About CRS

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. 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 is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Job Summary:

As a member of the ‘Bina’ Aljusur (‘Building Bridges’)’ project team, you will facilitate the mobilization, engagement and incubation/acceleration of the participating MSMEs, Agripreneurs  in coordination with the private sector. She/he will provide dedicated coaching and accompaniment to participants and will report on all incubation/acceleration engagement activities and providing technical guidance and advice to staff and local partners. She/he will provide sensitization to potential Incubator fund applicants about the nature and objectives of the fund and ensure a buy in by both the MSME and agriprenuers. After selection of grantees, the PO will provide regular mentorship of the Incubator fund grantees to ensure successful outcomes

• Support the coordination and implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.
• Provide technical support for Incubator fund applicants throughout the application process as well as accompaniment to grantees during their business start-up, including individual follow-up and organizing monthly meetings to reinforce training topics and facilitate peer exchange of experience.
• Monitor and report any challenges and/or gaps identified to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules. Assist partners in their efforts to reflect on project experiences.
• Support coordination with local project stakeholders and private sector as well as project activities such as community outreach and training implementation.
• Collect information capacity needs and technical assistance needs of potential grantees as well as  monitor capacity building and technical support activities to ensure effective impact.
• Complete project documentation for assigned activities. Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices.

Basic Qualifications

• Degree in International Development, Agriculture/ Agribusiness, Economics, or in a similar field is preferred. Minimum of 2 years of work experience with in grantee monitoring and support.
• Experience as an agricultural loans officer is an added advantage
• Demonstrated ability to provide training and on-site support to grantees on compliance
• Additional experience may substitute for some education.
• Experience in providing Business Development Services is an added advantage
• Excellent communication and presentation skills and working in multicultural environment.

Required Languages - Fluency in written and spoken English required; Arabic native speakers, or strong skills are preferred

Travel- Position is based in CRS’ East Darfur office (Ed Dain). Must be willing and able to travel up to 80% to project areas within East Darfur.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

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

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

Supervisory Responsibilities (if none, state none): None