EDUCATION PROJECT OFFICER Catholic Relief Services

Catholic Relief Services is a global non-governmental Christian humanitarian and development organization with a special focus serving the needs of disadvantaged populations to ensure that the dignity of the human person is maintained regardless of race, religion, gender or color. Catholic Relief Service South Sudan Program wishes to recruit highly competent, proactive and self-driven persons (Sudanese National only) to fill the following positions, to be based in Juba Southern Sudan.

PURPOSE OF THE POSITION:
The Education Project Officer is required to work very closely with key personnel within the structure of the Ministry of Education, dioceses and other partner organizations in order to facilitate efficient and effective implementation of project activities. Capacity building of partners is an intrinsic component of all CRS partnerships. The Project Officer will facilitate the implementation of designated education rehabilitation projects closely linked with Peace building, Health, Water and Sanitation, and Agriculture in line with CRS’ Strategic Program Plan. This is a roving position and the Education Project Officer will be expected to manage activities in various parts of south Sudan as needed.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Management
 Manage education project activities in coordination with the Education Unit
 Visit on-going projects for purposes of monitoring and evaluation as needed
 Monitor project finances to ensure funds are being used according to the approved budget and project objectives
 Ensure assigned project activities are implemented as proposed and are meeting targeted objectives
 Oversee correct financial reporting on projects finances and request for payments or advances as per agreements
 Track and document project performance
 Submit and discuss progress reports with the Education Program Manager
 Oversee the close-out of designated projects
 Prepare project progress reports

Development
 Coordinate and manage capacity building initiatives for project stakeholders and partners
 Conduct field surveys/assessments with counterparts to determine needs and for procurement of baseline data
 Provide regular individualized and group support to teachers in schemes of work preparation, lesson plans, lesson presentation and teaching methodology and facilitate the formation of peer support groups and maintain mentoring record of teachers.
 Observe lesson presentations and provide feedback and recommendations to teachers for improvement through interactive methods.
 In coordination with the Parent Teacher Association (PTAs), County Education Office and school administration, device strategies to promote girls’ education.
 In coordination with the Parent Teacher Association (PTAs), County Education Office and school administration, device strategies to maintain daily and weekly reports/registers of teachers and pupils attendance, absenteeism and extra-curricular activities etc.
 In coordination with the Parent Teacher Association (PTAs) and school administration, encourage the habit of maintaining records such as minutes of meetings, school assets, class register, pupils academic performance records, disciplinary records, visitors records, financial records, copies of staff documents etc.
 In coordination with the Parent Teacher Association (PTAs), County Education Office and school administration, support schools to maintain records of materials resources (text books, furniture and other scholastic materials). Review the appropriate use and safe storage of the resources.
 In coordination with the Parent Teacher Association (PTAs), County Education Office and school administration, support school to develop development plans and PTA activities.
 Train and mentor Parent Teacher Association (PTAs).
 Provide technical support to the County Education Office and school administration to enhance delivery of quality education.
 Ensure that issues of gender, equity and justice monitored during the project implementation.

Emergency Response:
"The (Designation) may be called upon as part of their roles and responsibilities to participate and/ or provide support in emergency response situations when and where required in consultation with their supervisor."

Key Working Relationships:
Internal/External:
 Liaise closely with designated project counterparts
 Liaise with relevant agencies (UN/OLS, SPLM secretariat of Education other NGOs, etc.)
 Assist with counterpart capacity building exercises
 Assist with counterpart approach to accountability and reporting requirements through guidance and instruction

Minimum Qualifications/Experience
 A minimum of three years’ experience in program design, implementation, monitoring and evaluation
 Bachelor’s degree in Education or related field
 Experience working with communities at the grass root level
 Excellent written and oral communication skills
 Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving and diplomatic skills
 Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously
 Proficient in the use of MS Office programs
 Flexibility, resourcefulness and initiative required
 Knowledge and exposure to southern Sudan education sector strongly preferred
 Previous experience working in southern Sudan is highly desirable
 Knowledge of Arabic and other local languages desirable

Application letters and CVs together with the names of three professional referees, should reach the undersigned not later than Saturday 20th August, 2011. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Human Resources Manager
Catholic Relief Services –
Southern Sudan program, Juba Office
OR by E-mail to: jobapps@crssudan.org

CRS Sudan Program is an equal-opportunity employer. In making employment decisions it does not discriminate on the basis of gender, ethnicity, religion or political affiliation.