MEAL Officer

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 where it operates, reflecting its dedication to diversity and inclusion.

Job Overview:
The MEAL Officer will be a key member of the multisectoral emergency response project team funded by the Humanitarian Fund. This role involves contributing to the monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) aspects of the project, ensuring that the project adheres to best practices and continuously improves its impact on the vulnerable populations it serves. The position is based in Goma and is contingent upon project approval by donors. The MEAL Officer will support the coordination and implementation of all MEAL activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan, ensuring compliance with CRS's MEAL quality standards, donor requirements, and best practices. The officer will also assist partners in reflecting on project experiences and support accountability through project evaluation activities, data collection, and analysis.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Officer will be responsible for coordinating and implementing all assigned MEAL activities, monitoring and reporting any challenges or gaps in MEAL to adjust implementation plans and timelines. They will assist partners in reflecting on project experiences and support accountability by coordinating project evaluation activities and helping partners collect and analyze project data. The officer will collaborate with local partners to prepare reports according to the established schedule and support field MEAL activities, ensuring timely data collection and analysis. They will also prepare MEAL-related aspects of reports and train partners and data collectors involved in the project. Regular qualitative and quantitative data analysis will be conducted, with results shared with the project team for learning and adaptive management.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should have experience in collaborating with partners, participatory planning, and community engagement. Proficiency in data analysis and relevant tools is essential, along with experience in project monitoring and relevant data collection. Familiarity with the Humanitarian Fund is also preferred. The candidate must demonstrate strong relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and community members, ensuring attention to detail and adherence to deadlines in task execution. Proactivity, results orientation, and a service-oriented mindset are crucial for success in this role.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in statistics, database management, international development, international relations, or a relevant technical field is required. Candidates should possess at least two years of professional experience in project support, with a minimum of one year in a MEAL role for an NGO or international organization.

Experience:
The position requires at least two years of relevant professional experience, including at least one year specifically in a MEAL role within an NGO or international organization. Experience in project support, data analysis, and community engagement is highly valued.

Languages:
Fluency in French and a local language is required, while proficiency in English is considered a plus. The ability to communicate effectively in these languages is essential for collaboration with partners and community members.

Additional Notes:
The position may require travel up to 50% of the time. It does not involve supervisory responsibilities. CRS emphasizes personal accountability, integrity, and collaboration within its institutional competencies. The organization is committed to safeguarding program participants and ensuring a safe working environment for all staff. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and participate in safeguarding training. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.