CRS Program Manager I - MEAL Health Systems Strengthening Project

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 worldwide, providing assistance without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to a collaborative, mission-driven culture that aims to improve the lives of the poor and vulnerable. The agency has a strong emphasis on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and it welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds who share its values and commitment to service.

Job Overview:
The MEAL Program Manager (PM) will serve as the technical advisor and process lead for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) within the context of a multi-country project anticipated to last five years. This project, funded by the Department of State, aims to deliver integrated health services addressing HIV, tuberculosis, maternal and child health, malaria, and nutrition. The MEAL PM will be responsible for managing tools and recommending methods that align with the project's scope and technical requirements. The role involves coordinating MEAL activities, maintaining relationships with partners and stakeholders, and utilizing technical MEAL skills to manage and analyze data, ensuring compliance with donor requirements, and supporting learning initiatives for continuous improvement in programming.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL PM will develop and manage the MEAL system throughout the project cycle, which includes co-design, start-up, implementation, and close-out phases. Responsibilities include providing technical support for MEAL system design and implementation, leading the planning and analysis of qualitative and quantitative MEAL data, ensuring data quality, and integrating data analysis to drive improvements in project activities. The PM will ensure compliance with donor and agency MEAL requirements, maintain collaborative relationships with community members and stakeholders, identify staff capacity needs, contribute to capacity strengthening, train project stakeholders, support donor report production, and communicate MEAL findings to colleagues and partners. The role also involves sharing MEAL learning in broader regional discussions.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, Sociology, Statistics, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing moderately complex projects is required, preferably with an international NGO. Experience in community communication and implementing accountability mechanisms is essential. Preferred qualifications include leadership experience in MEAL, engagement with partner organizations, and proficiency in MS Windows and MS Office packages, as well as standard statistical data analysis software such as SPSS, Stata, or R.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as international development, International Relations, Sociology, or Statistics is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding the complexities of international development and the specific challenges faced in health systems strengthening.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant field-based experience, particularly in coordinating or managing projects that are light to moderately complex. This experience should ideally be gained in an international NGO context, where the candidate has had the opportunity to engage with diverse communities and implement accountability mechanisms effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position, as effective communication and reporting are critical components of the role. While not explicitly stated, proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly in regions where CRS operates.

Additional Notes:
The position does not specify a deadline for applications. The role may involve travel up to 35% to remote and low-resource locations. The agency emphasizes personal accountability, integrity, trust-building, collaboration, and a commitment to learning among its staff. 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 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 an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all individuals, particularly children and vulnerable adults.