School Liaison Officer

Job Description

CRS JOB ADVERT – INTERNAL/EXTERNAL 

CRS is recruiting for X1 Position: School Liaison Officer. 

If you are interested and your profile matches the requirements, please read the below job descriptions, and follow the instructions to submit your application package.  

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 Title: School Liaison Officer 

Department: Mc Govern Dole Education Program 

Reports To: Senior Project Officer 

Country: CRS-Sierra Leone.  

Duty Location: CRS Kabala Office with 70% travel to the field 

Job Summary:  

As a member of the McGovern-Dole International Food for Education and Child Nutrition project-All  Pikin for Learn IV (APFL IV) project team, you will monitor and report on all project activities in support  of Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable. Your thorough and service oriented approach will ensure that the project consistently applies best practices and constantly  works towards improving the impact of its benefits to those we serve.  

Roles and Key Responsibilities:  

• Support the coordination and 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.  
• Monitor and report any challenges and/or gaps identified to inform adjustments to plans and  implementation schedules. Assist partners in their efforts to reflect on project experiences. 
• Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and assisting  partners in their efforts to collect and analyze project data per specified mechanisms and  tools. Collaborate with local partner(s) to prepare reports per established reporting schedule. 
• •Complete project documentation for assigned activities. Assist with identifying information  for case studies and reports on promising practices.  

Specific Responsibilities:  

• Oversee the activities of APFL IV project Field Coordinators in all project communities. 
• Work with project staff to monitor and collect appropriate indicators for project success such  as attendance and enrolment records and develop systems for collecting and analyzing data. 
• Work with teachers, SMCs, and local stakeholders to troubleshoot problems for each project  school related to project implementation.
• Ensure that beneficiary schools provide the necessary resources to prepare and serve daily  meals and adhere to food preparation, hygiene and sanitation standards established by the  project. Support cascading of training of communities, teachers and students on proper use  and maintenance of school infrastructures. 
• Conduct regular visits to schools to monitor project activities and prepare reports and success  stories.  
• The school liaison officer will support strategic partnerships by providing top-quality advice,  facilitate effective knowledge management, and provide technical assistance to project  planning, coordination, monitoring and reporting at all levels.  
• Act as contact points for each Chiefdom where CRS intervenes and oversee the activities of  the field coordinators in the respective chiefdoms.  
• Keep lists of agencies or personnel representing CRS in Project schools Communities and build  on the partnerships to facilitate project implementation.  
• facilitate meetings and cooperation between CRS and its stakeholders in the chiefdom.  

Basic Qualifications  

• Bachelor’s degree in social studies or equivalent.  
• Minimum of 4 years of work experience in project support. Experience in the field of Food Aid programs with a focus on education, Health and Nutrition, WASH, Agriculture, and  experience with INGO and USG programs would be a plus.  
• Additional education may substitute for some experience.  

Required Languages – English Language and Creole  

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 40 % of the time in often difficult terrain.  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Observation, active listening, and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment. 
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and  community members.  
• Attention to details, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities. 
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented.  

Preferred Qualifications  

• Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement. 
• • Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data preferred.  
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).  Supervisory Responsibilities: All field coordinators in his/her assigned chiefdom  

Key Working Relationships:  

Internal: Health and Nutrition Senior Project Officer, Education Quality Coordinator  External: SMCs, Local authorities in each chiefdom, project stakeholders in the chiefdom under  his/her supervision. 

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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 

***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.  

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 safeguarding-related  topics. 

WOMEN ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. CRS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER 

To apply for this position please send up-to-date CV and a supporting letter, copies of relevant  certificates to email, SL_HR@crs.org 

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. 

Also send a copy of your application package to the desk Officers, Ministry of Employment and Social  Security, New England and Extension Offices in Applicants’ Locations 

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

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults  from abuse and exploitation. 

Closing Date for the receipt of application packages is 4th January 2025.