MEAL Manager

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. With a commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults, CRS ensures that its operations reflect the highest standards of integrity and respect for human dignity. The agency employs a diverse workforce and encourages individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values to apply for positions. CRS is dedicated to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable through collaborative efforts and a mission-driven culture.

Job Overview:
The MEAL Manager will play a crucial role in leading all Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) related activities for the RAPID project under the guidance of the Emergency Coordinator. This position involves monitoring project indicators, developing M&E tools, conducting assessments, managing beneficiary databases, and implementing accountability mechanisms. The MEAL Manager will be responsible for compiling reports on a monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly basis, ensuring that all data collected is accurate and adheres to ethical standards. The role requires close collaboration with the MEAL Coordinator, Program Manager, and sector leads, and may involve occasional travel to other project areas. The MEAL Manager will also oversee the performance of MEAL staff, ensuring that they receive the necessary support and guidance to fulfill their roles effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Manager's responsibilities include leading the design and implementation of the project MEAL system, ensuring that all tools and processes are clearly defined and consistently applied across all sectors. The manager will track sector performance against various targets, analyze progress, and identify gaps to support timely decision-making. They will develop and roll out project-specific MEAL tools, including digital data collection methods, and ensure the accurate collection and storage of MEAL data. The manager will coordinate various assessments and surveys, ensuring that findings are documented and utilized to enhance program quality. Additionally, the MEAL Manager will support donor reporting by compiling necessary inputs and providing evidence-based analysis. They will strengthen accountability mechanisms by ensuring beneficiary feedback is documented and used for program adjustments. The role also involves supervising MEAL staff, facilitating regular field visits, and sharing lessons learned and best practices with the team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage relationships effectively with local stakeholders. Proficiency in data analysis and database management is essential, along with excellent communication skills for reporting in English. A proactive and results-oriented mindset is necessary, as well as attention to detail and accuracy in executing responsibilities. Leadership experience in MEAL and familiarity with partner organizations are preferred qualifications. Proficiency in MS Office applications and statistical analysis software is also required.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, Sociology, Statistics, MEAL, or a related field is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of monitoring and evaluation in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
Candidates should have 5-7 years of relevant field-based MEAL experience, particularly in coordinating or managing moderately complex projects, preferably within an international NGO setting. Experience in community communication and implementing accountability mechanisms is also essential for this role.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in at least one local language is preferred. This linguistic capability is crucial for effective communication with beneficiaries and stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This position includes supervisory responsibilities and may require travel up to 30%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. The organization emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture and is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals involved in its work. The successful candidate will be expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies.