in accordance with the agreed construction strategy with ECC-SADCOG and CRS management;
Identifies needs/gaps and challenges in project implementation and brings to the attention of CRS management as required; and
Develops and maintains strong collaborative relationships between ECC-SADCO Gambella and CRS/Ethiopia.
3. Financial Management:
Works closely with ECC-SADCOG to review and explain budget levels, timelines, bid processes, and other financial requirements;
Prepare takeoff sheets and payment certificates for the works done by the contractors;
Works with ECC-SADCOG to prepare monthly financial liquidations and verify whether they are accurate, valid, and are supported by necessary attachments;
Reviews Accounts/Fund balances of ECC-SADCOG on a monthly basis using CRS’ Finance Department’s monthly Budget Comparison Review;
Maintains separate files, complete with all the necessary documents. (Approved Project Budget, Budget amendments, grants agreements, grant modifications); and
Assists Program Manager and Project Accountant in audit-related activities.
4. Capacity Building/Strengthening:
Serves as technical support person for local partner and assists in strengthening capacity through training, networking, exchange visits, sourcing guidelines based on identified needs;
Assists local partner in the overall program supervision, project planning, implementation, Monitoring and Evaluation, reporting and documentation as required/needed.
5. Monitoring and Reporting:
In partnership with ECC-SADCOG conduct regular monitoring and periodic evaluation for proper tracking and reporting of project activities and budget utilization;
Prepares performance and financial reports and ensures the timely submission of all the reports and responses to CRS/Ethiopia;
Directs and monitors the implementation of activities to ensure that activities are performed to a high professional standard, effectively implemented and fulfill CRS/Ethiopia requirements; and
Minimum Requirements:
Education: BA/BSc or MA/MSc degree or similar professional qualification in Structural/Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management or related technical field
Experience:
A minimum of 4 years design and/or construction experience, including site supervision and contract management, plus a preferred minimum of two years’ experience in developing and implementing shelter or community infrastructure projects on behalf of development organizations;
Extensive experience in project management, preferably in emergency context;
Familiarity with current standards and guidelines for humanitarian emergency response, including the Sphere Handbook criteria;
Experience working with refugees, construction and knowledge of local language are assets;
Ability to work in partnership with local communities and NGOs as appropriate; and
Self-reliance and an ability to work in a challenging and demanding environment, under supervision.
Competencies /Knowledge, Ability and Skill
Knowledge of DRR and Emergency response management, grant management, donors regulations, systems and procedures is an added value;
Strong program management skills as well as experience in establishing and maintaining relationships both internally and externally are required;
Proficiency of written and oral communications in English and other local regional languages is an asset;
Commitment for frequent field travel to Refugee Camps in Gambella (note that place of assignment is Gambella town);
Ability to work with diverse groups of different cultures and under stress situation;
Good communication skills, drive for results, flexibility, efficiency and creative thinking;
Team player with good facilitation skills and objective oriented;
Strong computer skills are mandatory;
Relationships:
Reports to DRR and Emergency Program Manager;
Works closely with partner staff and CRS Ethiopia country office program and finance staff;
Agency-wide Competencies:
These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.
Serves with Integrity
Models Stewardship
Cultivates Constructive Relationships
Promotes Learning