CRS Moldova is hiring Project Officer Accommodation

Job Title: Project Officer Accommodation

Department: Shelter

Reports To: Project Manager Accommodation

Contract Duration: 6 months, with the opportunity to extend

Country/Location: Chisinau, Moldova

*This position is pending donor approval and funding confirmation.

 IAbout 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 Summary:

The CRS Moldova Accommodation Program has been addressing the housing needs of refugees from Ukraine since February 2022. This program is the leading initiative focusing on housing outside of Refugee Accommodation Centers (RACs) in Moldova, offering multiple housing options to the most vulnerable refugees based on their unique needs. The program has provided support to both host families and refugees, including assistance to improve homes to reach minimum housing standards; rental and utility support; and winterization assistance. A core component of the program is focused on light rehabilitation of apartments and houses in both rural and urban areas, bringing them up to minimum standards to accommodate refugees from Ukraine.

As a member of the CRS Moldova project team, and in close coordination with Caritas Moldova, you will assist project implementation in support of Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work to serve conflict-affected Ukrainians in Moldova. This role is focused on coordination and implementation of shelter repairs and rehabilitation. Your thorough and service-oriented approach will ensure that the project consistently applies best practices and constantly works towards improving the impact and benefits to those we serve.

CRS is hiring for this position for 6 months, with the opportunity to extend. 

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Support the coordination and implementation of all small repairs activities 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.
• Collect information on staff capacity needs and technical assistance needs of partner organizations and monitor capacity building and technical support activities to ensure effective impact.
• Complete project documentation for assigned activities. Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices.
• Support logistical and administrative implementation of project activities when needed, including preparing purchasing and payment documents.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably (but not required) in a related field such as Engineering/Architecture
• Minimum of one year of work experience in project support. Experience in the field of construction and for an NGO would be a plus.
• Additional relevant experience may substitute for some education.

Required Languages – Written and spoken proficiency in English and Romanian required. Proficiency in Ukrainian and/or Russian is a plus.

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel within Moldova, including to border areas, up to 60% (transportation is provided by CRS).

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Communicates strategically under pressure
• 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 one or more of the following areas: Engineering, Architecture, Design, Shelter Programming,

• Experience collaborating with construction companies, including managing contracts and overseeing repair or construction projects.
• 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).

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

Supervisory Responsibilities: Project Assistant

 Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Project Manager, other project team, Chief of Party, Operations Manager, Technical Advisors

External: Caritas Moldova staff, Ministry of Labor and Social Protection officials, local government officials, community and Church leaders, UNHCR, cluster coordination coordinators

***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.

 Disclaimers: 

• 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.
• CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer; CRS is always looking for qualified, diverse and compelling candidates to join our agency and support our great work.
• 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 the above safeguarding-related topics. 
• Please note that applications will be continuously reviewed, and CRS reserves the right to close the vacancy before the deadline once a suitable candidate is identified.
• We thank all applicants for their interest, however only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

 Interested candidates are welcome to apply by sending their CV with email to crsapplicationsmd@crs.org mentioning in the subject line the title of the position “Project Officer Accommodation”.