Job Vacancies at Catholic Relief Services (CRS) – 3 Positions in Nigeria

Reference Code: NG6299
Location: Nigeria
Employment Type: Contract

Project Overview

• CRS is implementing the Development of Commercial Seed Entrepreneur Component of a five-year Building an Economically Sustainable and Integrated Cassava Seed System, Phase 2 (BASICS-II) which was awarded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) and its partners in May 2020. BASICS-II will consolidate prior investments in BASICS-I in Nigeria, led by the CGIAR Research Program on Roots, Tubers and Bananas (CRP-RTB); and its ongoing sister project in Tanzania called Building an Economically Sustainable Seed System for Cassava in Tanzania (BEST).
• The project aims to transform the cassava seed sector by promoting the dissemination of improved varieties thereby creating a community of seed entrepreneurs across the cassava value chain. The project is focused on Nigeria and Tanzania with spin off to other African countries. The project is nurturing the development of sustainable Early Generation Seed systems through public-private partnerships and link these seed systems to networks of entrepreneurs and processors that are ready to multiply, distribute, and sell clean planting materials (Seeds) of new and improved varieties emanating from linked breeding systems.
• Specifically, CRS will identify, select and provide technical assistance to the seed entrepreneurs, ensure field certification and eventual sales of materials to farmers. The project hopes to work with at least 80 seed entrepreneurs, providing quality planting materials to farmers in a timely manner.
• An important aspect of the project activities is effective communication to increase coverage and patronage of the village seed entrepreneurs who are producing and marketing certified seed to farmers. The project has carried out a market study to understand the cassava planting material market and identify the drivers of the market. It is hoped that knowledge unveiled by the study will feed into the development of marketing communication strategy and advertisement of Cassava seed entrepreneur’s activities and the project in general. The communication strategy roll-out is to ultimately lead to increased demand for planting materials in and around the project catchment area.
• The project is hereby inviting prospective marketing communication consultants to apply for the strategy design and development of innovative and effective content for radio jingles, banners and posters, promotional bags and web marketing, among others.

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Purpose of the Consultancy

• To design strategy and develop innovative and effective marketing and communication content for cassava seeds with particular focus on farmers in Kogi State and update existing content for Benue State. This is expected to achieve the BASICS-II Project outcomes that farmers with access to affordable, quality-assured seeds of the cassava varieties in demand by local food and processor markets and raise incomes of cassava growers and seed entrepreneurs.

Scope of Work / Duties and Responsibilities

• Review of the report of BASICS Project Market Study conducted in April 2021.
• Design of Marketing Communication Strategy for communicating and marketing cassava seeds among farmers in Kogi state
• Design, testing of marketing materials and roll-out of communication messages for radio jingles, banners and posters/handbills and promotional bags to implement the Marketing Communication Strategy.

Expected Outputs/Deliverables:

• Strategy document for communicating and marketing cassava seeds among farmers in Kogi state
• Content/messages for the implementation of marketing and communication strategy in Kogi and Benue States
• Design layout of messages for the radio jingles, banners and posters/handbills and promotional bags
• Documented evidence of Testing of marketing materials and jingles.

Timelines and Progress Reports:
Accountabilities:

• The consultant is responsible for carrying out each of the above-mentioned tasks and produce the deliverables as described above working in consultation with CRS Marketing and Communications Manager. The consultant will report to CRS Senior Program Manager.

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The Senior Program Manager will be responsible for:

• Providing the link with the BASICS-II team
• Planning and coordinating the Briefing Meeting;
• Approval of finalized Terms of Reference including any revisions to the scope of work as well as the final structure of the products;
• Coordinating the activities of the consultancy; and
• Coordinating the approval of products submitted.

Qualifications and Experience

• An established track record in marketing communications, outreach, marketing and branding
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills, and demonstrated experience working with a variety of stakeholders
• A minimum of five years’ relevant professional work experience.
• The consultant must have demonstrable experience drafting similar marketing communications strategies/content with a track record of successful implementation.

Work Arrangement

• The consultant will be free to work independently from any base location, providing his/her own work equipment and space. The total time required for the work involved is estimated to be 10 days.

