Senior 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, providing relief and development programs that address emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to serving the poor and vulnerable without regard to race, religion, or nationality, and welcomes individuals of all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. CRS emphasizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, reflecting its commitment to ethical practices in all operations. The agency's work culture is collaborative and mission-driven, focused on improving lives globally. CRS also prioritizes hiring candidates from the regions in which it operates, ensuring a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Job Overview:
The Senior Project Officer MEAL will play a crucial role in the Advancing Cross-border Resilience and Opportunities for Safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (ACROSS) Project team. This position involves coordinating and reporting on all Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities, providing technical guidance to staff and implementing partners. The officer will ensure that the project adheres to best practices in MEAL, enhancing the impact of its benefits to the communities served. The role requires strong coordination and relationship management skills to facilitate effective project implementation and accountability. The Senior Project Officer will also be responsible for integrating adaptive learning practices, supporting project evaluations, and analyzing implementation challenges to inform project adjustments. This position demands a proactive approach to seeking and responding to feedback from stakeholders, ensuring that project activities are aligned with community needs and expectations.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Officer MEAL will be responsible for organizing and leading the implementation of all assigned project MEAL activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan. This includes ensuring compliance with CRS program quality principles, standards, and MEAL policies, as well as donor requirements. Key responsibilities include: coordinating logistical and administrative support for MEAL activities, integrating adaptive learning into project cycles, supporting accountability through project evaluations, analyzing implementation challenges, leading the feedback and complaint response mechanism, implementing monitoring activities, ensuring data quality through assessments, coordinating relationships with local stakeholders, and developing a comprehensive MEAL system. The officer will also assist in preparing trend analysis reports, provide leadership on M&E activities, and facilitate periodic reviews of program implementation. Additional duties may include training and mentoring staff, ensuring timely documentation of MEAL activities, and performing ad hoc inspections of project sites.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Statistics, Data Science, Public Health, Global Health Research, or a related field. A minimum of 5-6 years of relevant work experience is required, ideally with an international NGO, including at least 4 years in MEAL roles. Proven experience in monitoring and evaluation of projects, particularly in development and social services, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to improving gender equality and responsiveness in programming and operations, as well as experience with participatory methods and partnerships. Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively in diverse cultural settings are also necessary.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Statistics, Data Science, Public Health, or Global Health Research is required. A Master’s degree in information and technology management, Statistics/Mathematics, Computer Science, project management, International Relations, or a related field is preferred and would be considered a plus for candidates.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5-6 years of relevant work experience, with progressive responsibilities in MEAL roles. Candidates should have field-based experience in development, social services, and infrastructure development monitoring. Experience with institutional strengthening of local civil society and government agencies is also desirable. Additional experience may substitute for some educational requirements, but proven experience in monitoring and evaluation of light to moderately complex projects is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English (written and spoken) is mandatory. Proficiency in Hausa and other local languages is preferred, as it will enhance communication with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria, and requires a willingness to travel up to 75%. The role does not have supervisory responsibilities but involves key working relationships with various internal and external stakeholders. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits are based on the country of employment. The successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS’s Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies.