About CRS Liberia:

CRS began working in Liberia in 1957, with a permanent country program office opening in 1990 to provide life-saving relief in response to emergencies and to address issues of chronic poverty and injustice through innovate and sustainable development programs. CRS Liberia has since developed programs in peace building, youth livelihoods, agricultural livelihoods health systems strengthening, nutrition, and urban water, sanitation, and hygiene. Key partners include the Catholic Church, the Government of Liberia, local faith-based organizations, and other NGOs.

About CRS SEDP Project:

CRS is preparing to implement a UNHCR funded project – Small Enterprise Development Program (SEDP). The project will be implemented in 4 counties, (Montserrado, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, and Maryland) over the period of 9 months.

This project seeks to provide improved livelihoods and self-reliance of refugees and selected members of host community living in Liberia by way of capacity building and the provision of cash assistance. CRS will contribute as a partner by ensuring that persons of concerns living in Montserrado, Nimba, Grand Gedeh, and Maryland counties are able to enjoy a sustainable means of living, including meeting of basic needs, through the establishment of new micro or small enterprises or by way of expansion of their existing micro or small enterprises. During the 1-year project period implementation period, CRS will work with UNHCR, LRRRC, local authorities, refugees, relevant host communities, and other parties.

General Responsibilities

The Project Officer will support the CRS/UNHCR Ivorian Refugees Response Project in Montserrado, Nimba, Grand Gedeh or Maryland County, in coordination with the Government, to coordinate livelihoods training and services to refugees and host communities in the counties.

The Livelihoods project officer will supervise project activities in conjunction with government authorities and other partners as requested by UNHCR. The Project Officer will ensure that project objectives are achieved and will provide technical guidance in accordance with project plan and applicable UNHCR Standards and/or National Standards.

Job Responsibilities:

• Participate in training of training (ToT) and lead trainings on Small Enterprise Development with refugees and host community youth
• Train project participants in Small Enterprise Development
• Provide ongoing supervision and mentorship to participants after the training
• Support the coordination and monitoring of project activities in the field ensuring implementation schedules are met as per the detailed implementation plan
• Monitor and report any inconsistencies to inform adjustment to plans and implementation schedules
• Coordinate information sharing among project team, partners, and project beneficiaries in strengthening community interest and support network
• Liaise with various community stakeholders and mobilize them to ensure full involvement of community leaders, community representatives, and local government representatives in the overall implementation and improvement of project activities
• Compile data as per project requirements and contribute to the preparation of reports; prepare regular sectorial reports as required by the LRRRC office at county level
• Report monthly on project activities implemented by CRS while maintaining accurate records of all relevant livelihood performance indicators
• Act as focal point for CRS Livelihood issues within the project county
• Actively participate in drafting livelihood strategies and operational plans for CRS SEDP project at the county level
• Participate in needs assessment, mobilize local actors, and promote project activities and impact
• Maintain regular contact with CRS Livelihoods technical Lead regarding all technical matters

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, social work, project management or related disciplined
• Minimum 3 years of work experience in project support.
• Experience in the field of livelihoods: business development, agriculture, youth empowerment and development related field, and for an NGO would be a plus
• Experience delivering trainings and facilitating workshops particularly with vulnerable learners (youth & adults)
• Experience working with partners, participatory action planning and community engagement
• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)
• Ability to be flexible and effective in the face of unexpected challenges
• Exemplary interpersonal communication skills required to interact effectively with senior leadership, partners, and clinicians on sensitive political and confidential issues.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with culturally diverse staff across departments and country.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Passion for social justice and the ability to function as both a teacher/learner
• Experience living and working in resource-limited environments is strongly preferred.

Personal skills:

• Ability to take technical language and make it understandable for audience
• Analysis and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and community members
• Attention to details, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented

Languages: Proficiency in English is required. French abilities preferred.