Fees, Expenses & Payment Arrangement

• Associated transport, accommodation, and per diem during the duration of the assignment as per CRS approved rates will be covered.
• Reasonable costs for courier services, purchase of reference materials, etc. will be reimbursed in the final payment upon presentation of a list of expenses and the submission of acceptable reference materials and receipts and/or invoice.

Payment will be a lump sum based on CRS consultancy rates and will be made in two phases:

• 50% on submission of the draft report;
• 50% on submission of all final products.

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Note: CRS will deduct and remit to the Federal Inland Revenue (FIR) a 5% withholding Tax from the total consultancy fees in accordance with the Nigerian Tax Law.

Application Closing Date
Thursday, 5:00 pm: 27th January, 2022.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should submit their Expression of Interest (EOI) along with their updated CV detailing personal profile, skills, competencies and suitability for the assignment as well as readiness for immediate short-term consultancy plus a copy of such previous work to: nigeriaprocurement@crs.org using the Applicant Name and Reference Code as the subject of the email.

Note

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
• Any submission after the deadline or with the wrong email subject may be disqualified.
• Only qualified persons will be contacted and invited for the screening.

Job Code: 2200000L
Location: Abuja (FCT)

Background

• CRS Nigeria is implementing the Development of Cassava Seed Entrepreneur (DCSE) component of Building Economically Sustainable Cassava Seed System, Phase 2 (BASICS-II) in Benue and Kogi State.
• BASICS-II is being implemented by a consortium of organisations led by IITA and covers the entire cassava seed value chain, ranging from breeder to farmer seed.
• The project’s vision is to provide farmers with access to affordable, quality-assured seeds of the cassava varieties in demand by local food and processor markets through the establishment of a commercially viable seed value chain operating across breeder, foundation, and commercial seed levels.
• This value chain will enable more efficient dissemination and adoption of new varieties to improve productivity, raise incomes of cassava growers and seed entrepreneurs, enhance gender equity, and contribute to inclusive agricultural transformation in Nigeria and Tanzania.
• The DCSE component of the BASICS-II project which is being implemented by CRS will include the aggregation of Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs (CSEs) and cover production and marketing of certified planting materials of improved cassava varieties to farmers within and outside of Kogi and Benue states.
• In implementing the component, CRS will identify, train and work with the Cassava Seed Entrepreneurs (CSEs) to plan and organize their seed production and marketing activities.
• They will be supported to be organized as formidable Seed Entrepreneurs Networks (SENs) operational in the implementation states.
• The strategic objective of the DCSE component for Nigeria is to more than double the number of decentralized, commercially viable seed enterprises in Nigeria, while they increase in average size and aggregate into associations to facilitate marketing, quality control, and other services.

Job Summary

• You will help coordinate and contribute to the implementation of the Building Economically Sustainable Cassava Seed System, Phase 2 (BASICS-II) project / grant policies and procedures in compliance with CRS’ established accounting standards, Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), donors’ rules and regulations, and legal requirements to support high-quality programs serving the poor and vulnerable.
• You will efficiently perform accounting services through documenting the project / grant financial transactions by compiling, analyzing, and verifying account information, preparing account entries, and delivering financial reporting services throughout the project / grant life cycle.
• Note: Depending on the project / grant portfolio (scope and complexity), the Project / Grant Accountant can be assigned responsibility for delivery of accounting and financial reporting services for either payable or receivable transactions.

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Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Set and monitor sound accounting and financial reporting procedures for project/grant subrecipients and partners following established standards. Ensure setup and maintenance of all data required for processing financial transactions for assigned project/grant accounts in Insight.
• Review and validate supporting documentation before processing of financial transactions to ensure all required documents are accurate and complete and authorizations are in place.
• Record financial transactions following appropriate authorizations. Review and analyze various accounts to detect irregularities. Advise on corrective actions and prepare correcting entries and adjustments, as necessary.
• Assess, evaluate and monitor subrecipient financial management processes in accordance with policy and strengthen capacity of partner in financial accounting and transactions.
• Monitor disbursement/receipt schedules, alert relevant project/grant staff of due payments/liquidations, and maintain appropriate communication and follow-up to facilitate timeliness of financial resource management and compliance with set deadlines.
• Prepare various periodic and ad hoc financial reports and perform variance analysis to assist project/grant staff with decision-making. Assist with budget maintenance for proper management of financial resources.
• Provide information to project/grant staff, subrecipients, and partners on financial accounting policies and procedural compliance issues and deliver training and other capacity building activities.
• Perform assigned treasury project/grant (cash payment/receipt, cash forecast, etc.) duties, as long as segregation of duties is ensured.

