Project Officer – FCAB Project

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 identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and commitment to serving those in need. Since 2000, CRS Zambia has been implementing several programs to support vulnerable Zambians. Its recent programming areas include nutrition, agriculture, food security, HIV/AIDS, WASH, financial inclusion, early child development, climate action, and environmental protection.

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Zambia, working with The Center on Human Trafficking Research & Outreach (CenHTRO) at the University of Georgia, is co-designing and implementing a financial capability intervention for youth and young adults (YYA) who have experienced or are at risk of labor trafficking, in Lusaka, Chipata, Sesheke, and Livingstone Districts. The intervention will support youth and young adults in the focal districts to reduce labor trafficking by increasing the number of at-risk YYA and survivors who demonstrate financial capability, as well as increase the number of equitable financial programs, services, or policies adopted by stakeholders.

Job Summary

The Project Officer will lead the implementation of a financial capability intervention targeted at youth and young adults (YYA) who have experienced or are at risk of labor trafficking in Lusaka, Chipata, Sesheke, and Livingstone Districts. The Project Officer will work closely with the project team, local stakeholders, community partners, and relevant government agencies to co-design and implement programs that enhance financial knowledge, skills, and access among YYA. The position will involve community engagement, capacity-building efforts, and regular monitoring and evaluation to ensure that program goals are met. The ideal candidate will have a background in financial literacy, social work, youth development, or anti-trafficking initiatives.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

1. Program Implementation and Coordination

• Lead the day-to-day implementation of project activities in assigned districts, ensuring adherence to project goals, timelines, and quality standards.
• Coordinate the co-design of financial capability interventions, working with YYA participants to ensure culturally relevant and contextually appropriate programs.
• Organize and facilitate workshops, training sessions, and outreach events to promote financial skills and knowledge among at-risk YYA and survivors.
• Collaborate with district-level stakeholders, community leaders, and service providers to create referral pathways, support networks, and access points for YYA to engage with financial services.

2. Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building

• Build and maintain partnerships with local NGOs, community-based organizations, financial institutions, and relevant government entities to support project goals.
• Serve as the project’s primary point of contact in each district, ensuring clear and regular communication with all stakeholders and partners.
• Advocate for the adoption of equitable financial programs, services, and policies by local stakeholders to increase access to financial resources for YYA.

3. Capacity Building and Technical Support

• Support the development and delivery of training modules aimed at enhancing the financial capabilities of project beneficiaries.
• Facilitate capacity-building workshops for local stakeholders to strengthen their ability to implement and sustain financial programs for YYA.
• Provide technical assistance to partners and community organizations in best practices for supporting YYA financial independence and protection from labor trafficking.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Track and document project progress, ensuring that all activities and outputs align with set objectives and performance indicators.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor program effectiveness, identify challenges, and implement adjustments as needed.
• Prepare and submit timely progress reports, impact assessments, and case studies to the Project Manager and other relevant stakeholders.
• Assist in data collection, analysis, and interpretation to measure outcomes and assess the impact of financial capability interventions on reducing vulnerability to labor trafficking.

5. Advocacy and Representation

• Represent the project at district and provincial meetings, workshops, and conferences, advocating for policies and programs that enhance financial inclusion for YYA.
• Support project-level advocacy initiatives aimed at influencing financial services providers and policymakers to adopt inclusive, youth-friendly financial programs.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Development Studies, Business, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in project coordination, preferably in financial literacy, youth empowerment, or anti-trafficking.
• Strong knowledge of financial capability programming, youth engagement strategies, and/or anti-trafficking interventions.
• Proven ability to build partnerships with diverse stakeholders, including government, NGOs, and financial institutions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage sensitively with at-risk youth and survivors.
• Strong organizational skills and experience in reporting, monitoring, and evaluation.

Required Languages

• English. Knowledge of other local languages in focus districts is an added advantage.

Travel

• Must be willing and able to travel up to 50%.

Desired Skills and Competencies

• Strong understanding of the socioeconomic factors impacting labor trafficking risks.
• Familiarity with financial services, youth development programming, and local resources in Zambia.
• Experience in participatory and community-based program design.
• Critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with the ability to make sound judgment.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with local stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple responsibilities, and meet deadlines.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Partner staff

Key Working Relationships

Internal:

• Project Manager
• Head of Programs
• Procurement Manager
• Finance Manager
• Admin Manager
• Fleet Manager
• MEAL Coordinator

External:

• Director Caritas/Diocese
• Relevant government staff at district and community level
• Private sector players linked to project activities

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

DISCLAIMER CLAUSE:

This job description is not an exhaustive list of skills, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. CRS’ recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Important Note: By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Applicant 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 Tuesday, 31st December 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.