Job Title: Program Manager I/Early Childhood Development (ECD) Advisor
Department: Programming/INECD/Gikuriro Kuri Bose
Grade: 9
Reports To: Deputy Chief of Party- Programming
Country/Location: Rwanda (Kigali)
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:
The Inclusive Nutrition and Early Childhood Development (INECD) activity will promote nurturing and responsive care practices, especially in the areas of health, functioning, nutrition, and early childhood development (ECD) for caregivers and children. Specifically, the activity aims to improve health and nutrition outcomes among women of reproductive age and adolescents and improve infant and young child feeding practices. It also aims to address child development gaps and significant unmet physical rehabilitation and assistive technology (rehab/AT) and social inclusion needs for infants and children. The activity will focus on community-level service delivery, community-health facility linkages and district level capacity development, as well as address issues of inclusion and participation, including access to programs and services for children and adults with disabilities, in line with Government of Rwanda priorities.
You will provide technical oversight of the development and implementation of sustainable CRS Rwanda’s INECD Early Childhood Development interventions in collaboration with UMUHUZA, ensuring effective systems and processes are in place that support high-quality programming advancing Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work in serving the poor and vulnerable. Your management skills and knowledge will ensure that the CP delivers high-quality INECD programming and continuously works towards improving the impact of its programming. Furthermore, you will provide technical leadership and have responsibility for all activities associated with improving early childhood development, positive parenting and social inclusion.
Roles and Key Responsibilities:
- Manage and implement all ECD activities throughout the remaining project cycles – implementation and close-out – to ensure efficient and effective implementation in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.
- Ensure project team and partner staff use the appropriate systems and tools.
- Deliver and coordinate age-appropriate, high-quality ECD services for all under-six children in the project target areas.
- Bring technical support in implementing the INECD initiatives and activities in close collaboration with local implementing partners, consortium members, local government, service providers (both public and private) at different levels including home-based, community level, center-based, workplace, etc. by ensuring the delivery of ECD services is inclusive and of high standard.
- Lead the process of developing guideline, strategy, standards, and manuals to help with mainstreaming of ECD services into nutrition and health in close collaboration with GoR stakeholders and other development partners.
- Effectively manage talent and provide technical supervision to staff. Provide coaching, contribute to the recruitment process of INECD project staff, and complete performance management as deemed appropriate.
- Champion learning and documentation with INECD project staff and partner teams. Analyze and evaluate INECD project performance data following MEAL policy. Proactively identify issues and concerns and use participatory processes to overcome implementation obstacles. Work with the MEAL team to effectively monitor and evaluate the quality of the INECD program by focusing on providing timely, accurate and inclusive data related to ECD and other program components as appropriate
- Act as a key resource person in project design and proposal development in ECD, gap-filling and taking on growth responsibilities, as needed.
- Coordinate the identification of staff capacity and technical assistance needs of partner organizations and capacity strengthening and required ECD interventions to support quality project implementation.
- Lead the process of identifying , assessing and strengthening partnerships relevant to inclusive early childhood development applying appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches.
- Coordinate and monitor financial and material resources relevant to INECD project needs. Through planning and oversight ensure efficient use of project resources.
- Foster collaboration and integration ECD interventions with other program interventions
Basic Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in early childhood development, Social Sciences, Education, Social Work, or in a closely related field is required.
- At least seven years of experience designing, implementing, or supporting ECD and positive parenting programming, preferably in Rwanda is required.
- Excellent knowledge of holistic child development and understanding of global evidence, best practices, and gaps around early childhood development interventions.
- Experience integrating ECD interventions into nutrition, health and other service delivery platforms is preferred.
- Demonstrated experience working with children experiencing deprivation, exclusion and vulnerability and their families.
Required Languages – Oral and written fluency in English and Kinyarwanda. French is a plus.
Travel – The position is Kigali based. Must be willing and able to travel up to 50 %.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
- Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with culturally diverse groups.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to write reports
- Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented
Preferred Qualifications
- Project management experience in inclusive nutrition and ECD is highly desirable.
- Experience engaging with partner organizations.
- Experience contributing to the development of technical proposals.
- Skills on critical documentation and research are desirable.
- Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems.
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: All INECD staff (both from IP and Consortium Organizations), relevant CRS Country Program
External: NCDA leadership, District Leadership, INECD Local Partners, relevant TWGs, CHES platform, NGO working in INECD/DI areas (particularly relevant USAID funded projects).
***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. 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. This position is contingent upon award of the funding opportunity to CRS and the donor’s approval of the proposed candidate.
CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce.
How to apply
Interested and qualified candidates should complete the attached application form, Self -Declaration Clause and submit them together with one page Cover letter plus updated CV (maximum three pages) all in/as one document – via email only to: RW_HR@crs.org not later than Tuesday October 15th, 2024, at 5:00pm.
Please, include below statement in your cover letter:
“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.”