Financial Management:

• Assist the Senior Program Manager in Budget Review and Quarterly Cash Forecasting.
• Report Sub-Agreement commitments to be recorded in CRS accounting system.
• Review and process the issuance of project advances in accordance with CRS and Donor Policies and Procedures.
• Ensure Project Holder advances are liquidated on timely manner, and they are within allotted liquidation time frame as per CRS policy.
• Assist in the Preparation of Detailed Project Budget vs. Actual Comparison Report, including Sub-recipients Expenditures for Program and Management Review on monthly basis.
• Assist in the preparations of Donor Financial Reports timely, accurately and in accordance with terms and conditions outlined in the grant agreement.
• Provide information to project staff, subrecipients, and partners on financial accounting policies and procedural compliance issues and deliver training and other capacity building activities.

Compliance Management:

• Verify sub-recipients’ financial reports and associated support documentations and recommend for liquidation and/or reimbursement in accordance with Donor, CRS policies and procedures and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
• Report any fraudulent activities, observed as part of the review to the Senior Program Manager and Head of Finance and Grants immediately.
• Ensure Sub-recipients advances are liquidated on timely manner, and they are within allotted liquidation timeframe as per CRS policy.
• Prepare Sub-recipients Aging Report for Program and Management Review on monthly basis.
• Provide onsite training to sub-recipient’s finance staff when required.
• Travel to the field, to visit sub-recipient when required.
• Ensure Project’s files both in hard and electronic copies are up to date.
• Work with the Senior Program Manager to document project files, a justification for delays in; Issuing project advances; and Liquidating the advances; so as to improve partner monitoring and follow up processes.

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Sub-recipients Financial Assessment, monitoring, and Financial Support:

• Lead the assessments of all sub-recipients using HQ Finance’s checklists to have a stratification of the sub-recipients for Country Program.
• Assist the sub-recipients in preparing a Corrective Action Plan within sixty calendar days of the assessment or monitoring visit that addresses each of the identified weaknesses in any of the ten assessed areas scored below 75%.
• Assist the Senior Program Manager in making sure that the sub recipients address all issues listed in the Corrective Acton Plan on a timely manner.
• Ensure sub-recipients have in place and adheres to a schedule of planned monitoring visits of sub-recipients during each year. The basis for the selection, timing and frequency of its monitoring visits should be properly documented.
• Work with the Senior Program Manager to ensure financial monitoring, including site visits, of sub-recipient activities. The trip reports must indicate the monitoring steps performed, the processes reviewed, and the result of the testing and reviews.
• Analyze monitoring reports on a timely manner for further follow-up and record for at least three years after the related grant or project has expired.
• Archive sub-receipts reports and contracts to CRS system.

Financial Reporting:

• In collaboration with the Head of Finance and Grants, play active part during monthly/annual financial reporting closure.
• Liaise with the project team on deliverables required to meet month/year end closure timelines.
• Liaise with the other departments on deliverables required to meet month end closure timelines such as review of VMS and Insight reconciliation, monthly personal vehicle usage computation and preparing the facility allocation table, monthly severance accruals and other assigned deliverables.

Audit:

• Ensure Project documents both Programming and Financial Records are readily available for internal/external reviewers.
• Attend and facilitate Donor Representatives, especially Financial Reviewers when required.
• Assist the Senior Program Manager in the follow up and closure of the CP internal and external audit findings associated with local partners.

Required Languages:

• English. Knowledge of local languages in Benue and/or Kogi State preferred but not required.

