Project Support Officer at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Application Ref. Code: PSOF7119
Location: Abuja
Department: Programs/FASTER
Job Band: 6
Reports To: Project Director

Project Summary

• FASTER (Faith-based Action for Scaling up Testing and Treatment for the Epidemic Response) project is designed as a new component of the global FOCUS (Faith-based Organization Capacity Strengthening for Universal HIV Services) project. Funded by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FOCUS was developed with the intent of building FBO network capacity, assisting FBOs to contribute to HIV multi-sector planning for expanded service delivery, and documenting successful approaches. Led by CRS, FOCUS builds understanding of how to leverage the faith-based community’s contributions at sub-national and national levels, reinforcing mutual responsibility and country-driven leadership.
• FASTER takes FOCUS’ objectives to the next level by creating an enabling environment in Nigeria where government, civil society, the private sector, and FBOs can accelerate normative pediatric HIV case finding, testing, linkage to care and treatment, and adherence support by strengthening and streamlining joint coordination and provision of pediatric HIV service delivery.

Job Summary

• The Program Support provides operational support for effective FASTER Program management. S/he is responsible for providing the timely and accurate administration support to all members of the FASTER team. The role ensures timeliness and efficiency of all program support activities for achieving the objectives under FASTER.

Specific Job Responsibilities
Program Quality:

• Support FASTER program development and implementation strategy in line with program goals and objectives in a timely and cost-effective manner. 
• Support program planning, reviews and reporting in line with donor requirements
• Develop and ensure adoption of mechanisms for achieving program accountability to partners, communities and beneficiaries.

General Administrative Duties:

• Liaise with administration support staff to provide updates on anticipated administrative needs.
• Provide general administrative support to the operation of project activities. Support FASTER Project and CRS-wide meetings, trainings and activities
• Support the scheduling and coordinate internal and external meetings, including invitations, meeting space, logistics, provision of materials and refreshments.
• Support in drafting meeting notes and record all proceedings and share with meeting participants.
• Support the establishment and function of project resource center and project information management

Logistics and itineraries:

• Ensure logistical support to staff/visitors including liaising with operations on itineraries. Make appointments according to schedules developed by department members
• Be the primary point of contact for visitors’ administrative needs
• Coordinate staff movements including leave, field trips and all required logistics using the movement and leave tracker.
• Assist with correspondence, letters, and invitations. Act as liaison between programs staff and dispatcher.
• Serves as the interface between technical team and the operations unit.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum of a University degree in social sciences or Health
• Minimum of 5 years work experience in program support
• Knowledge of the HIV, OVC, social welfare and health sectors in Nigeria preferred
• Experience working with local or international NGO a plus
• Strong computer skills required, especially the ability to work comfortably in the MS office package
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work successfully in team environment
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members.
• Strong interpersonal, writing and oral presentation skills in English
• Willingness to travel significantly throughout all FASTER project locations

Required Foreign Language:

• Excellent written and spoken English.

Required Travel:

• Ability to travel up to 50% of time

Key Working Relationships:

• Internal: Global FASTER team, Project Director and team, Deputy Country Representative (Health and Livelihood), CRS Operations team and Security Managers/Focal Points.
• External: NASCP, NACA, CDC LAM, other donors, HIV and OVC Program Implementing Partners

Agency wide competencies:

• These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfil his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results:
  • Integrity
  • Strategic Mindset
  • Continuous Improvement & Innovation
  • Develops Talent
  • Builds Relationships
  • Accountability & Stewardship