Program Manager II, MEAL

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to serve those in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on relief and development work that includes emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS has a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and its processes reflect this commitment. CRS prioritizes hiring candidates from the countries and regions in which it operates, and its talent acquisition procedures uphold the rights and dignity of all people.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager II, MEAL will be responsible for managing and providing direct technical oversight of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities for large and complex projects within the Myanmar Program Office. This role is crucial in ensuring that effective MEAL systems and processes are established to support high-quality programming that advances CRS's mission of serving the poor and vulnerable. The manager will develop, implement, and manage tools and methodologies that meet the technical requirements of the programs. Additionally, the role involves overseeing MEAL activities, maintaining relationships with partners and stakeholders, and utilizing technical MEAL skills to manage and analyze data, ensure donor compliance, and support learning initiatives. The position requires a proactive approach to identifying opportunities for learning and research related to MEAL policy, as well as contributing to the agency's knowledge management agenda.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Manager II, MEAL will provide management, guidance, and technical oversight for MEAL in all new and existing projects throughout the project cycle. This includes ensuring that project design, start-up, implementation, and close-out align with CRS quality principles and standards, MEAL policies, donor guidelines, and industry best practices. The manager will develop, implement, supervise, and strengthen data collection, management, and reporting systems, ensuring data quality and reliability. Responsibilities also include managing and supervising MEAL talent, creating strategic goals for program team members, and providing coaching and performance management. The manager will lead program learning initiatives, disseminate promising practices, and ensure integration of innovations in MEAL plans. Additionally, the role involves contributing to MEAL budgeting and staffing plans, overseeing project evaluations, and ensuring high-quality MEAL systems and processes are in place. The manager will also oversee MEAL-related technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities for program staff and partner organizations, ensuring effective partnerships and timely MEAL expenditures.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in International Development, International Relations, Sociology, Statistics, MEAL, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience is required, including at least 3 years in MEAL. Candidates should have experience managing large-scale projects, successfully leading a team of professionals, and engaging with partner organizations. Strong project grants management experience, particularly with public donors, is essential. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree in a related field and experience in an international NGO, as well as familiarity with tools such as CommCare and Kobo, and statistical data analysis packages like SPSS, Stata, or R.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in fields such as International Development, International Relations, Sociology, Statistics, MEAL, or a related discipline. A Master’s degree in a similar field is preferred and may enhance a candidate's qualifications for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, with at least 3 years specifically in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL). Candidates should have a proven track record of managing large-scale and complex projects, as well as experience in leading teams and fostering a strong learning environment. Experience in project grants management, particularly with multiple public donors, is also essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Knowledge or proficiency in the Myanmar language is considered a plus, enhancing communication and engagement with local stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve travel up to 30%. The role includes supervisory responsibilities, and candidates should be prepared to engage in a collaborative work environment. 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 packages 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 staff from exploitation and abuse, and successful candidates are expected to adhere to the agency's Code of Conduct.