MEAL Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Philippines was established in 1945 and is recognized as the longest-running CRS country program globally. The organization focuses on various critical areas including homes and communities, peacebuilding, emergency response, and disaster risk reduction and climate resilience. With a dedicated team of over 50 staff members, CRS Philippines operates from its main office in Manila and has sub-offices in Cotabato, Iloilo, and Tagbilaran. The programs are implemented through a national network of partners, ensuring close coordination with local, municipal, and national government agencies. CRS Philippines has gained international recognition for the impact, timeliness, and innovative approaches of its programs. Currently, CRS is implementing a significant 5-year project titled Climate Action Partnership for Asian Cities (CAPACities) in Tagbilaran City, Bohol Province, aimed at enhancing climate governance and adaptive capacity in urban areas to foster climate resilience.

Job Overview:
The MEAL Assistant will play a crucial role in supporting the implementation of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) system. This position involves direct collaboration with the programming team, local partners, and community members to further the mission of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in serving the poor and vulnerable. The MEAL Assistant will specifically support the CAPACities project in Tagbilaran City, Bohol Province. Responsibilities include coordinating MEAL activities, capacity building initiatives, and assisting in the overall implementation of the MEAL system. The role requires a proactive approach to ensure effective monitoring and accountability systems are in place, as well as the management of project databases and the development of necessary reports for both internal and external stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Assistant will be responsible for leading the implementation of basic monitoring and accountability systems, ensuring that all activities align with the project's objectives. This includes maintaining and managing project databases, developing trackers to meet data needs, and compiling reports for various stakeholders. The assistant will also support capacity-building activities aimed at enhancing the skills of local partners and community members in MEAL practices. Additional tasks may be assigned by the CAPACities Program Manager and the MEAL Program Manager, requiring flexibility and adaptability in the role.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree and have between 3 to 6 months of relevant work or volunteer experience in humanitarian and community development, particularly in monitoring. Proficiency in advanced Microsoft applications is required, as the role involves significant data management and reporting tasks. Preferred qualifications include experience working in the Central Visayas region, familiarity with Local Government Units, and a background in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning systems. Experience with MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) is also advantageous.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree is required for this position, providing a foundational understanding of the principles and practices relevant to humanitarian work and community development. The educational background should ideally include coursework or training related to monitoring and evaluation, project management, or a related field that supports the responsibilities of the MEAL Assistant role.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of 3 to 6 months of work or volunteer experience in relevant fields such as humanitarian assistance, community development, or monitoring and evaluation. This experience should demonstrate the candidate's ability to engage effectively with diverse groups and contribute to project implementation and evaluation processes.

Languages:
The mandatory languages for this position are Visayan, Tagalog, and English. Proficiency in these languages is essential for effective communication with local stakeholders, community members, and team members. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not required.

Additional Notes:
This position does not involve travel outside of Tagbilaran City, ensuring that all activities remain localized. The MEAL Assistant will not have supervisory responsibilities, allowing for a focus on collaboration and support within the team. The role is designed to be full-time, and candidates are encouraged to apply if they are citizens or permanent residents of the Philippines, as CRS prioritizes local talent in its recruitment processes. The organization is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly vulnerable populations, and expects the successful candidate to adhere to its Code of Conduct.