Program Manager I, MEAL - Cuba Crisis-Response

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, providing assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization engages in 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 commitment to serving those in need. The agency's processes and policies reflect this commitment, ensuring that all staff adhere to a Code of Conduct that prioritizes the rights and dignity of all people, especially the most vulnerable. CRS also emphasizes the importance of safeguarding program participants and community members from all forms of exploitation and abuse, and its talent acquisition procedures reflect this commitment.

Job Overview:
The Program Manager I, MEAL for the Cuba Crisis-Response will serve as the technical advisor and process lead for the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) design within humanitarian response programming in Cuba. This role involves managing tools and recommending methods that are appropriate to the scope, context, and technical requirements of the projects. The Program Manager will coordinate MEAL activities and maintain relationships with partners and other stakeholders to support project objectives, thereby advancing the mission of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in serving the poor and vulnerable. The position requires utilizing technical MEAL skills to manage and analyze data, ensure compliance with donor requirements, and support learning initiatives that promote continuous improvement and high-quality humanitarian response programming in Cuba. The role is crucial in ensuring that the program effectively meets the immediate needs of vulnerable households while strengthening the capacity for timely and well-coordinated assistance.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Manager I, MEAL will be responsible for developing the program MEAL system and managing MEAL implementation activities throughout the project cycle, including start-up, implementation, and close-out phases. This will be done in alignment with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and best practices. The individual will lead technical support for quality MEAL design, including the development of tools and methods that are appropriate for the project's scope and context. Additionally, the Program Manager will analyze both qualitative and quantitative MEAL data, ensuring data quality and effective data management practices. The role will also involve integrating data analysis and reflection to drive improvements in ongoing project activities, ensuring compliance with donor and agency MEAL requirements, and maintaining collaborative relationships with partner staff and community members. The Program Manager will contribute to planning, budgeting, and implementation of quality MEAL activities, identify staff capacity needs, and provide technical MEAL assistance to partner organizations. Training project stakeholders in the MEAL system and donor requirements, supporting the production of donor reports, and organizing quarterly partner meetings are also key responsibilities.

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 field-based experience in coordinating or managing light to moderately complex projects is required, preferably with an international NGO. Experience in communicating with communities and implementing accountability mechanisms is essential. Preferred qualifications include leadership experience in MEAL, experience engaging with partner organizations, and proficiency in using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), standard statistical data analysis packages (such as SPSS, Stata, or R), web conferencing applications, and information management systems. Project MEAL management experience in Latin America and the Caribbean is highly desirable.

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 other related disciplines. This educational foundation is critical for understanding the complexities of humanitarian response programming and the necessary skills for effective monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing projects that are light to moderately complex. This experience should preferably be with an international NGO, highlighting the importance of understanding the dynamics of humanitarian work and the specific challenges faced in crisis-response scenarios. Candidates should also have experience in communicating with communities and implementing accountability mechanisms, which are vital for ensuring that the needs of the vulnerable populations are met effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in both English and Spanish is required for this position. This bilingual capability is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, partners, and donors. Proficiency in these languages will facilitate the implementation of MEAL activities and ensure that all project documentation and reporting are accessible to all relevant parties.

Additional Notes:
The position is expected to last from July 1, 2026, to December 2027, indicating a fixed-term contract duration. The role is classified at Grade 9, which suggests a mid-level position within the organization. The Program Manager I, MEAL will have supervisory responsibilities and must be willing to travel up to 35% of the time. The agency emphasizes personal accountability, integrity, trust-building, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous learning as core competencies for all staff. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks candidates from the countries and regions in which it operates.