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Travel:

• Must be willing and able to travel up to 40%.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None.

Key Working Relationships:

• Internal: Senior Program Manager for Agriculture, State Program Manager, Finance Manager, Finance Unit, Administration, M&E, Audit, DCR Programs, DCR Operations, Country Representative, as well as other relevant regional and HQ operations and Technical Staff.
• External : Justice, Peace and Development Commissions of the Catholic Church (JPDCs), other Implementing Partner Organizations (National Root Crop Research Institute – NRCRI, National Agricultural Seeds Council – NASC, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture – IITA, IITA GoSeed, Umudike Seed, Sahel Consulting, Agricultural Development Program – ADP, Seed Entrepreneurs and Farmer Groups/Organizations), Partner finance staff, Agro-processors, Seed Entrepreneur Networks, representatives of other NGOs, Donors, Researchers, and Private Sector.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration with courses in accounting, or a qualification in accounting (ICAN/ACCA or equivalent).
• Minimum of four years’ experience in a position with similar responsibilities, preferably with an international or local NGO, or a financial/banking institution.
• Membership of a professional body in Accounting, Finance or Economics is an added advantage.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Knowledge of the relevant public donor regulations preferred.
• Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Visio), Web Conferencing Applications. Knowledge of SunSystems financial accounting package or similar financial reporting software preferred.
• Good interpersonal skills including ability to work with multiple stakeholders successfully and to create linkages.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent analytical skills with ability to detect and report inconsistencies
• Conscientious, accurate and thorough with great attention to detail
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions oriented and results-oriented
• Ability to work collaboratively.

Disclaimer:

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

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.

Application Closing Date
31st January, 2022.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• 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.
• All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside their home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical examination.
• CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.
• CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Location: Abuja (FCT)

Country Background

• CRS has a long and rich history of collaboration with the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria (Global Fund). Since 2003, CRS has been awarded over $290 million in Global Fund resources to implement programs in 27 countries.
• For the 2018-2020 Global Fund Malaria grant, CRS remained a Co-Principal Recipient (PR) with NMEP, strengthening the synergy and collaboration with NMEP to improve efficiency and impact.
• CRS worked closely with NMEP, Society for Family Health (SFH), Malaria Consortium, various state governments and other stakeholders to coordinate and implement the 2018-2020 long lasting insecticidal net (LLIN) mass campaigns in 13 states.
• CRS provided oversight and ICT4D leadership for the LLIN campaigns and implemented directly in some of the states.
• For the 2021-2023 Global Fund Malaria grant, CRS will remain a Co-PR with NMEP and provide robust oversight to the 3 Sub Recipients (SRs) (Society for Family Health, Management Sciences for Health and Malaria Consortium).
• CRS will deploy over 6,100 ICT4D devices for use during Insecticide Treated Nets (ITN) mass campaigns in the 13 GF supported states. CRS will also oversee SRs and support a range of malaria treatment and prevention services at the state level.

Job Summary

• S/he will coordinate and deliver various Red Rose (ICT4D) related services in accordance with established agency ICT policies, procedures, and service standards to support high-quality mass distribution of the LLINs.
• S/he will provide responsive, professional service and technical support to CRS staff and partners to ensure efficient operation and use of CRS information sharing, communication, and collaboration technologies.

