About CRS

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. We welcome as a part of our people of all faiths and Secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.

Job Summary:

As a member of the CRS Sudan Community Resilience (Agriculture) project, 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 CRS’s work serving the poor and vulnerable.  You will provide technical support and oversight into Agribusiness focused on private sector engagement and SME financing including contracting and signing agreements with SMEs to provide input and services, value addition and processing at the market level of production.   

You will manage relationships with project targeted SMEs, and support market research to stay up to date on business trends, markets and strategies to enrich the agribusiness sector of the project.  You will be working closely with the agribusiness actors, especially the SMEs, markets and will facilitate the achievement of project objectives through coordinating and reporting on all project activities and ensure close follow-ups on SME fund utilizations. 

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Co-lead and support 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. 
• Support SME funding mechanisms in collaboration with the SPO Agribusinesses and PSE Manager, especially SME mobilization, community mobilization, solicitation, due diligence, contracting and providing individual follow-up. 
• Support in all assessments related to SMEs; market research (analyze production price, competitors, efficiency of sales strategies, etc.)
• Ensure that all grant and contract documentation assembled is complete before submission for finalization, including organizing physical and online information sessions for potential applicants. 
• Build and maintain a close relationship with SMEs and Farmers organizations to identify bottlenecks and ensure effective solutions.  Facilitate linkages between SMEs, farmers, buyers and uptake markets.
• Provide accompaniment to SMEs during their business start-up, providing individual follow-up as well as organizing monthly meetings to reinforce training topics and facilitate peer exchange of experience.
• Provide technical support to partners and project staff in relation to agribusiness development activities in the project 

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, business management, Agricultural Economics, or in a similar field is preferred. 
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in large or a complex project in Sudan, ideally in the field of Agribusiness activities and value chain development (this could be outside of non-profit organizations)
• Additional experience may substitute for some education.
• Experience as an agricultural loans officer is an added advantage
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Experience in high quality assessments, monitoring projects and collecting relevant data.

Required Languages - Fluent written and spoken Arabic and professional level of written and spoken English required.

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 70% to project areas.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to make sound judgment and decisions and offer innovative solutions
• Strong relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.
• Good presentation and facilitation skills
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented
• Ability to write good quality reports.
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience in participatory planning process, and community engagement
• Experience engaging with partner organizations
• MEAL skills and experience required.
• Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems.

Agency 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.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

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

What We Offer: 

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting men, women, boys and girls safe from abuse, exploitation, and harm. 

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply for this position, especially those from marginalized and people with disabilities backgrounds

CRS's emphasis on family values supports benefits, including maternity and paternity leave, policies that promote exclusive breastfeeding, the availability of a crèche at

the office, and flexible working hours where possible.

 CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Submission location: - 

If interested, please submit a cover letter, resume and copies of your education and work certificates to Lobour Office - Wad Madani, Al Gazira Ensure that your cover letter or resume has a phone number where you can be reached.