Project Officer - Research

Reports To: Research & Design Manage**r**
Length of Contract: 1 year and 7 months (end September 2023)
About CRS:

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) 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. CRS is an international non-governmental organization (NGO) supporting relief and development work in over 100 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.

Catho lic Relief Services (CRS) opened operations in Kenya in 1965. For over 50 years, we have worked throughout the country to implement programs in agriculture, health, microfinance, water, sanitation, emergency relief and peacebuilding. We have built deep relationships with the Government of Kenya and the Catholic Church through ongoing collaboration and support. CRS’ projects in Kenya currently include agriculture, health, microfinance, emergency response, HIV care and treatment, and services for orphans and vulnerable children. CRS Kenya implements its programs through partnerships with local organizations, including the Catholic Church, other faith-based organizations and community entities for maximum impact and sustainability.
Background Information:

CRS, representing a consortium of international non-governmental organizations, local implementing partners and research institutions, has recently been awarded a program by USAID Office of Food for Peace (FFP) to implement a 5-year Development Food Security Activity (DFSA) in Kenya. CRS has named its programme USAID- Nawiri. The overarching goal of this multisectoral activity is to sustainably reduce levels of acute malnutrition in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), focusing on Isiolo and Marsabit counties.
Summary of the Position

The Project Officer – Research will ensure effective coordination of Nawiri formative and implementation research activities in Marsabit county. S/he will provide administrative support to targeted research studies in Marsabit county. S/he will provide support to data collection teams and maintain key relationships with both local implementing partners and relevant county government actors.
Roles and responsibilities:

• Provide technical and coordination support to the Nawiri Consortium partners and Marsabit in ensuring the process of research are all well-co-ordinated.




• Provide logistical and administrative support to external consultants and research field teams for the Longitudinal research study and other research activities.




• Collaborate with the Nawiri research team and external consultants to organize trainings for supervisors and enumerators.




• Support field logistics to ensure that the field research teams are adequately facilitated working closely with research & design team, Caritas-Marsabit & Isiolo and Head of Offices.




• Support in community mobilization for the relevant stakeholders across the county and sub county level.




• Provide updates on all Nawiri research and pilot activities to key stakeholders including relevant county government stakeholders, participating communities and Nawiri and USAID partners.




• Work in close collaboration with the Field offices, Monitoring and evaluation, Accountability & Learning and other technical field teams




• Plan, coordinate, monitor and report on activities and required resources to ensure cost efficient and quality service delivery from administrative support functions.




• Report immediately to the head of county any issues, constraints and challenges in complying with CRS and Donor’s standards policies and regulations and with government’s laws.




• Keep all documents and information related to CRS' program activities, personnel and development plans confidential.




• Adhere to CRS' principles of confidentiality in relations to staff, partners, vendors and other stakeholders. Report to the management potential irregularities or any misbehaviour that occurs




• Be flexible to undertake any other roles as assigned by CRS leadership team depending on the situation.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Proactive and results oriented


• Good relationship building and management skills and ability to work closely with local partners


• Attention to detail, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities

Required/Desired Foreign Language: English and Kiswahili required (Ability to speak one or more of the local languages an asset)
Travel Required: 30% field travel
Key Working Relationships:

Nawiri Research & Design Manager, County Head of offices
External: Consortium partners, research institutions, government bodies at different levels
Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree Sociology, community development, Nutrition etc. in the relevant field


• Minimum 3 years’ experience in Project Management


• Minimum 1-2 years research experience


• Experience working with multiple stakeholders- communities, county governments, International non-governmental institutions and faith-based organizations


• Demonstrated commitment to respect, equity, diversity and inclusion including gender equality.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with partners, participatory planning and community engagement



• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research in Marsabit and / or Kenyan ASALs




• Experience and/ or familiarity with Marsabit County an asset




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




• Experience working with multiple stakeholders- universities, international non-governmental




• Strong communication and writing skills

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

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

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.
*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. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
CRS Kenya stri ves to be a place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and work, stay, and do their best.

CRS provides equal employment opportunity to all qualified employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, ancestry or national origin, sex, age, marital status, physical or mental disability or handicap, medical condition and any other status protected by law. As an equal opportunity employer, CRS will recruit, hire, train and promote persons solely on their qualifications and abilities.
*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 behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics.*

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.

How to apply

https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=YmJnZW5lcmljLjI0MzYzLjM4MzBAY2F0aG9saWNyZWxpZWYuYXBsaXRyYWsuY29t