Project Assistant - Liberia

Job Summary:

The Project Assistant will provide critical administrative, logistical, data management, and operational support to the LWEP Project team. The successful candidate will ensure seamless compliance with CRS standard operating procedures and policies to support timely planning and delivery of all project activities.

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

Administrative and Project Support

• Maintain a comprehensive project activity implementation tracking system.
•  Manage the scheduling for key project activities and organize and support meetings, workshops, consultations, field visits, and other engagement events, including preparing agendas, invitations, meeting materials, and minutes.
• Assist in collecting, compiling, and organizing project data and information required for monitoring, reporting, and donor compliance

• Support onboarding and coordination of newly hired project staff, consultants and visitors, including logistical and administrative arrangements.

  Logistics

• Support in the development of Travel and Accommodation Requests (TAR) for team members and follow up on approval and hotel arrangements for field-level travel. 
• Maintain inventory records of LWEP assets, equipment, and supplies, ensuring proper tracking, utilization, and safeguarding.
• Organize and file records of project-related procurement, travel, inventory, and other operational documentation for audit and compliance purposes.
• Coordinate the distribution and movement of project materials, equipment, and supplies to field locations and project sites.

• Provide logistical support during project events and field missions to ensure smooth and efficient implementation of activities.

  Payment Request Processing

• Timely initiate and raise all LWEP payment requests using CRS standard templates
• Review payment requests to ensure completeness, accuracy, and compliance with CRS financial policies 
• Attach all supporting documentation to payment requests and submit to finance for processing
• Follow up regularly with Finance and operations to ensure timely processing and disbursement of payments.
• Maintain proper filing systems to support project accountability, compliance, and reporting requirements

• Communicate payment status updates to relevant project team members and stakeholders as needed

  Stakeholder Engagement

• Support the development and maintenance of positive working relationships with LWEP consortium partners, the Ministry of Gender and Social Protection and local authorities, community representatives, and other relevant actors.
• Facilitate communication and coordination between project teams and stakeholders to ensure timely sharing of information, feedback, and updates on project activities.
• Maintain stakeholder contact databases and communication records to support effective engagement and follow-up actions with stakeholders. 
• Promote effective collaboration and partnerships that contribute to the successful implementation and visibility of the LWEP project.

Required Languages - English

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 20 %. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Strong administrative, organizational, and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and competing priorities. 
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and correspondence management. 
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, partners, community representatives, and project staff. 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams. 
•  Attention to detail and ability to ensure accuracy in financial, logistical, and administrative documentation. 
•   Understanding of procurement, logistics, travel coordination, and payment processing procedures. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: none

Key Working Relationships:  

Internal 

External  

Basic Qualifications 

• High School Diploma or Professional certificate in a relevant field
• Minimum of 1-3 years of relevant experience in project administration, operations, logistics, finance, grants management, or program support, preferably within an NGO, development, or humanitarian organization
•   Experience supporting donor-funded projects 
•  Experience processing payment requests, organizing events, coordinating logistics, and maintaining project documentation. 
•  Experience working with government institutions, community stakeholders, and implementing partners

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in agriculture, Agribusiness, Rural Development, Development Studies, Environmental Science, Project Management, Business Administration, or a related field preferred
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in project administration, operations, logistics, finance, grants management, or program support, preferably within an NGO, development, or humanitarian organization
• Experience working on livelihoods, agriculture, resilience, climate adaptation, natural resource management, or community development projects. 
• Familiarity with donor compliance requirements and project implementation procedures

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• 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.

What we offer

CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan.  Benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role.  CRS´ work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality.  Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.  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 safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.  The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. 

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

General Requirements

CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements.  All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.