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 worldwide. The organization is committed to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS's work encompasses various sectors, including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The agency fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to service. CRS is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that its processes and policies reflect this commitment. The organization prioritizes candidates from the regions in which it operates, and its talent acquisition procedures emphasize the rights and dignity of all individuals.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer-MEAL will play a crucial role in overseeing all Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities under the guidance of the coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">MEAL Coordinator. This position involves monitoring project indicators, developing M&E tools, conducting assessments, managing beneficiary databases, and implementing accountability mechanisms. The officer will compile reports on a monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly basis, ensuring that project evaluations are conducted in accordance with donor regulations. The role requires frequent travel to project areas and collaboration with sector leads and the Emergency Coordinator for technical support. The Project Officer will also promote the use of Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) solutions throughout the project, enhancing data collection and analysis processes. This position is essential for ensuring that the project meets its objectives and adheres to best practices in MEAL.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer-MEAL will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including but not limited to: facilitating the SMILER workshop at the project start, leading nutrition pre and post-assessment surveys, tracking project performance against indicators, creating and managing beneficiary databases, conducting household baseline studies, and performing regular on-site monitoring and post-distribution surveys. The officer will carry out market assessments, collect and analyze market price data, and ensure timely evaluations are conducted. Additionally, the officer will elaborate, review, and test M&E tools, collaborate with the Accountability Officer to manage feedback systems, and support the development of electronic data entry questionnaires. Training enumerators and daily workers on data collection tools and supervising data collection exercises are also key responsibilities. The officer will maintain the project’s IT equipment and compile yearly beneficiary data, sharing lessons learned and recommendations for improved programming implementation.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess excellent interpersonal skills, demonstrating the ability to interact professionally with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. A strong commitment to gender-responsive programming and the ability to maintain confidentiality are essential. The role requires strong group process design and facilitation skills, as well as the ability to work effectively under pressure and prioritize multiple initiatives. Attention to detail, accuracy, and a proactive, results-oriented approach are critical. Understanding the responsibilities of NGOs to protect beneficiaries from exploitation and abuse is also necessary. Candidates should have excellent organizational, analytical, and communication skills, both oral and written.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Information and Technology Management, Statistics, or a relevant equivalent field is required for this position. This educational background will provide the necessary foundation for the technical and analytical skills needed in MEAL activities.

Experience:
Candidates should have at least 4 years of full-time experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning, preferably within an international NGO context. This experience should demonstrate a thorough understanding of MEAL processes and the ability to manage data effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Hausa is required for this position, with proficiency in any other local languages considered desirable. Strong language skills are essential for effective communication with beneficiaries and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Sokoto, Sokoto State, with travel requirements of up to 20% to field locations during the work week. The role may involve supervisory responsibilities for a Partner MEAL Assistant. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., benefits are based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment for expatriates is informed by a term limit based on job type and agency needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and ensuring that all staff adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct.