Project Assistant at Church World Service Tanzania

Position Title: Project Assistant

Reports To: Project Manager

Supervises: None

Division: Church World Service Africa

Department: Humanitarian & Development

Team: Tanzania

Job Location: Tabora, Tanzania

Grade Level: Job grade 3, National

Introduction

Church World Service (CWS) is a not-for-profit, faith-based organization transforming communities around the globe through just and sustainable solutions to hunger, poverty, displacement and disaster. CWS does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, genetic information, age, disability or veteran status in employment or in the provision of services.

Primary Purpose

The Project Assistant reports to the Project Manager and supports the effective implementation of Food Security and Livelihood activities at field level. The role contributes to project delivery through community engagement, technical support to beneficiaries, accurate documentation and reporting, and the provision of safe and reliable transportation for staff and project materials, as required.

Key Relationships

The Project Assistant will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and delivery of project activities.

Internal to CWS

• Line managers and supervisor
• Project staff across CWS Africa
• All relevant CWS RSC Africa staff
  

External

• Community members, local government authorities, agricultural extension officers, and local partners
  

Working Environment

• The position is primarily field-based and requires regular travel within the project area.
  

Responsibilities

Project Implementation and Extension Services 30%

• Support the implementation of Food Security and Livelihood activities in accordance with approved work plans, project objectives, and organizational procedures.
• Conduct regular field visits to support activity delivery, monitor progress, and provide timely assistance to beneficiaries.
• Facilitate community meetings, training sessions, awareness activities, and farmer group engagements to promote project objectives and encourage participation.
• Provide technical support to farmers and vulnerable households on crop production, poultry and livestock management, beekeeping, and other livelihood activities.
• Train and mentor farmer groups, lead farmers, and project participants on livestock management, animal health, feeding practices, breeding, disease prevention, and other relevant technical topics.
• Facilitate and coordinate farmer trainings on Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), Good Animal Husbandry Practices (GAHP), and other sustainable livelihood practices.
• Promote the adoption of improved agricultural and livestock production practices, including sweet potato cultivation, poultry production and management, and beekeeping.
• Support the formation, strengthening, and effective functioning of community groups and producer groups, including Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs), and facilitate linkages to relevant service providers and markets.
• Identify challenges affecting project implementation or beneficiary participation and address or escalate them appropriately in coordination with the supervisor.
• Participate in beneficiary identification, assessments, surveys, monitoring, and evaluation activities, as required.
• Mobilize communities and support demonstrations, trainings, and follow-up visits to strengthen adoption of project interventions.
• Promote inclusive, accountable, and safe programming practices in all field activities.
• Provide real-time technical support through group and household visits and ensure the timely completion of assigned activities.
  

Monitoring, reporting and Data Management 15%

• Collect, verify, and maintain accurate beneficiary and project activity data.
• Maintain complete, up-to-date, and well-organized records of project activities, farmer groups, and field documentation.
• Assist in the preparation and timely submission of weekly, monthly, and activity-specific reports and work plans.
• Support baseline, mid-term, end-line, and other monitoring and evaluation activities, including surveys, field assessments, and training evaluations, as required.
• Participate in monitoring visits, follow-up activities, and field assessments to support effective implementation and reporting.
• Report field challenges, risks, and implementation issues promptly to the supervisor.
• Ensure project files and records are organized, complete, and accessible to support accurate tracking and reporting.
  

Coordination and representation 15%

• Communicate project objectives, requirements, timelines, procedures, and feedback mechanisms clearly to beneficiaries and community stakeholders.
• Collaborate with local government authorities, agricultural extension officers, community leaders, and other partners to support effective project implementation.
• Maintain strong working relationships with ward and village leadership, extension officers, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Represent CWS professionally at community- and field-level meetings and engagements, as delegated by the supervisor.
• Identify, document, and share good practices, lessons learned, and implementation challenges arising from field activities.
  

Administrative and operational support 10%

• Assist in organizing trainings, meetings, workshops, field visits, and other project events.
• Maintain project files, records, and supporting documentation in an orderly and confidential manner.
• Support the procurement, receipt, delivery, and distribution of approved project supplies and materials.
• Collect and deliver official documents and correspondence, as required.
• Provide additional office and field-based administrative support as assigned.
  

Transportation and vehicle management 20%

• Operate project vehicles safely, responsibly, and only for authorized official activities.
• Provide safe, reliable, and timely transport for staff and authorized materials.
• Conduct daily and routine vehicle inspections and promptly report any faults, maintenance needs, incidents, or mechanical issues.
• Maintain accurate vehicle logbooks, movement records, fuel usage records, and service documentation.
• Ensure assigned vehicles remain clean, fueled, roadworthy, and compliant with all legal and organizational requirements.
• Always comply with traffic laws and CWS transport and road safety policies.
  

Additional Responsibilities 10%

• Comply with organizational policies, procedures, and safeguarding standards.
• Promote the safety, security, and proper use of project assets and equipment.
• Maintain positive and professional working relationships with communities, partners, and local authorities.
• Perform any other duties reasonably assigned by the supervisor.
  

Experience

Qualifications

• A minimum of three years of relevant paid work experience in project support, community-based programming, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with communities, farmer groups, or project beneficiaries.
• Previous experience facilitating training, mentoring, or community engagement activities is an added advantage.
• Relevant driving experience with a valid driving license is required.
  

Skills

• Strong communication, facilitation, and community engagement skills.
• Ability to collect, manage, and report data accurately.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently.
• Ability to work effectively in remote locations and adapt to changing priorities.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Demonstrated commitment to teamwork, accountability, and professional conduct.
• Fluency in English and Kiswahili, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
  

Education & Certification

• A Diploma in Animal Health, Agriculture, Community Development, or another related field.
• A valid driving license.
  

Abilities

• Ability to work independently and contribute effectively to team and project objectives.
• Ability to analyze issues, solve problems, and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to maintain accuracy, confidentiality, and attention to detail in all assigned work.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and perform effectively under pressure.
• Ability to understand and apply project-specific rules, procedures, and compliance requirements.
  

Important Experience

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse communities and stakeholders.
• Commitment to CWS values, including diversity, equity, inclusion, and safeguarding.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly and work effectively in field conditions.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and willingness to support CWS’ Platform on Racial Justice as a CWS employee is required.
• Remain alert and responsive to any child safeguarding and PSEAH (Prevention of Sexual, Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment) risks, acquire relevant knowledge and skills which will enable you to promote strong safeguarding PSEAH practices, understand the child safeguarding and PSEAH Policies and procedures, and conduct yourself in a manner consistent with the Child Safeguarding and PSEAH Policies.
  

Special Requirements

• This is a full-time, onsite position based in Tabora/Ulyankulu, Tanzania.
• This role requires regular use of a laptop and competence in Microsoft Office applications.
• Employment is subject to satisfactory reference, educational, and criminal background checks, in accordance with organizational policy and applicable law.
• All employees are expected to work from the designated CWS office within their location of hire, subject to applicable operational requirements.