About CRS 

Catholic Relief Services is United States Based International NGO. 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 are accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

CRS has been operational in Pakistan since 1954. CRS’ relief and development work are accomplished through program of emergency response, food security/livelihood, education, and disaster risk reduction (DRR). Currently, CRS is responding to monsoon floods in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. CRS has been working with local national partners to support government led efforts for implementation of 2022 flood response and recovery in Pakistan.

Job Summary  

CRS is currently seeking a Project Officer for 06-month integrated project named "The Climate Resilient Settlement Development in Lakho Bhanbhro District Thatta." This project encompasses sectors such as access to basic infrastructures and feasibility studies for climate-resilient, green, and innovative solutions to improve post-flood infrastructure and utilities, aiming that flood affected communities having safe, resilient, and dignified living in sustainable settlements.  The Project Officer will assist and work closely with Sr. Project Officer to manage and implement the project activities and provide leadership and technical expertise to project staff and partner in the field of improved access to climate and disaster-resilient infrastructure ensuring provided services meet the humanitarian and recovery needs of the population. The PO will support Sr. Project Officer and Program Manager to ensure effective MEAL system and process are in place that support high-quality programing and integration within the project and systems to adopt people centered approaches in all programs activities, coordination with relevant actors to ensure a holistic intervention.  Your implementation skills and knowledge will ensure that the CP delivers high-quality programming and continuously works towards improving the impact of its programming. In addition, build the capacity of the program and partners’ staff and work closely with them to coordinate the development and implementation of the various development interventions.

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

• Ensure learning properly accompanies project activities throughout the project cycle. Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and guiding partners in their efforts to reflect on project experiences. Analyze implementation challenges and report any inconsistencies and/or gaps to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules.
• Support technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities for improved access to climate and disaster-resilient infrastructure and other program areas, for staff and partner organizations to enhance program quality and impact.
• Identify and map out the various existing markets that supply construction-related materials and services in the region.
• Highlight key vendors, suppliers, and service providers, noting their geographic locations and areas of operation.
• Compile and document the costs of locally available construction materials, including transportation costs to various project locations.
• Provide a detailed breakdown of material costs by type and source.
• Collaborate closely with the project team, particularly engineers, to create a list of required construction materials.
• Ensure that the material list aligns with the project’s technical specifications and design requirements.
• Develop a comprehensive database of construction materials, including their costs and relevant market sources. Ensure that the database is user-friendly and supports decision-making processes and cost estimation for various project infrastructures.
• Compile a detailed database of all vendors operating in markets near the project area.
• Include information on vendor reliability, capacity, and previous experiences with similar projects.
• Analyse supply trends for different construction materials to assess their availability throughout the year.
• Investigate and document seasonal price fluctuations and other factors that influence material costs over time.
• Explore locally available materials that can be used for vernacular construction, such as stone, bamboo, timber, mats, and other indigenous resources.
• Evaluate the feasibility of incorporating these materials into the project, considering sustainability, cost-effectiveness, and local acceptability.
• Identify potential risks related to material availability, price volatility, and supply chain disruptions.
• Propose mitigation strategies to ensure consistent and cost-effective material procurement throughout the project duration.
• Provide a detailed report summarizing findings, including market maps, cost analyses, supply trends, and vendor databases.
• Offer recommendations for material procurement strategies, considering cost, availability, and project-specific needs.

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor's Degree required in social sciences/development studies/DRR, or other related field required. Master’s in business administration will be plus.
• Minimum of 4 years of work experience in project support, ideally in the field of Market assessments and supply chain assessments for construction of i.e. Community Infrastructure, WASH, livelihoods, and DRR, preferably with an international organization. Additional experience may substitute for some education.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and mobilize diverse partners including the private sector, develop strategic partnerships and stakeholder networks, and communicate, and coordinate among key stakeholders.

Required Languages - Required proficiency in written and speaking in English, Urdu, and Sindhi.

Travel – The position will be based in Thatta Sindh and must be willing and able to travel to Karachi, Islamabad and other program areas in the country where applicable. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills
• Proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented
• Analysis and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented
• Attention to details, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with partners, participatory action planning and community engagement.
• Staff supervision experience a plus.
• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. 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. 

• 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. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships:  

Internal: Country Manager, HOP, HoOP, National Coordinator, Program Managers, HR and Finance.

External:  Local NGOs/Partners, UN/INGO/NNGO, Government of Pakistan, Vendors, Consultants/ Service Providers.

*** 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.

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

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

Applications are considered on an ongoing basis.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.