Job Summary: 

CRS through fund support from Coca-Cola Foundation Philippines and The Coca-Cola Foundation Atlanta is implementing the Iloilo Water Resilience Project. The IWARI Project is a three-year initiative aimed at enhancing water availability from the Tigum-Aganan Watershed (TAW) and Iloilo-Batiano River (IBR) for the sustained benefit of upstream and downstream communities, including Iloilo City.

One of the key emerging deliverables of the project is the establishment of Nature Based Solution in the communities enhancing climate resilience and fostering inclusive development across the watershed areas. By integrating ecological approaches—such as rainwater harvesting and green infrastructure, NBS helps restore natural hydrological cycles, improve water quality, and mitigate the impacts of flooding and drought.

The Senior Project Officer will be the Outcome 2 lead which is to provide strategic and operational support to the remaining deliverables of Outcome 2 of the Iloilo Water Resilience Initiative (IWARI). 

Roles and Key Responsibilities:  

The Outcome 2 lead of the IWARI project will be fully accountable for all Outcome 2 deliverables of the project. Including but not limited to: 

1. Establishment of Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)
   • Implement targeted NBS interventions within the IWARI site, covering both the Tigum-Aganan Watershed and the Iloilo-Batiano River System.
   • Activities may include reforestation, rain water harvesting, small water reservoir, and other green infrastructure to enhance ecosystem services and water resource management.
2. Data Collection for Volumetric Water Conservation
   • Secure DED, Plans and volumetric computation.
   • Use collected data to calculate potential water savings and conservation volumes attributable to NBS interventions.
3. Collaboration with Consultants and Engineers
   • Engage with technical experts to prepare detailed engineering designs, specifications, and documentation required for bidding and construction.
   • Ensure alignment with regulatory standards and project objectives.
4. Review and Quality Assurance of Consultant Outputs
   • Perform thorough technical and editorial reviews of consultant reports and deliverables.
   • Ensure accuracy, completeness, and compliance with project requirements and environmental standards.
5. Implementation of Sustainability Mechanisms
   • Develop and integrate long-term sustainability strategies, including maintenance plans, community stewardship models, and funding mechanisms.
   • Ensure that interventions remain effective and beneficial beyond the project lifecycle.
6. Community Engagement and Acceptance
   • Conduct stakeholder consultations, awareness campaigns, and participatory planning sessions.
   • Secure buy-in and support from local communities to ensure the success and sustainability of implemented projects.

Basic Qualifications  

• Preferably with master’s degree related to water management, environmental science and other related fields
• Has 5-10 years of experience in project management, and project coordination.
• Has a diverse and rich experience on coordinating, communicating, and developing partnerships with Local Government Units (LGUs) and stakeholders
• Knowledge on local government planning processes.
• Preferably with experience on water/watershed management projects
• Able to join fieldworks on watersheds and government offices concerned
• Capable of facilitating high-level discussions in a short but concise manner; prioritizes audience engagement and applies teaching methods that are effective to breakdown technical matters into practical and easily understandable materials
• With ability to work independently, effectively, and efficiently even in a short period of time, and fast-changing environment
• Adaptive, accountable, and displays teamwork attitude

Required Languages – English and Filipino /Conversant in Hiligaynon is an advantage.

Travel - Must be willing and able to do field work in the Province and City of Iloilo.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities   

• Good time management skills with ability to work on multiple tasks and diverse teams
• Strong customer service orientation with good communication and interpersonal skills 
• Proactive, creative, resourceful, solutions oriented and results-oriented 

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. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: None 

Key Working Relationships:  CRS Team – HoP, PM, IWARI project team, LGU partners 

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.