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 Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable.  You will provide technical support and implementation oversight on activities related to Farmers Producer Organizations (FPOs), including developing the production plan by each FPOs and “contracting / and signing of agreements” through SME financing, coordinating and reporting on all project activities and ensure close follow-ups. You will maintain relationships with project targeted FPOs, conduct market research to stay up to date on production trends, markets, commodity prices and strategies to enrich the FPOs/Production sector of the project. 

You will be working and coordinating closely with the project stakeholders and local partners and reporting on all project activities and ensuring close follow-ups on production.

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 FPOs in collaboration with the Senior Project officers & Project Private Sector Engagement Manager ensuring FPO mobilization, community mobilization, fund solicitation, due diligence, contracting and follow-ups.   
• Co-lead in all assessments of FPOs; regular market research (analyze production price, agricultural inputs, competitors, efficiency of sales strategies, etc.)
• Ensure that all grant and contract documentation assembled are complete before submission for finalization, including supporting physical and online information sessions for potential applicants. 
• Build and maintain close relationships with Farmers organizations and SMEs to identify bottlenecks and ensure effective solutions. 
• Support all FPOs and partners and SME grantees in promoting, market uptake, production and climate smart technologies and innovation solutions along the value chains.
• Proactively identify any barriers against the uptake of climate smart agricultural best practices and inform the SPOs and PSE managers with recommendations for smallholder farmers, SMEs and financial institutions. 
• Co-lead and support the FPOs training and coaching programs for FPOs (including women and youth), extension services providers (public, private, NGOs etc.), and SMEs on climate-proofing agricultural production systems for selected value chains, including ESMP related activities.
• Support in the inclusion of inclusive and innovative water and energy efficient technologies.
• Participate in partnership and collaboration meetings and events in the areas of climate-smart agriculture.
• Complete project documentation for assigned activities. Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices.

Basic Qualifications

• A degree in International Development, Agriculture/ Agribusiness, Economics, or in a similar field is preferred. 
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in the field of demonstrated experience with climate smart agriculture innovations, ideally in the field of Agribusiness activities and value chain development (this could be outside of non-profit organizations, in a large project with INGOs/UN in the fragile context like Sudan
• Additional experience may substitute for some education.
• Experience in working directly with the FPOs, especially in production planning, marketing 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.
• Experience in managing relations with multiple stakeholders would be a plus. 

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, especially in assessments, data quality and reporting.
• 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.