CRS 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 save, protect, and transform lives in need, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, providing relief and development assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The Moldova and Ukraine Country Office has rapidly expanded its programming since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine in 2022, reaching over 500,000 people through a comprehensive strategy that includes shelter, winterization, basic needs, education, and livelihoods. The office prioritizes strengthening local partnerships and enhancing community leadership to maximize impact and reach more vulnerable populations. CRS is funded by institutional donors and private resources, ensuring a robust operational capacity across its programs.

Job Overview:
The CRS Program Manager II - MEAL position is primarily focused on managing and providing technical oversight for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) within the Country Office's humanitarian response and recovery programming in Ukraine. This role is crucial for ensuring that large and complex projects, such as those addressing basic needs, shelter, winterization, livelihoods, and protection, are implemented effectively. The manager will be responsible for establishing and maintaining high-quality MEAL systems that support the overall mission of CRS in serving vulnerable populations affected by conflict. The position requires a strong emphasis on continuous improvement of program impact through effective MEAL practices, ensuring that both CRS and its partners deliver high-quality programming. The manager will also play a key role in promoting learning and knowledge sharing within the organization and with external stakeholders, thereby enhancing the overall effectiveness of the agency's humanitarian efforts.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the CRS Program Manager II - MEAL include providing comprehensive management, guidance, and technical oversight for MEAL across all projects within the Ukraine program portfolio. This encompasses ensuring that project design, implementation, and close-out adhere to CRS quality principles and MEAL policies. The manager will champion program learning by identifying opportunities for research and dissemination of best practices, facilitating connections among colleagues to share evidence-based learning, and promoting the application of lessons learned to improve program quality. Additionally, the manager will oversee the development and implementation of MEAL systems, including the integration of ICT4MEAL and responsible data principles. They will also be responsible for managing project evaluations, ensuring high-quality data management, and supporting the capacity strengthening of staff and partner organizations. Financial oversight of MEAL expenditures and effective talent management for the MEAL team are also key responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the CRS Program Manager II - MEAL position must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in International Development, Humanitarian Assistance, Information Management, or a related field. While additional experience may substitute for some educational requirements, a minimum of 5 years of relevant field-based project management experience is essential, with at least 3-5 years specifically in MEAL. Experience managing MEAL for moderately complex projects, preferably within an international NGO context, is highly desirable. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree in a relevant field and experience working with international NGOs, which would provide an advantage in understanding the complexities of humanitarian programming.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s Degree in fields such as International Development, Humanitarian Assistance, Information Management, or MEAL. A Master’s degree in a related discipline is preferred and may enhance a candidate's qualifications, particularly in understanding the nuances of humanitarian assistance and program management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in field-based project management, with a strong emphasis on MEAL. Candidates should have experience managing MEAL for moderately complex projects, ideally within an international NGO framework. This experience should include a demonstrated ability to apply technical principles and concepts in MEAL and Information Management, as well as experience in project design and proposal development.

Languages:
Fluency in English, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Knowledge of Ukrainian or Russian is considered an advantage, as it may facilitate communication and engagement with local stakeholders and communities.

Additional Notes:
The CRS Program Manager II - MEAL position is based in Ukraine and may require up to 20% field travel within the country, primarily to partner offices. The role includes supervisory responsibilities, and candidates should be prepared to manage team dynamics and staff wellbeing. 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., salary and benefits will be based on the country of employment. The organization is committed to safeguarding program participants and ensuring a safe working environment for all staff. Candidates are expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and demonstrate a commitment to the agency's mission and values.