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 identify is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as part of our staff and as partner’s people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and commitment to serving those in need.

Position Purpose:

The Project officer will oversee and guide the implementation of Microfinance (SILC) activities under the FANSER project ensuring that field supervisors and Agents are trained and supported to implement SILC among community groups. S/he must effectively manage relationships with CRS partner staff to establish and oversee a Savings Led Microfinance strategy for the FANSER project. S/he will also serve as the point person for SILC activities within the project and will coordinate and prepare all required reports. S/he works closely with the Project Director and the Country Program Microfinance Technical Advisor to promote CRS’ Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC) PSP model as a key strategy for improving financial access for financially under-served populations of Zambia.

The Project Officer is based in Eastern Province (Petauke) and dedicates a significant amount of time in the field (Katete and Petauke) to ensure smooth implementation of the project. S/he provides training expertise to build partner capacity in the SILC/PSP methodology and enhance the project-wide learning agenda.

Major Responsibilities:

Work closely with CP MF Technical Advisor and partners to scale up Savings and Internal Lending Communities (SILC)/PSP programs as part of CRS’ Integral Human Development Framework (IHD) through:

1. Training:

§  Design Training of Trainers workshops.

§  Facilitate TOT workshops with local partners.

§  Guide and support partners in their efforts to recruit, train and mentor SILC Field Agents to become successful PSPs.

§  Build the capacity of local partners in identifying and disseminating lessons learned and best practices.

§  Incorporate lessons learned and innovations from partners to improve TOT workshops.

§  Assess the capacity and training needs of project staff

§  Configure the MIS Savix for implementing partners, and train staff on its use and on data analysis

2. Management Information System SAVIX based:

§  Support the MIS Savix in the project.

§  Train local partners in the use of Savix MIS.

§  Guide and support partners in their efforts to collect and analyze data monthly.

§  Use and study information captured through the MIS Savix and submit monthly and quarterly trend analysis reports to the Project Director.

§  Work very closely with the Country Program SILC TA and other unit members.

4. Monitoring and Evaluation:

§  Monitor and report on the Program quality assessments (PQAs)

§  Periodic assessment and evaluation of field agent training activities using the SILC monitoring checklist.

§  Participate in overall program reviews and evaluations.

5. Learning Agenda:

§  Document and disseminate lessons learned and best practices with regards to SILC TOT manual.

§  Participate with CP and regional team in development of promotion and marketing materials for the FANSER project.

§  Contribute lessons learned and innovations from the field.

§  Raise awareness about, promote and market the SILC/PSP model with new partners in the field and the MF industry in the country.

§  Stay abreast of new developments in Savings-led Microfinance industry and participate actively in discussions with SILC colleagues from other country programs and NGOs.

5. Working Relationships & Contacts

§  Reports to the FANSER Program Manager with dotted responsibility to the CP Technical Advisor.

§  Work closely with the MEAL and Finance Department.

§  Have close contact with local partner staff.

6. Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Education and Experience

§  Bachelor’s degree preferred. Degree in Development Studies/Social work or in the field of rural development or economics would be a plus.

§  General knowledge of technical principles and concepts in savings led microfinance, financial education and market engagement.

§  Minimum of 2-3 years of work experience in project support. Experience in the field of savings led microfinance, business/marking skills, or a related field required. Experience with an NGO would be a plus.

§  Experience in participatory action planning, community engagement, and designing and delivering trainings

§  Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data preferred

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

§  Familiarity assisting with the implementation of projects in Eastern Province (preferred)

§  Time management and the ability to focus on multiple priorities

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 fulfil his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

§  Trusting Relationships

§  Professional Growth

§  Partnership

§  Accountability

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Applicants Instructions: Please email a cover letter, and curriculum vitae which should include three references to: crszambiajobs@crs.org Please include the position you are applying for in the subject line.

The closing date for applications is 30th June 2018. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.