Technical Advisor for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (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, focusing on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to serving the poor and vulnerable without regard to race, religion, or nationality, and emphasizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. CRS has a collaborative, mission-driven culture that welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency's work is supported by a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, while salary and benefits for international staff are based on the country of employment. The organization is dedicated to improving lives globally and prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where it operates.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) will serve as a key leader and consultant for quality MEAL design on large and complex projects within Catholic Relief Services. This role involves developing, implementing, and managing tools and methodologies to meet the technical requirements of various programs. The advisor will oversee MEAL activities, maintain relationships with partners and stakeholders, and utilize technical MEAL skills to manage and analyze data, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and supporting learning initiatives. The position is crucial for promoting continuous improvement and delivering high-quality programming in challenging environments, ensuring that humanitarian assistance reaches those most in need effectively and efficiently. The advisor will also be responsible for leading program learning, identifying opportunities for research and publications, and integrating innovations and best practices into the agency's approach.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Advisor will provide leadership and management of technical MEAL projects throughout the program cycle, ensuring compliance with CRS quality principles, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. Key responsibilities include developing and supervising data collection, management, and reporting systems, ensuring data quality and reliability. The advisor will manage program talent, create actionable goals for team members, and oversee team dynamics and staff well-being. Additionally, the advisor will lead the development of program learning, disseminate promising practices, and ensure the integration of innovations. The role involves providing technical guidance on proposal development, overseeing capacity strengthening activities for staff and partners, and ensuring timely project expenditures in line with financial plans. The advisor will also assess and strengthen partnerships relevant to MEAL, ensuring the appropriate application of partnership concepts and tools.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to write high-quality technical proposals and manage data effectively. Excellent communication and drafting skills in English are essential, along with strong relations management capabilities. The advisor should be proactive, results-oriented, and possess a service-oriented mindset, with attention to detail and accuracy in executing responsibilities. Knowledge of humanitarian principles and the ability to work with local partner organizations in diverse cultural contexts is required. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to maintain performance expectations in stressful environments and have a strong understanding of MEAL standards and systems.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, Sociology, Statistics, MEAL, or a related field is required. A Master’s degree in a relevant field is preferred, along with a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, including managing large-scale projects and MEAL programs. Candidates should have experience engaging with partner organizations and managing teams effectively.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant experience, including managing complex projects and MEAL programs. Candidates should have experience in an international NGO context, particularly in humanitarian programming, and a strong background in project grants management, including project design for multiple public donors such as USAID.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and candidates should also be proficient in at least one of the following languages: French, Spanish, or Arabic. This multilingual capability is essential for effective communication and collaboration in diverse environments.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last for 18 months, tentatively from July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2027, and is contingent on funding. The role may require travel up to 40%, and candidates should be prepared to work in difficult or stressful environments. Supervisory responsibilities are included in this position, and candidates must adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and commitment to safeguarding vulnerable populations.