MEAL Manager I

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. 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 emphasizes the importance of ethical practices and the protection of those they serve. The agency is dedicated to improving the lives of the poor and operates with a mission-driven culture that welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share their values.

Job Overview:
The MEAL Manager I position is a critical role within the organization, responsible for leading all Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) related activities for the RAPID project. This position is under the direction of the Emergency Coordinator and involves a variety of tasks including monitoring project indicators, developing M&E tools, conducting assessments, managing beneficiary databases, and implementing accountability mechanisms. The MEAL Manager will be based in Makurdi, with occasional travel to other project areas, and will collaborate closely with the MEAL Coordinator, Program Manager, and sector leads. The role requires a proactive approach to ensure that MEAL systems are effectively designed and implemented, with a focus on continuous improvement and adherence to standards across all project sites. The MEAL Manager will also be responsible for compiling reports and providing evidence-based analysis to support program quality and decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Manager I will lead the design and implementation of the project MEAL system, ensuring that all tools, processes, roles, and standards are clearly defined and consistently applied. Responsibilities include tracking sector performance against various targets, analyzing progress, and identifying gaps to support management decisions. The manager will develop and roll out project-specific MEAL tools, including digital data collection methods, and ensure the ethical management of data. Coordination of needs assessments, surveys, and monitoring activities is essential, as is the documentation of findings to enhance program quality. The role also involves supporting donor reporting by compiling MEAL inputs and providing analysis to program managers. Strengthening accountability mechanisms for affected populations is a key responsibility, as is supervising and coaching MEAL staff to ensure effective performance management and alignment with organizational standards. Regular field visits and meetings will be conducted to identify bottlenecks and implement improvements, while lessons learned and best practices will be documented and shared.

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 required, along with excellent communication skills for reporting in English. A proactive and results-oriented mindset is essential, as is attention to detail and accuracy in executing responsibilities. Preferred qualifications include leadership experience in MEAL, engagement with partner organizations, and familiarity with MS Office and statistical analysis software.

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 MEAL systems and their application 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, along with proficiency in at least one local language to facilitate effective communication with beneficiaries and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position includes supervisory responsibilities and requires a willingness to travel up to 30%. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. The organization prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates. The role is aligned with CRS's commitment to safeguarding and protecting the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults.