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 serve the poor and vulnerable, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on relief and development work that includes emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values. CRS has a collaborative, mission-driven culture aimed at improving lives globally, and it emphasizes the importance of integrity, accountability, and trust in its operations.

Job Overview:
As a Senior Project Officer MEAL for the Advancing Cross-border Resilience and Opportunities for Safety and security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Security (ACROSS) Project, the individual will play a crucial role in facilitating the achievement of project objectives. This position involves coordinating and reporting on all project Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities, as well as providing technical guidance and advice to staff and implementing partners. The Senior Project Officer will ensure that the ACROSS project adheres to best practices in MEAL, focusing on improving the impact of its benefits to the communities served. The role requires strong coordination and relationship management skills to effectively engage with various stakeholders and ensure that learning is integrated throughout the project cycle. The officer will also be responsible for implementing monitoring activities, analyzing challenges, and leading the feedback and complaint response mechanisms to enhance accountability and community engagement.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Project Officer MEAL will organize and lead 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. The officer will facilitate learning throughout the project cycle, integrate adaptive learning practices, and support project evaluation activities. Responsibilities also include analyzing implementation challenges, leading the roll-out of feedback mechanisms, coordinating logistical support for MEAL activities, and ensuring the quality of monitoring data through assessments. The officer will develop a comprehensive MEAL system, oversee relationships with local stakeholders, and provide capacity-building support to partners. Regular visits to project sites will be necessary to ensure efficient implementation of M&E activities, and the officer will assist in preparing reports and documentation of project outcomes and lessons learned.

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 with progressive responsibilities is required, ideally within an international NGO context. Candidates should have at least 4 years of experience in MEAL roles relevant to field-based work in development, social services, and infrastructure development monitoring. Proven experience in monitoring and evaluation of moderately complex projects is essential, along with a demonstrated commitment to improving gender equality and responsiveness in programming. Experience with participatory methods and partnerships is also required, as well as a capacity for institutional strengthening of local civil society and government agencies.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in information and technology management, Statistics/Mathematics, Computer Science, project management, International Relations, or a field related to MEAL is preferred. However, candidates with a Bachelor's degree and significant relevant experience may also be considered. Additional qualifications in database management and familiarity with statistical management programs such as Microsoft Access, SPSS, EPI-INFO, STATA, and Microsoft Excel are advantageous. Knowledge of GIS and GPS technology, as well as experience with CommCare and Microsoft Power BI, will be considered a plus.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5-6 years of relevant work experience, with a focus on MEAL roles in development contexts. Candidates should have a proven track record in monitoring and evaluation, particularly in light to moderately complex projects. Experience working with partners and engaging in participatory action planning is essential. The role demands strong analytical skills and the ability to manage and interpret complex data sets, as well as experience in capacity-building initiatives.

Languages:
Fluency in English (both 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, while benefits for candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations. The organization prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.