Vacancy: Project Officer

Company Profile

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.

Job Description

• Job Title: Project Officer


• Reports to: Project Manager, Youth & Migration


• Department: Youth & Migration


• Salary Grade: 7


• Location: Tamale, Northern Region, Ghana

Job Summary

As a member of the Sahel Peace Initiative (SPI) project team, you will support the implementation, monitoring and reporting on all project activities related to peacebuilding and social cohesion integration in support of Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable. Your thorough and service-oriented approach will ensure that the SPI project consistently applies best practices and constantly works towards improving the impact of its benefits to those we serve.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Support the coordination and implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.


• Monitor and report any challenges and/or gaps identified to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules. Assist partners in their efforts to reflect on project experiences.


• Identify performance indicators, develop quality assurance strategies, train program employees and partner staff, prepare periodic reports and ensure the project complies with donor requirements and promotes WARO coordination.


• Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and assisting partners in their efforts to collect and analyze project data per specified mechanisms and tools. Collaborate with local partner(s) to prepare reports per established reporting schedule.


• Assists with general project planning and develops project concepts including preparation, organization and moderation of planning exercises and their implementation, management, monitoring, quality management, evaluation, communication and documentation.


• Collect information on staff capacity needs and technical assistance needs of partner organizations and monitor capacity building and technical support activities to ensure effective impact.


• Complete project documentation for assigned activities. Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices. Prepare internal and external travel arrangements for personnel.


• Prepare all payment requests, financial record-keeping and preparation of financial reports required in line with both the National Implementation and Direct Implementation financial rules and procedures.


• Support preparation of background information for project implementation, work plans and budget.


• Keep records and files of financial and technical documentation and reports.


• Take record of meetings and draft correspondence as required.


• Undertake other duties per the requirements of the portfolio or supervisor.

Required Skills or Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required preferably political science, conflict studies or development studies degree.


• Minimum of 2-3 years of work experience in project support, ideally working with vulnerable groups and youth in a development context and demonstrated knowledge on peacebuilding and social cohesion activities.


• Experience in the field of peace and conflict studies or community development would be a plus.


• Experience working with stakeholders and partners


• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).


• Work experience in an intercultural environment is an asset.


• Strong interpersonal skills are an added advantage.

Required Languages - Fluency in written and spoken English, fluency in local languages of the duty station will be an advantage.

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 25%-50%.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Observation, active listening and analysis 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement.


• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data preferred.


• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

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

Supervisory Responsibilities: N/A