State 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 assist the poor and vulnerable overseas, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development services without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors 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 individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values and mission.

Job Overview:
The State MEAL Officer will play a critical role in the CDC-funded global childhood immunization project aimed at reaching zero- and under-immunized children in Northern Nigeria, particularly in fragile and conflict settings. The officer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) framework for routine immunization and polio eradication programs in Kebbi state. This includes tracking program performance, ensuring data quality, analyzing trends, and providing evidence-based recommendations to enhance the impact of the POISED project. The position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Kebbi state Primary Health Care Development Agency and other implementing partners, to ensure effective project implementation and alignment with health and humanitarian efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The State MEAL Officer will work closely with partners to ensure that all program and related reports are collated, reviewed, and submitted to the State Team Lead on a regular basis. Key responsibilities include developing and implementing M&E frameworks for routine immunization and polio programs, supporting data collection and analysis using tools such as DHIS2 and Kobo Toolbox, ensuring timely reporting of immunization data, conducting data verification exercises, and tracking key performance indicators. The officer will also conduct field visits to monitor program implementation, develop data visualization tools, prepare MEAL reports for management and donors, and provide technical assistance for the use of monitoring tools by field staff. Additionally, the officer will analyze immunization data to identify trends, document lessons learned, train health workers on data management, and facilitate workshops on MEAL strategies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in public health, Statistics, Information Technology, Computer Science, Health Sciences, or a related field, with a Master’s degree preferred. A minimum of 3 to 5 years of experience in data management, immunization, disease surveillance, or public health program management is required. Candidates should demonstrate expertise in routine immunization, supportive supervision, and disease surveillance systems, as well as familiarity with government health systems and development partners.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as public health, statistics, or health sciences. A Master’s degree is preferred, indicating a higher level of expertise and knowledge in the field.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have at least 3 to 5 years of relevant experience in data management, immunization programs, disease surveillance, or public health program management. Experience in implementing strategies for zero-dose reduction and familiarity with government health systems is also essential.

Languages:
A high level of proficiency in both written and spoken English is mandatory. Knowledge of local languages, particularly Hausa, is preferred to facilitate communication within the community and with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Kebbi State and involves approximately 50% travel. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, and a retirement savings plan. The organization emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on improving the lives of the poor. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS’s safeguarding policies and procedures, ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals interacting with the organization.