Also include your full names and title “ECD Advisor @ 9” in the subject line. Due to anticipated high interest in this post and the expected number of applicants, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Kigali October 2nd, 2024.
Hans Fly
Country Representative
Job Title: Senior Project Officer/Senior Nutrition Officer
Department: Programming/INECD/Gikuriro Kuri Bose
Grade: 8
Reports To: Cluster Coordinator
Country/Location: Rwanda (Kigali)
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:
The Inclusive Nutrition and Early Childhood Development (INECD) activity will promote nurturing and responsive care practices, especially in the areas of health, functioning, nutrition, and early childhood development (ECD) for caregivers and children. Specifically, the activity aims to improve health and nutrition outcomes among women of reproductive age and adolescents and improve infant and young child feeding practices. It also aims to address child development gaps and significant unmet physical rehabilitation and assistive technology (rehab/AT) and social inclusion needs for infants and children. The activity will focus on community-level service delivery, community-health facility linkages and district level capacity development, as well as address issues of inclusion and participation, including access to programs and services for children and adults with disabilities, in line with Government of Rwanda priorities.
As a lead for the Integrate Nutrition Early Child Development/INECD program team, you will facilitate the achievement of project objectives through coordinating and reporting on all project activities and providing technical guidance and advice to staff and implementing partner(s) advancing Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable. Your coordination and relationship management skills will ensure that the project for which you are responsible applies best practices and constantly works towards improving the impact of its benefits to those we serve.
Roles and Key Responsibilities:
- Organize and lead the 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.
- 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.
- Coordinate and oversee working relationships with all local project stakeholders and serve as the liaison between them and the project team to mobilize local actors and promote project activities and impact.
- Supervise and perform ad-hoc inspections of various processes and resources at project sites to ensure timely project activities implementation and adherence to established process standards and procedures. Ensure proper tracking of resource use for project activities through periodic budget reviews and follow-up with and assistance to implementing partner.
- Support the Nutrition Advisor to adapt and test training tools and manuals with partner and GoR STAFF.
- Assist the Nutrition Advisor in the training of partner and government staff on the latest nutrition programming competency to promote key nutrition approaches.
- Supervise and support and coordinate community-level capacity building and technical support activities to ensure assigned project activities are implemented per project guidelines and standards.
- Oversee the implementation of community-based nutrition approach focusing on inclusive nutrition with a focus on households with children under 6, pregnant and lactating mothers.
- Support partner nutritionists to ensure the functionality of village nutrition school with all target program participants.
- Supervise the data collection by partner staff and check the data analysis done by partner staff in the reports.
- Conduct regular technical supportive supervision to service providers to ensure the inclusive nutrition service delivery meets quality standards.
- Contribute to the accountability towards central and local governments through supervision and assistance to partners in the preparation of program evaluations.
- Collaborate efficiently with Sr. Econ. &Strengthening Officer, Rehabilitation and Inclusion Officer to ensure that econ. &strengthening, food security and rehabilitation and Inclusion related activities are well integrated with inclusive nutrition activities.
- Ensure provision of any logistical and administrative support to partners.
- Ensure project documentation for assigned activities is complete with all required documents and is filed per agency and donor requirements. Assist with preparation of trends analysis reports and documentation of case studies and promising practices
- Participate in monthly technical planning meetings at cluster and partner level.
- Review monthly, quarterly and annual partner reports for nutrition component.
- Prepare and submit weekly and monthly activity reports.
- Ensure good relationship with district officials and other stakeholders involved in nutrition activities in the district.
- Perform any other task assigned by relevant supervisors
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s Degree required. Master’s degree in nutrition, in the field of food sciences and public health Program Area would be a plus.
- Minimum of 4 years of work experience in project support, ideally in the field of nutrition, public health, nutrition security, food security programs for an NGO.
- Additional experience may substitute for some education.
Required Languages –
- Fluency in English (written and spoken) and Kinyarwanda. French is a plus
Travel – The position is field based. Less than 10% time is anticipated for office work
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Analysis and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment
- Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and with GoR/MOH, District officials
- 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.
- Experience in training and supporting the implementation of nutrition activities
- 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: Nutrition Advisor, Food Security Advisor, Cluster level technical staff, DCOPs, CRS finance staff
External: INECD consortium and local partners technical staff, district technical staff, district level relevant technical working groups including DPEMs, other nutrition actors in the districts.
***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. 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. This position is contingent upon award of the funding opportunity to CRS and the donor’s approval of the proposed candidate.
CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce.
How to apply
Interested and qualified candidates should complete the attached application form, Self -Declaration Clause and submit them together with one page Cover letter plus updated CV (maximum three pages) all in/as one document – via email only to: RW_HR@crs.org not later than Tuesday October 15th, 2024, at 5:00pm.
Please, include below statement in your cover letter:
“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.”
Also include your full names and title “Senior Nutrition Officer @ 8” in the subject line. Due to anticipated high interest in this post and the expected number of applicants, only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Kigali October 2nd, 2024.
Hans Fly
Country Representative
