Project Officer - AgrEcoNUS+

Job Summary:

AgrEcoNUS+ aims to strengthen food and nutrition security, climate resilience, and inclusive economic development in Sub-Saharan Africa by promoting neglected and underutilized species (NUS) through agroecological approaches. The project enhances sustainable production by combining scientific research with traditional knowledge, strengthens farmer-managed seed systems and enabling policies, and develops inclusive value chains and markets for NUS-based products. By empowering farmers, women, youth, researchers, and small enterprises, while fostering consumer awareness and policy support, AgrEcoNUS+ seeks to scale biodiversity-based food systems that improve livelihoods, increase access to nutritious diets, and drive a sustainable agroecological transition.

As a Project Officer, you will facilitate the achievement of project objectives through coordinating and reporting on all project activities and providing technical guidance and advice to staff and implementing partner(s) advancing Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable. Your coordination and relationship management skills will ensure that the project applies best practices and constantly works towards improving the impact of its benefits to those we serve.

This position will report to the Program Director for Agriculture, Livelihoods and Landscapes/Designee and will be based in the Project location.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Organize and lead assigned project activities in line with the detailed implementation plan, CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and recognized good practices.
• Provide training, technical guidance, and advisory support on NUS crop systems through demonstration fields and farmer field schools.
• Support the establishment and strengthening of community seed banks and local seed systems.
• Support civil society actors and networks to engage with relevant authorities on the development and/or revision of policies and regulations for farmer-managed seed systems.
• Promote structured information exchange, learning, and knowledge sharing among project actors and across countries.
• Advocate for actions that promote NUS as part of sustainable food systems at national and regional levels.
• Promote consumer awareness and trust in NUS and agroecological products, and ensure complete documentation of assigned project activities in line with agency and donor requirements.
• Support the preparation of annual reports and the documentation of case studies, success stories, and promising practices.

Required Languages - Proficient in English Language.

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 25% of her/his time.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Proficient in using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• 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 monitoring projects and collecting relevant data preferred.
• Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement.

Supervisory Responsibilities (if none, state none): No

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Internal: Agric Technical Advisor, Agric Program Director, Head of Programming, Snr Project MEAL Officer, Grant Manager, and Snr Project Officers.

External: Field Agents, local partner management and project officers, other consortium member staff located in the region, District stakeholders, and other local and international partner organizations

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Development studies or Social Sciences required. Master’s degree in agriculture (Economics, Extension, Agribusiness), Natural Resource Management or in the social sciences would be a plus.
• Minimum of 3 years of work experience in project support or in the field of Agriculture, Climate change projects in NGO settings.

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• 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 looks 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.

What we offer

CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. Benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role. CRS´ work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. 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 safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse. The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

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.

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

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.