Senior Project Officer – Field Implementation

About the role

Catholic Relief Services is seeking a Senior Project Officer to lead the field implementation of a multi‑county child development, care, and protection project in Malawi. The role involves coordinating with government counterparts, local partners, community structures, and faith‑based networks to strengthen child protection systems and improve early childhood outcomes.

Key responsibilities

• Organize and lead implementation of all assigned project activities in line with CRS quality standards and donor requirements.
• Ensure learning and accountability by coordinating project evaluations and guiding partners in reflective practices.
• Manage relationships with local stakeholders, serving as the primary liaison to mobilize actors and promote project impact.
• Conduct ad‑hoc inspections of processes and resources at project sites to ensure timely implementation and compliance with standards.
• Track resource use through periodic budget and milestone reviews, providing support to implementing partners.
• Coordinate capacity‑building and technical support activities to ensure adherence to project guidelines.
• Provide logistical and administrative support to staff and partners as needed.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing development projects in a humanitarian or child‑focused sector.
• Strong coordination and relationship‑management skills with government, NGOs, and community groups.
• Ability to analyze implementation challenges and recommend adjustments.
• Experience overseeing budgets, monitoring, and reporting.

Required skills