Program Manager (PM) II – Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development services. The organization is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people, especially children and vulnerable adults, and promotes a collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on improving the lives of the poor. CRS employs a diverse workforce and welcomes individuals from various faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The organization emphasizes a family-friendly work environment and offers comprehensive benefits to its employees.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager II for Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) is tasked with the critical responsibility of designing and implementing the MEL framework for the country program. This role is pivotal in ensuring that the MEL framework aligns with the country program's 2030 strategy and meets donor requirements. The MEL PM II will oversee the implementation of agency-level MEL requirements and improvement plans, fostering a culture of continuous quality improvement across all MEL functions. The position requires providing technical support to project-based MEL staff, ensuring that monitoring and evaluation systems are robust, inclusive, and consider cross-sectoral aspects such as gender, disability, and peacebuilding. The MEL PM II will also contribute to program and proposal design by providing evidence-based insights and ensuring that MEL components are responsive to donor expectations. The role involves guiding start-up activities, evaluations, and adaptive management practices, while promoting a culture of learning through reflection sessions and knowledge management systems. Additionally, the MEL PM II will oversee digital data systems and support data visualization for effective decision-making, contributing to overall program quality and team performance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEL PM II will lead the design and implementation of the country program’s MEL framework, ensuring it aligns with the CP’s 2030 strategy. Responsibilities include ensuring timely completion of agency-level MEL requirements and country office MPP self-assessment improvement plans, while promoting continuous quality improvement of MEL implementation across the CP. The PM II will provide technical support to project-based MEL staff to establish effective monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems that integrate cross-sectoral considerations. They will contribute to proposal development by ensuring robust MEL components that comply with donor expectations and support program design with data-driven insights. The role includes coordinating MEL-related start-up activities for new projects, advising project teams on adaptive management practices, and supporting project-based MEL staff in conducting evaluations. The PM II will foster a learning culture by facilitating reflection sessions and establishing a MEL community of practice. They will also oversee digital data collection systems and provide line management to the MEL team, ensuring clear roles and professional development.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant subject area such as statistics, measurement and evaluation, data science, social science, public health, or a related field. Additional experience may substitute for some educational requirements. A minimum of 8 years of relevant working experience in an advisory or management role is required, ideally within an international NGO, with at least five years focused on programming interventions in MEL. Previous experience managing MEL-related activities for large donor-funded projects is preferred, along with experience in providing technical assistance and developing successful funding proposals. Candidates should demonstrate a strong application of technical principles in MEL and possess general knowledge of related disciplines to ensure a proper cross-sectoral approach. Experience in mentoring, coaching, and training is essential, as well as familiarity with program monitoring and evaluation methodologies.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field such as statistics, measurement and evaluation, data science, social science, public health, or a related area. Candidates with additional relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education. The emphasis is on having a strong foundation in MEL principles and practices, as well as the ability to apply these in a practical context.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 8 years of relevant working experience, with a focus on advisory or management roles. Candidates should have progressive responsibilities in MEL, ideally within an international NGO context. A minimum of five years of experience working on programming interventions in MEL is essential, along with experience managing MEL activities for large donor-funded projects. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in providing technical assistance and developing successful funding proposals, as well as experience in mentoring and training staff in MEL practices.

Languages:
Fluency in both oral and written English and Amharic is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but English and Amharic are mandatory for effective communication within the organization and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and may require travel up to 20%. The role includes supervisory responsibilities over the MEL team, promoting a collaborative and high-performance culture. CRS offers a supportive work environment with comprehensive benefits, including maternity and paternity leave, medical and life insurance coverage, and opportunities for professional development. The organization is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults, and encourages qualified female candidates and persons with disabilities to apply. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.