CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES LESOTHO
CAREER OPPORTUNITY
Job Title: Community Development Specialist
Department: Programs
Reports To: Project Manager – Economic Inclusion Program
Location: Maseru, Lesotho
NB: THIS POSITION IS CONTINGENT TO FUNDING AWARD BY THE DONOR
CRS Background
Catholic Relief Services (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 and nutrition, WASH, agriculture and food security, education, microfinance, peacebuilding and Integrated Catchment Management (ICM).
CRS is currently seeking qualified, experienced, dynamic, and highly motivated candidates for a Community Development Specialist position to support Implementation of an Economic Inclusion Program under the anticipated Pathways to Sustainable Livelihoods Project (P177814) – (RFP No: LS-MOSD-347733-CS-QBS) based in Lesotho managed by MoGYSCA&SD under World Bank funding.
Job Summary
The Community Development Specialist will be responsible for planning, management, coordination and implementation of community level activities for EIP working both with groups and individual target beneficiaries. The key community level activities will include capacity building, improving access to essential services through referrals, coaching and mentorship among others.
ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Support formation and mentorship of community groups (e.g. SILC or VSLA groups, farmer groups etc.) formed by target beneficiaries for them to improve their access to resources (e.g. finance) which will then bolster the livelihoods of their households.
- Develop contextualised and culturally appropriate community development training material for respective groups of target beneficiaries.
- Organise community gatherings in five target community councils (Metsi Maholo Tosing, Thaba Mokhele, Bolahla and Phuthiatsana) for sensitization of the target beneficiaries about the EIP services.
- Facilitate referrals and linkages of the target beneficiaries or members of their households with relevant services or programs (government, non-governmental organization, private sector, or other) for which they are eligible but are not accessing, that can improve their well-being as well as their human capital outcomes (health and nutrition for example, others), or support them in case of a future set-back.
- Support community groups (e.g. Farmer Groups) on issues including how to improve access to markets, where to buy inputs for agricultural activities, how to choose suppliers, or where to sell their goods working together with subject matter consultants.
- Ensure that gender and youth participation approaches are included in all community level activities of the EIP.
- Compile project progress and training reports for community development EIP service area in a timely manner and share with the Project Manager and other key stakeholders,
- Support development of the project annual implementation plan and budget and ensure that Community Development service area activities and budget allocations are relevant and adequate.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
- Specialist in community development must possess at minimum a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in social science or in a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in training, mentoring, facilitating and supporting youth and/or community members, preferably in sub-Saharan Africa.
- Knowledge of proven approaches and best practices for integrating women and youth, and other disadvantaged populations into community development programs.
- Excellent organizational skills, teamwork and ability to prioritize tasks in a timely manner.
- Strong interpersonal, communication and organizational skills as well as good judgment and vision.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Sound coordination skills and a demonstrated ability to multi-task.
- Demonstrates diplomacy, flexibility, and resourcefulness.
- Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
- Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Languages:
- Excellent written and spoken Sesotho and English
Submission
Please note that the position is only open to applicants who are Citizens of Lesotho. Interested Basotho candidates should submit their CV and cover letter indicating salary expectations, no later than 6th April 2023 at 14:00 by email to [email protected] with the subject line COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST. If the subject line does not indicate the position, the applicant will not be considered.
HARD COPY APPLICATIONS NOT ACCEPTED. ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.
Please be advised that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further, all successful candidates will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and their personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate their behaviors related to the above safeguarding-related topics.
CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer