Project Officer MEAL

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. With a commitment to serving those in need, CRS welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that its processes and policies reflect this commitment. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, emphasizing the importance of diversity and inclusion within its workforce.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer MEAL will play a crucial role in leading the monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) components of the Comprehensive Global Polio Eradication Program (CGPP) in Yobe State, Nigeria. This position is pivotal in ensuring that data-driven decision-making is at the forefront of program implementation, enhancing the quality of reporting, and fostering continuous learning to improve overall program effectiveness. The Project Officer will collaborate closely with the State program team, implementing partners, community-based organizations (CBOs), and government stakeholders to establish robust data systems and accountability mechanisms. The role involves active participation in CGPP-related events and activities, reviewing and disseminating program-related data on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis, and providing support for narrative reports on various project portfolios including Polio, Global Health security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (GHS), Diphtheria, and other Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs) Response interventions in Yobe State. The overarching goal of the project is to reach under-immunized children with essential life-saving services in Northern Nigeria, particularly in fragile and conflict-affected settings. The Project Officer will focus on enhancing immunization uptake for polio vaccination, measles and rubella reduction, diphtheria prevention, hepatitis B, and maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination, while also strengthening surveillance systems to improve preparedness and response to outbreaks of VPDs. This position will also involve providing MEAL guidance for routine immunization, Polio and non-Polio Supplemental Immunization Activities (SIAs), disease surveillance, and demand creation activities data reporting, thereby contributing to the overall success of the immunization program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer MEAL will be responsible for leading the implementation of the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plan for CGPP activities in Yobe State. Key responsibilities include supporting CBO partners in crafting program workplans and detailed implementation plans using the SIA calendar and REW micro plans document, ensuring that data is accurately reported on project implementation in hard-to-reach and international border settlements. The officer will ensure timely and accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting for all program components, including Polio, Routine Immunization (RI), Diphtheria, cross-border initiatives, and Global Health Security. Technical support and capacity building will be provided to CBOs and field teams on data management, reporting tools, and accountability mechanisms. Regular field visits will be conducted for data verification, supportive supervision, and monitoring of program activities across various settlements, wards, and Local Government Areas (LGAs). The Project Officer will ensure data quality through routine data quality assessments, LQAS/Survey data analysis, and feedback loops. Additionally, the officer will support the development of comprehensive reports in collaboration with program teams, facilitate learning and reflection sessions to promote adaptive management, and ensure that community feedback mechanisms are functional and responsive. The officer will also collaborate with the CGPP Secretariat MEAL Manager to align state-level MEAL activities with national standards and provide direct mentoring and supervision to CBO MEAL staff and community volunteers. Representation of CGPP in MEAL-related forums, events, and meetings at all levels is also a critical responsibility, along with maintaining a high visibility profile for the CGPP program among relevant stakeholders such as the Emergency Operations Center (EOC), State Ministry of Health (SMoH), and UNICEF.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Statistics, Social Sciences, or a related field, with a preference for those with a background in Public Health. A minimum of 5 years’ experience in public health or development programs is required, including at least 2 years of progressive experience in MEAL roles. Experience in Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) and implementing zero-dose reduction strategies will be considered an added advantage. Proven experience working with and through partner organizations, including public sector collaboration, is essential. Familiarity with the local terrain in Yobe/Kaduna State is advantageous, as is experience with a community-based approach to development. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to interface professionally with multiple stakeholders, representatives, and partners, and have proven experience in immunization, disease surveillance, or public health program management. Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, DHIS2, Commcare, ONA, and Power BI is required, along with experience working with partner organizations and government stakeholders. Familiarity with donor reporting requirements and MEAL frameworks is also necessary, with knowledge of the local context in Yobe being an added advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree or Higher National Diploma (HND) in Statistics, Social Sciences, or a related field. A degree in Public Health is considered an added advantage, as it aligns closely with the responsibilities of the role, particularly in relation to health program management and evaluation.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience within public health or development programs, with at least 2 years of progressive experience specifically in MEAL roles. Candidates with experience in the Polio Eradication Initiative (PEI) and those who have implemented zero-dose reduction strategies will have an advantage. Proven experience in working with and through partner organizations, including collaboration with the public sector, is essential. Familiarity with the local terrain in Yobe/Kaduna State will also be beneficial, as will experience demonstrating a commitment to a community-based approach to development.

Languages:
The mandatory language for this position is English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills required. Additionally, the ability to speak and understand Hausa will be considered an advantage, as it will facilitate better communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position requires a willingness to travel up to 70% of the time, including to hard-to-reach areas and difficult environments. The role does not have supervisory responsibilities but involves key working relationships with internal stakeholders such as the Program Manager, Senior Project Officer, and various country program operations and finance teams. Externally, the Project Officer will engage with the CGPP Secretariat, CRS CBO Partners, WHO, UNICEF, and other relevant organizations. The job description emphasizes the importance of personal accountability, integrity, trust-building, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning. The agency leadership competencies highlight the need for a strategic mindset and the ability to lead change and develop others within the organization.