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 partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.
BACKGROUND:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an international non-governmental organization supporting relief and development work in 93 countries around the world. CRS programs assist persons on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity or nationality. CRS works through local church and non-church partners to implement its programs. Therefore, strengthening and building the capacity of these partner organizations is fundamental to our approach in every country in which CRS operates.
Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. CRS has operated in Zambia since 1999, successfully implementing programs in health; HIV & AIDS; agriculture & livelihoods; nutrition and microfinance. Today, Zambia is among the agency’s top twelve priority countries, with a FY15 budget of nearly $12 million.
JOB PURPOSE
The Capacity Building Officer will be responsible for providing technical assistance in finance, grant management, compliance and program quality to improve organizational performance through improved systems and structures under the entire project duration of the Zambia Family activity (ZAMFAM Project) as outlined in the Project document.
NATURE AND SCOPE
The position exists to ensure CRS is able to provide technical assistance that will improve partner overall organizational performance through capacity building support under the Zambia Strengthening activity; a five year initiative funded by USAID through Expanded Church Response (ECR). CRS is one of the three sub recipient organizations, including Zambia Open Community Schools (ZOCs) and the Serenity Harm Reduction Program Zambia (SHARPZ) receiving funds to improve the care and resilience of vulnerable populations while supporting epidemic control.
The Capacity Building Officer is expected to help CRS build capacity of its partners. S/he is expected to work with partners to develop capacity building plans that address areas of weakness and gaps identified during partner organizational capacity assessments (OCA). The Officer is expected to help strengthen partner organizational effectiveness and efficiency in the delivery of high quality programs to the target beneficiaries they serve. This will include the provision of technical support on finance and management systems and processes. In addition, s/he will be expected to support the project by assisting in reporting, monitoring and reviewing of partner progress on monthly and quarterly basis.
PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES / KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Planning and Implementation
- The project officer will set clear goals and strategies for capacity building under the ZAMFAM project. S/he will oversee the day to day operations and give guidance on capacity building aspects in line with approved SOW in the work plan. S/he will work with partners to develop quarterly and monthly capacity building plans that respond to each partner’s identified areas in need of strengthening.
Review of Organization Capacity Assessment (OCA) Tools
- With guidance from the ZAMFAM Project Manager, the project officer will be expected to provide supervision of capacity building initiatives under the ZAMFAM program as follows:
- Review existing OCA tools currently in use by partners and provide feedback on areas of improvement
- Conduct organizational capacity assessments of CBOS
- Collaborate with partners to align efforts and avoid duplication
- In collaboration with partners, develop a plan of action to respond to identified gaps and needs related to improving management systems and processes as well as program quality
Training - With partners, identify training needs and support related activities designed to help them achieve action plans. Provide mentoring and on-the-job training to partners as they implement action plans
- Support and work with other program staff in various training assignments
Program Quality
- Support efforts to ensure that capacity-strengthening activities are contributing to improvements in program effectiveness
- Participate in overall project reviews, partner capacity building meetings and work as a team to improve program quality
Budget Management
- Provide budget support on the ZAMFAM project by ensuring that budget information is up to date and accurate on a monthly basis
- Review expenditures and work closely with Project Manager and Finance Team to ensure project expenditures are appropriately accounted for as provided in budgets
- Assist Project Manager in compiling financial forecasts and reports on both monthly and quarterly basis
Major challenges and problem solving
- The Project Officer for Capacity building will be expected to help partners draw up realistic capacity building plans that will address short, medium and long term solutions tailored to suit specific organizational needs and that address organizational sustainability and improved organizational performance.
EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced Diploma in Development Studies/ Social Science or Organisation Development
- Training in organisation development/ management an added advantage
WORK EXPERIENCE
- At least three years progressive experience in capacity building, performance improvement or program management experience desirable
- Demonstrable experience giving technical support to partner organizations on organizational development and related activities such as institutional strengthening, one on one partner support through coaching and mentoring.
Competencies & Skills
Technical / Project Management expertise
- Partner networking skills
- Planning and organizing
- Budget management, forecasting and reporting
- Computer Proficiency with Microsoft Office suite
AGENCY-WIDE COMPETENCIES
- Serves with Integrity
- Models Stewardship
- Cultivates Constructive Relationships
- Promotes Learning
HOW TO APPLY
Interested and qualified candidates should send their cover letter (addressed to the Country Representative) & CV tocrszambiajobs@crs.org, clearly indicating the position being applied for in your subject line.
The deadline for submission of applications is Friday, August 21, 2015.
