Technical Director of MEAL Activities

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to provide relief and development assistance, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on saving, protecting, and transforming lives in need, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. The organization engages in various programs, 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 candidates from the regions in which it operates, reflecting its dedication to diversity and inclusion.

Job Overview:
The director" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">Technical Director of MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) will oversee the technical direction of MEAL activities for a multisectoral emergency intervention project funded by the Humanitarian Fund in Goma. This role is crucial in ensuring effective management of MEAL activities in accordance with the requirements of the Humanitarian Fund and CRS. The director will be responsible for ensuring that indicators are effectively monitored to facilitate timely management decision-making, and that quality data is regularly collected, analyzed, and utilized. The position also involves fostering cross-learning, establishing accountability systems for participants, and enhancing the capacity of MEAL staff. The role is based in Goma and is contingent upon project approval by funders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Director will provide MEAL guidance and ensure technical leadership for MEAL systems and processes throughout relevant project cycles, adhering to CRS MEAL policies and procedures, funder requirements, and local regulations. Responsibilities include leading the design of quality MEAL frameworks, including tools and methods tailored to the project's scope and context, ensuring compliance with funder and agency MEAL requirements, and leading the analysis of both qualitative and quantitative MEAL data. The director will guarantee data quality and management practices, integrate data analysis into ongoing project activities, and support project managers with monthly reporting of indicators and activities. Additionally, the role involves planning and budgeting for quality MEAL activities, communicating MEAL approaches and findings to regional MEAL colleagues, and enhancing the capacity of MEAL staff and partners. The director will also manage team dynamics, staff well-being, and performance evaluations, contributing to staffing plans and recruitment processes, and creating a conducive learning environment.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in statistics, database management, international development, international relations, or a relevant technical field. A minimum of 5 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation is required, including at least 2 years in a senior position within a large-scale project involving multiple sites and diverse teams. Strong quantitative and qualitative analytical skills are essential, along with proficiency in statistical software such as SPSS and ICT4D applications like POWER BI, CommCare, and GIS. Experience in qualitative and quantitative evaluation techniques is also necessary, along with personnel management skills conducive to a learning environment.

Educational Background:
A Master's degree in a relevant field such as statistics, database management, international development, or international relations is required for this position. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of monitoring and evaluation in humanitarian contexts and for effectively leading MEAL activities.

Experience:
The position requires at least 5 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation, with a minimum of 2 years in a senior role within a large-scale project. This experience should include working with diverse teams and managing multiple sites, demonstrating the ability to lead complex MEAL initiatives effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, and proficiency in English or local languages is considered an asset. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is essential for collaboration with diverse stakeholders and for reporting purposes.

Additional Notes:
The position involves supervisory responsibilities and requires the candidate to be willing and able to travel up to 25% of the time. The role is full-time and may involve working with international and national staff. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate will be expected to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct. The job description is not exhaustive and may evolve as needed.