MEAL Program Manager II

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, providing relief and development services without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency has a collaborative, mission-driven culture aimed at improving the lives of the poor globally, and it prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where it operates.

Job Overview:
The MEAL Program Manager II will provide direct technical and management leadership for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities across multiple countries in the Asia region. This role requires a blend of technical skills and management capabilities to support program teams in designing effective monitoring systems, ensuring accountability to beneficiaries and donors, delivering impactful evaluations, and fostering a culture of learning in alignment with donor and agency standards. The manager will ensure that CRS collects quality data that facilitates adaptive management and learning, while also enhancing the MEAL capabilities of program staff. The position demands leadership in both development and emergency contexts, emphasizing the importance of high-quality programming and continuous improvement in program impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Program Manager II will be responsible for providing management support, guidance, and technical oversight of all MEAL systems in both new and existing projects. This includes ensuring that project design, implementation, and close-out adhere to CRS policies, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. The manager will coach MEAL talent, develop individual development plans, and support performance planning cycles for MEAL staff. Additionally, the role involves coordinating the development of data management systems, establishing feedback and response mechanisms, designing evaluation processes, and facilitating learning events. The manager will also support research initiatives, contribute to the strategic learning agenda, and ensure the integration of innovations and best practices in MEAL. Furthermore, the position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to design and deliver capacity strengthening activities for staff and partner organizations across assigned countries and other regions in Asia as needed.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's Degree in International Development, International Relations, Statistics, or a related field. MEAL skills and experience are essential, with a minimum of 5 years of relevant field-based experience in MEAL coordinating, managing, or technical advisory roles for moderately complex projects, preferably within an international NGO. Additional experience may substitute for some educational requirements. Preferred qualifications include staff management experience conducive to a learning environment, proficiency in MS Office applications, demonstrated ability to write high-quality technical proposals, and experience in project development and MEAL systems design. Candidates should also have experience in designing and overseeing program studies and evaluations, strong analytical skills, and the ability to engage effectively with partner organizations and stakeholders.

Educational Background:
A Master's Degree in International Development, International Relations, Statistics, or a related field is required for this position. While a higher degree is preferred, additional relevant experience may be considered as a substitute for formal education. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training in monitoring and evaluation methodologies, data analysis, and project management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant field-based experience in MEAL roles, including coordinating, managing, or providing technical advisory support for moderately complex projects. Experience should preferably be gained in an international NGO setting, where the candidate has demonstrated the ability to lead MEAL initiatives effectively. Candidates should also have experience in project development, including the design and implementation of MEAL systems, and the ability to apply quantitative and qualitative methodologies in practice.

Languages:
Professional fluency in written and verbal English is mandatory for this position. Additional language skills may be beneficial, particularly in languages relevant to the countries in which the MEAL activities will be conducted, but English proficiency is the primary requirement.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 30% of the time, and supervisory responsibilities will be determined based on the specific needs of the projects. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., salary and benefits will be based on the country of employment. The agency emphasizes its commitment to safeguarding program participants and requires successful candidates to adhere to its Code of Conduct. The job description is not exhaustive and may evolve as the needs of the agency change.