Project Officer – Nutrition (Based at Semera, Afar Region)

Job Vacancy: Project Officer – Nutrition (Based at Semera, Afar Region)

Organization: Catholic Relief Services (CRS)
Website: https://crs.org
Location: Semera, Afar Region, Ethiopia
Employment Type: Full-time
Term of Employment: Until February 28, 2026
Job Grade: 7
Reports To: Senior Project Officer – Nutrition
Department: Joint Emergency Operation Program (JEOP) – CRS Ethiopia
Application Link: Apply Here
Expected Start Date: November 1, 2025

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS operates in more than 80 countries providing emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding programs.

In Ethiopia, CRS has supported vulnerable communities for nearly 60 years through disaster relief, recovery, and resilience programs. The Joint Emergency Operation Program (JEOP) provides emergency food assistance to households affected by drought and food insecurity. Since 2023, JEOP has integrated emergency nutrition interventions to prevent and treat moderate and severe acute malnutrition (MAM and SAM) through the distribution of therapeutic foods, community screening, referrals, and Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC).

CRS leads the nutrition consortium with partners including CARE, GOAL, World Vision, Food for the Hungry, ORDA-Ethiopia (ORDAE), and the Relief Society of Tigray (REST).

Job Summary

The Project Officer – Nutrition will monitor and support the implementation of emergency nutrition activities in Afar. The role focuses on SAM case management, nutrition data collection, capacity building of health workers, and coordination with local government and partner organizations.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and implement assigned nutrition activities per CRS program standards and donor requirements.
• Monitor partner capacity and technical assistance needs, ensuring effective impact.
• Provide technical support for nutrition data management and ensure data quality.
• Monitor and ensure quality of services at health facilities, including SAM treatment, referrals, and IYCF-E.
• Conduct on-the-job training for health workers and outreach staff on screening, assessment, and SAM management.
• Engage with Woreda Health Offices to identify training gaps and provide tools for improved SAM case management.
• Conduct routine monitoring visits to health facilities, report gaps, and recommend corrective actions.
• Ensure therapeutic food supplies are adequate and pre-positioned as planned.
• Collect, compile, and analyze nutrition data for reporting to stakeholders.
• Maintain electronic records, develop databases, and ensure data integrity.
• Produce visual reports such as maps, charts, and infographics to communicate nutrition trends.
• Support the Senior Project Officer in preparing accurate project reports.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

• BSc in Health, Nutrition, or related field with at least 2 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in project monitoring, data collection, and reporting preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong observation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build relationships and collaborate with local partners and communities.
• Detail-oriented, proactive, and results-driven.
• Commitment to quality and timely execution of responsibilities.

Language Requirements:

• Fluent in English and Afar’af (spoken and written).

Travel Requirements:

• Frequent travel (60–80%) to JEOP implementation sites.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

What CRS Offers

• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and retirement plan.
• Collaborative, mission-driven work culture committed to serving vulnerable communities.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, welcoming candidates of all faiths and secular backgrounds who share our values.

CRS emphasizes safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people, especially children and vulnerable adults, ensuring they live free from abuse and harm.