Senior Administrative Officer at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Location: Sokoto, Nigeria

Organization: Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Employment Type: Full-Time

Application Deadline: January 6, 2026

The Impact of This Role in the Humanitarian Sector

In the complex landscape of international development, the success of life-saving programs depends entirely on the strength of the operational backbone supporting them. The Senior Administrative Officer is not merely a coordinator but a facilitator of change, ensuring that resources reach the most vulnerable populations without delay or waste. By maintaining seamless administrative and logistical systems, you enable our frontline teams to focus on their mission: serving the poor and marginalized with dignity and efficiency.

Job Summary

The Senior Administrative Officer will lead the delivery of responsive and high-quality administrative services for the CRS Sokoto office. Your primary objective is to harmonize office systems, procurement, and logistics to ensure that the agency’s resources are stewarded responsibly and in full compliance with both local laws and international donor regulations.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Planning & Resource Stewardship

  • Service Delivery Management: Oversee the daily administrative functions, anticipating potential bottlenecks in supply chains or office services to ensure uninterrupted support for field programs.
  • Asset Management: Supervise the lifecycle of agency assets and rented facilities, ensuring they are utilized optimally and maintained according to strict safety and compliance standards.
  • Financial Administration: Manage office petty cash accounts, verify payment request packages for accuracy, and maintain rigorous follow-up with the finance department to ensure vendors are paid promptly.

Logistics & Event Coordination

  • Travel & Hospitality: Lead the planning and execution of complex travel itineraries for staff and international visitors, ensuring all logistical needs—from transport to accommodation—are met.
  • Event Management: Coordinate the logistics for high-profile workshops, training sessions, and delegation visits, serving as the primary point of contact for venue and service providers.
  • Communication Support: Manage staff communication resources, including data/call credit allocation and the verification of mobile assets for the regional team.

Compliance, Safety & External Relations

  • Regulatory Alignment: Ensure that all administrative policies mirror CRS global standards and adhere to Nigerian labor and tax laws.
  • Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a liaison with local government authorities, landlords, and service contractors to secure necessary operational permits and maintain healthy business relationships.
  • Workplace Safety: Proactively identify environmental risks within the office and ensure all staff have access to necessary safety equipment and emergency training.

Candidate Requirements

  • Academic Credentials: A Bachelor’s Degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Business Administration, Management, or a related field.
  • Professional Experience: At least 4 years of progressive experience in administrative management, preferably within the International NGO (INGO) sector.
  • Technical Skills: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience navigating complex ERP or information management systems.
  • Linguistic & Mobility: Full professional fluency in English is required. Candidates must be willing and able to travel up to 25% of the time to support regional activities.
  • Core Competencies: A proven track record of ethical conduct, a proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to maintain strict confidentiality.

About the Organization

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is a global humanitarian agency reaching over 100 million people across 99 countries. We are driven by a mission to assist the world’s most vulnerable populations based solely on their need, regardless of their background, race, or religious beliefs. In Nigeria, our work focuses on fostering resilient communities through healthcare, agricultural development, and emergency relief. Our workplace culture is built on the pillars of integrity, personal accountability, and a commitment to continuous learning in an intercultural environment.

Salary & Benefits

  • Salary: Competitive (Commensurate with experience and based on the NGO harmonized pay scale for Nigeria).
  • Benefits: CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support the wellbeing and professional growth of our staff, including health insurance and pension contributions.

Tips for Applicants

  1. Focus on Stewardship: In your cover letter, emphasize your experience in managing budgets or physical assets. CRS highly values “stewardship”—the responsible management of resources.
  2. Detail Your NGO Experience: If you have worked with international donors (like USAID, Global Fund, or EU), specify which regulations you are familiar with.
  3. Demonstrate Solutions: Use the STAR method to describe a time you anticipated an administrative challenge and resolved it before it impacted program delivery.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who embody the values of CRS and meet the qualifications listed above should submit their application through the official CRS Oracle recruitment portal:

Click Here to Apply via CRS Career Portal

CRS is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to safeguarding vulnerable populations. All staff are expected to adhere to our strict Code of Conduct.