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Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Support the setup, configuration and deployment of ICT4D devices for the operation and implementation of health interventions to ensure efficient service delivery against established policies, procedures, and service standards.
• Deploy, configure, and maintain Red Rose applications and utilities and AirWatch on android devices for the GF Malaria Project.
• Configure, monitor and maintain the Cash and Asset Transfer (CAT) platform and data collected using the ICT4D devices as per the CAT Strategy requirement and agency business data policies and procedures.
• Provide field-level technical support to campaign personnel on the CAT platform and CAT devices during the various pre-campaign trainings and LLIN mass campaigns.
• Troubleshoot and address any issues to ensure optimal performance of the databases, networks, servers and devices.
• Provide timely and quality service delivery, technical support, and advice to user requests to ensure proper user access to agency business data and information.
• Prepare statistical reports on ICT-related data and metrics. As needed, implement measures to ensure required standards are met.
• In collaboration with relevant staff, maintain inventory of ICT equipment, hardware, and software and ensure adequate supply and functionality, both in the office and in the field.
• Provide input to budget for ICT related expenses.
• Coordinate relationships with suppliers to facilitate delivery of ICT-related services that meet CRS business requirements and needs.
• Support capacity building initiatives, remotely or on-site, to staff, partners and end-users to ensure efficient and consistent adoption and use of ICT applications.
• Maintaining documentation of processes, procedures, concept notes, strategies implemented and yet to be implemented.
• Manage and supervise ICT4D Consultants and Training and Technology Administrators (TTAs) assigned to support GF LLIN Mass Campaign states, evaluate their performance conduct periodic assessment and coaching sessions to increase quality of work and enhance productivity.
• Ensure appropriate monitoring and evaluation of project information and communication technology activities, including providing input to appropriate logical framework and indicator development.
• Provide oversight and technical support to SRs and partners on the use of the CAT Strategy for the implementation of LLIN Mass Campaigns and other health programs.
• Provide timely and quality service delivery and technical support to user requests in ensuring proper user access and data utilization according to agency business data and information policies, also ensuring project scope is delivered within set timeline.
• Ensure the prompt resolution and closure of all issues related to the use of the technology reported using RedMine and other support and communication applications.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• ICT4D Consultants and TTAs

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Key Working Relationships

• Internal: Global Fund Malaria Program Team; Deputy Country Representative; finance staff, country office ICT Manager; HQ GKIM team
• External: Red Rose Team, SMoH staff, NMEP staff, malaria partners, end-users, etc

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in IT-related field (Computer Science, Computer Networking, Programming, and Information Systems) required. Significant work experience in a directly related field combined with appropriate training/certificates may substitute for degree.
• Desired certifications include Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate or equivalent, Cisco Certified Network Associate or equivalent, Microsoft SharePoint Foundations or equivalent and ITIL Foundation Certified.
• Minimum of three years’ work experience in a position with similar responsibilities.
• Experience in introduction, design, implementation, and adoption of relevant technology and data management tools.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Good relationship management skills. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally with a strong client-service focus.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to communicate technical ideas and concerns in a non-technical manner.
• Strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture, make sound decisions, and offer non-standard solutions.
• Able to maintain confidential information.
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented.
• Basic understanding of business analysis concepts and best practice.
• Demonstrated experience building ICT capacity with professional staff.
• Knowledge of ICT4D trends, applications, and technologies.
• Expert-user level knowledge of agency-supported ICT4D solutions.
• Solid knowledge of backup and disaster recovery systems.
• Knowledge of MS Project and Office applications.
• Strong client-service focus; able to work with diverse groups of people in a team-oriented environment.
• Skilled in obtaining information necessary to accomplish duties.
• Able to prioritize work, multi-task and meet deadlines.
• Problem analysis and problem resolution at functional level.
• Able to quickly research, learn, and implement new technologies.
• Able to communicate technical ideas and concerns in a non-technical environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel to field locations at least 75% and sometimes on short notice.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated capacity in management of network/server software and hardware devices and platforms.
• Grasp of complex network, security, mobile, desktop, server, telephony, backup, application and database technologies.
• Experience with ITSM and systems management tools preferred.

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Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in IT-related field (Computer Science, Computer Networking, Programming, and Information Systems) required. Significant work experience in a directly related field combined with appropriate training/certificates may substitute for degree.
• Desired certifications include Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate or equivalent, Cisco Certified Network Associate or equivalent, Microsoft SharePoint Foundations or equivalent and ITIL Foundation Certified.
• Minimum of three years’ work experience in a position with similar responsibilities.
• Experience in introduction, design, implementation, and adoption of relevant technology and data management tools.

Required Languages:

• List languages required to perform the job is English

Travel:

• Must be willing and able to travel up to 75 %.

Disclaimer:

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

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.

Application Closing Date
26th January, 2022.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Note

• 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.
• CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
• CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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