Senior Project Officer

CRS Philippines was established in 1945 and is the longest-running CRS country program in the world.  Currently, CRS Philippines focuses its work on social cohesion, emergency response, climate change and disaster risk reduction, women engagement and local leadership.  The Philippines country program operates with staff across offices and areas in Manila, Cotabato, Davao, Iloilo, Bohol, Albay and Catanduanes. CRS works through a national network of partners and collaborates closely with local, municipal, and national government agencies. The Country Program also provides support to CRS's work in the Federated States of Micronesia, and has drawn international recognition for the impact, timeliness, and innovation of its programs and approaches.

About the ALLRight Project

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Philippines, in partnership with Caritas Philippines Foundation, Inc (CPFI) received support from CRS head office to implement an initiative under the Advance Local Leadership in the Right Way (ALLRight) Funds. This 35-month project, from 01 August 2024 to 30 June 2027, is designed to enhance CPFI's human resource (HR) system as a critical step in advancing its national leadership aspirations within the Catholic social development sector.

The initiative recognizes that a strong and responsive HR system is essential for CPFI to effectively carry out its mission and scale its impact. This project is designed to support long-term institutional growth and ensure alignment with the organization's mission that will foster a workplace environment that will cultivate a Catholic values-driven culture and promote improvement within the organization and its employees. 

• The Senior Project Officer serves as a key liaison among CRS, CPFI, and ALLRight project stakeholders, including the hired consultant. She/he will ensure smooth coordination, timely communication, and efficient execution of project activities. 
• This role involves managing relationships with CPFI staff and senior leadership, overseeing HR coordination, facilitating workshops and meetings, and ensuring compliance with financial and reporting requirements. 
• Provide accompaniment to CPFI HR Manager towards the development and implementation of HR policies and procedures.
• Support the design and implementation of HR-related training-workshops, and help facilitate these.
• The SPO plays a central role in organizing project steering committee meetings, supporting HR and finance operations, and leading quarterly reflections and reporting processes.

Stakeholder Coordination

• Coordinate with CPFI ALLRight staff and executive leadership on project concerns.
• Maintain communication with CPFI ALLRight Project Coordinator, Human Resource Manager, Human Resource Officer and Finance Manager for project-related matters.
• Liaise with CRS Philippines Head of HR and HROD Consultant for technical HR guidance and supervision.
• Coordinate with CRS MEAL Officer for ALLRight reporting and MEAL requirements
• Coordinate with CRS Finance Officer and CPFI Finance Manager to ensure timely submission of financial reports and ensure compliance with requirements.
• Coordinate with SCM for procurement concerns, including processing and approval of Subrecipient Agreement for CPFI.
• Guide CPFI in developing and tracking detailed implementation plans and budget

Communication & Messaging

• Use email to formalize communications related to the project implementation, finance compliance and activity coordination.
• Use Telegram, text messages, call and group chats to follow up on activities, share updates, and highlight important messages.

Meeting & Event Management

• Schedule and organize Quarterly Project Steering Committee meetings and act as secretariat for the meetings
• Initiate regular check-in meetings with CPFI and provide guidance to CPFI team on the conduct of activities according to the approved Detailed Implementation Plan.

Reporting & Documentation

• Co-lead Quarterly Reflection sessions and draft required bi-annual reflection reports
• Initiate report creation including internal reviews

Monitoring & Support

• Attend finance monitoring and exit meetings.
• Organize monthly check-in calls with HROD Consultant to track progress and address challenges.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's Degree required. Degree in Human Resources, Psychology, or Organizational Development is desired
• Minimum 4 years of project management support experience preferably with an international NGO
• Experience in partner capacity strengthening and participatory methods
• Knowledge of human resource practices, i.e. performance management, compensation and benefits, recruitment and selection, talent management, team development, etc.
• Skilled in designing and facilitating meetings and training
• Staff supervision experience is a plus
• Budgeting and computing skills
• Documentation skills
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Personal Skills and Attributes 

• Excellent relationship building and management skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-driven
• Observation, active listening and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Team player, self-motivated and innovative
• Respectful of diverse faiths, cultures, and backgrounds

Language Requirements

• Fluent in written and spoken Filipino and English

Travel Requirements

• Occasional travel to Tagaytay may be required

Key Working Relationship

• Supervisory: None
• External: CPFI
• Internal: Program Manager, Country Representative, CRS staff, including Human Resources, MEAL, Supply Chain Management, Finance, Operations

Agency REDI 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.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.