| Job Title: Field Project Officer | Reports to: Project Manager |
| Department: Programs | Salary Grade: 5 |
Background
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) works to 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 livelihoods, education (ECD), microfinance and peacebuilding.
Background of Ke Ngoana Rona Project
Building on the success of the “Ke Ngoana Rona” project (2022–2025), which supported 30 play-based Daycare Centres (DCCs) and reached 780 children under four in Leribe and Maseru districts, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) will implement the “Ke Ngoana Rona 2” continuation project. This phase aims to expand and strengthen a resilient and sustainable early childhood care system in Lesotho by continuing to support the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) and Daycare Centre Caregivers in 50 DCCs..
Job Summary
As a member of the Catalyzing Quality, Sustainable and Replicable Daycare Services in Lesotho project team, the Field Project Officer upon his/her capacity will support the Project Manager and contribute towards advancing CRS work in serving the poor and vulnerable. Your coordination skills and knowledge while achieving planned project activities as per the Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) will be critical for the country program to deliver quality childcare and Early Childhood Development (ECD) services in three districts of Lesotho. You will train Daycare Centre Caregivers, monitor 50 Daycare Centres, and report on all project activities in support of Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) and The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET). Your thorough and service-oriented approach will ensure that the project consistently applies best practices and constantly works towards improving the impact of its benefits to those we serve.
Roles and Key Responsibilities
- Organize and facilitate all project training and project activities scheduled as per Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP) and support all relevant stakeholders including the Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) in the project to attain the Ke Ngoana Rona goal.
- Conduct baseline activities and evaluation assessments in project areas and ECCD centres and produce quality data.
- Support the coordination and 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.
- Mobilize, create awareness and facilitate participation, form Saving and Internal Lending in Communities (SILC) groups that are viable for a stable income and improved livelihoods of Daycare Centre Caregivers, parents and ensure availability of quality reports monthly.
- Closely support and train the Private Service Providers (PSPs) and ensure smooth project implementation and quality reporting by compiling monthly report.
- Monitor Daycare Centres and report on any challenges and/or gaps identified to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules.
- Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and assisting MEAL in efforts to collect and analyze project data per specified mechanisms and tools.
- Conduct monitoring visits in areas under his/her scope and contribute toward quality data collections that help MEAL to track progress and project challenges
- Complete project documentation for assigned activities. Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices.
- Support in preparing procurement plans and requisitions and ensure accountability and smooth project implementation.
- Establish and maintain existing relationships in communities, government ministries and private sector.
- Participate in project meetings, events at local, district and national activities.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in education or Bachelor’s Degree in Consumer Science or Bachelor’s Degree in Adult Education or Bachelor’s Degree in Pre-schools Foundation.
- Minimum of 4-5 years of work experience in project support in Non-Governmental Organization.
- Experience in participatory action planning, supportive supervision or community engagement.
- At least 1 year experience training Daycare Centres Caregivers, parents and monitoring Daycare Centres.
- Must be trained in Savings and Internal Lending in Communities (SILC), formed SILC groups, supervised and knowledgeable in data collection.
- Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data preferred.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Proficient in using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
- 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 particularly government ministries, health centres and community members.
- Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to work under pressure, multi-task and meet deadlines
- Good facilitation and community mobilization skills
- Ability to work independently with minimal supervision
- Ability to produce quality reports
- Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented
Required languages
- Fluency in Sesotho and English
Travel
- This work is fully (80%) community and district based.
- Must be willing to travel within 2 or 3 districts monthly (e.g Berea, Maseru and Leribe)
- Must be willing to stay in Berea or Maseru
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Supervise Private Service Providers (PSPs)
Submission:
Please note that the position is only open to applicants who are Citizens of Lesotho. Interested Basotho candidates should submit their CV, cover letter, Certified copies of Education certificates and ID in one pdf document not later than 1st December 2025 at 10:00am by email to [email protected] with the subject line: CHILD CARE AND ECD OFFICER. If the subject line does not indicate the position, the application will not be considered. HARD COPY APPLICATIONS NOT ACCEPTED. ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.
CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.