Job Announcement

County Coordinator

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.

The Government of Liberia, through the Liberian Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MGCSP) is implementing the Liberia Women Empowerment Project (LWEP) (P173677) with financing from the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank Group. The LWEP aims to improve social and livelihood services for women and girls in targeted communities, foster positive social norms, and strengthen the government’s capacity to advance women and girls’ empowerment through a “whole community” approach targeting multiple actors and levels. The World Bank views this project as creating a platform for the empowerment of women where policy dialogue happens, evidence of what works is produced and disseminated, and partnerships are strengthened. The project will be implemented by the Liberian Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection (MGCSP). Catholic Relief Services is a member of a consortium that has been awarded the contract of Lead Service Provider for components 1,2 & 3 of this project under the supervision of the Project Management Unit (PMU) of the MGCSP. Catholic Relief Services is leading the implementation of component 3 of the project. We are seeking an experienced and dynamic County Coordinator to join our team in Rivercess and Grand Gedeh Counties. The successful candidate will play a crucial role in leading the county team in implementing climate-resilient and livelihood-related strategies, approaches, training and capacity building in accordance with the grant workplan.

Job Summary:

As the County Coordinator, you will manage and lead Catholic Relief Services (CRS) activities operating through its fully operational sub-office in Rivercess and Grand Gedeh counties to ensure the implementation of high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable. Out of the county sub-office, you will ensure the development and effective management of operational systems and resources and the delivery of high-quality programming in coordination with the LWEP senior project management team.

Title: County Coordinator (x2)

Location: Field Based (Grand Gedeh, Rivercess counties)

Type of Role: Fixed-Term Contract

Reports to: Deputy LSP Manager/Lead Gender Specialist

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate, monitor, and supervise all activities and project implementation of LWEP in the county, according to the PIM
• Manage the county implementation team, monitoring their performance and ensuring timely delivery of quality outputs
• Prepare county-level work plans and training plans for the deployment of county-level staff and the implementation of project activities and components
• Manage and monitor project budgets and expenditures at the county level
• Address any challenges that arise in regard to all LWEP activities in the county
• Ensure the implementation of the ESF and the GRM at the county level
• Monitor and measure results, and ensure delivery of data for entering into the MIS for activities carried out in the county
• Prepare and submit on time all required reports for the county
• Ensure strong cooperation with and capacity building of county-level government counterparts on the different aspects of the project
• Serve as the security focal point. Proactively manage security and mitigate security risks. Ensure a safe work and living environment by leading the implementation of safety and security protocols and staff care and well-being best practices.
• Ensure high-quality project implementation, management, and compliance with programmatic standards, policies and procedures through project review systems and quality control (comprehensive M&E systems, budget review and analysis). Promote documentation of program reviews, success stories, and lessons learned
• Monitor day-to-day operations to ensure all operational services (HR, Finance, Supply Chain, Admin, ICT) are delivered with high quality in an efficient manner and adhere to policies. Manage risk and address challenges that affect the proper stewardship, optimal utilization and maintenance of program assets and resources (financial, human, and material).
• Create and maintain the proper conditions for learning. Establish a safe environment for the sharing of ideas, solutions, and difficulties and the capacity to detect, analyze and respond quickly to small deficiencies.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in social sciences, project management, development, or a related field
• At least 8 years of relevant project management experience in World Bank-funded projects or projects funded by international development agencies, with a particular focus on community-based development projects
• Experience in training and capacity-building activities for communities
• Proven track record of managing teams and experience in development of project documents, guidelines, and reports
• Sound understanding of program management issues, including fiduciary aspects
• Experience working with government structures and officials
• Digital skills including MS Office and Internet

Required Languages – English

Travel – This position is field-based and will require frequent travel to project communities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with the capacity to see the big picture and the ability to make sound judgments and decisions.
• Strong relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.
• Team leadership abilities
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented
• Able to live in an environment where everyday comforts may not be readily available.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with projects funded by multiple public donors, including The World Bank.
• Experience in stakeholder management and establishing and strengthening community partnerships.
• Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment.
• Knowledge of procurement and general office administrative/management issues

Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications, and information management systems.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and are used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity – Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust – Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually look for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: LSP Manager, Lead Livelihood Specialist, County Coordinator, Lead Climate Change Specialist, Climate Change Officer, Livelihood Officer, M&E Officer, BFM/CE Officer, Operations Officer, Finance Officer.

External: Ministry of Gender and Social Protection, Ministry of Agriculture, The World Bank Group, Implementing Partners, Local Government and Project community leadership.

Applications:

Please send a cover letter and a resume/CV to LR_HR@crs.org by January 31, 2025, with the subject line “County Coordinator County Name.” Both cover letter and CV/resume should be in PDF format and submitted as a single document. Applications will be reviewed and assessed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. No phone calls, please. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

No phone calls. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

We thank all applicants for their interest in this opportunity; however, if you don’t hear from us after two months of the vacancy deadline, kindly note that your application was not successful.

CRS follows an equal opportunity policy and actively encourages diversity welcoming applications from all especially women and people living with a disability.

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 behaviours related to the above safeguarding-related topics.

***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.

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

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.