Breastfeeding Project Officer

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Breastfeeding Project Officer

(Based in Vientiane Capital)

This position is available to LAO nationals only

 About CRS

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, 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, nutrition, health, agriculture, education, environment, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Job Summary

As a member of the health and nutrition team, you will help organize, monitor and report on all project activities in support of Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable. 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

• 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.
• Monitor and report on any challenges and/or gaps identified to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules. Assist partners in their efforts to reflect on project experiences.
• Support accountability by coordinating project data collection and evaluation activities. Collaborate with partner(s) to prepare reports per established reporting schedule.
• Coordinate and support quality improvement activities in central, provincial and hospitals using health system strengthening, professional coaching, adult learning, and social behavior change approaches.
• Support technical advisory activities with MOH Stakeholders responsible for breastfeeding-related service delivery, quality, and monitoring, including development or improvement of guidelines, handbooks, job aids, and training packages.
• Collect information on capacity needs and technical assistance needs of partners and monitor capacity building and technical support activities to ensure effective impact.
• Complete project documentation for assigned activities. Assist with identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree relevant to the area
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience in project support.
• Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data preferred.

• Experience in the field of maternal and child health and nutrition and for an NGO would be a plus.
• Experience supporting breastfeeding promotion and protection activities
• Experience directly implementing Health Systems Strengthening activities with health facility and/or national MOH stakeholders. 

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 and community members
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented

Required Languages: Fluency in Lao; Professional English Preferred

Travel: Must be willing to travel in Laos up to 30% as needed

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

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 responsibilities 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 principles.

APPLICATION INFORMATION: To apply for this position, please submit an application letter stating your expression of interest along with your most current CV by email to LA_HR@crs.org

Closing date for applications: 03 July 2026. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

CRS’s talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer