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. The organization is committed to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS's work encompasses various sectors, including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The agency emphasizes a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values. CRS is dedicated to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and its processes reflect this commitment. The organization has a significant workforce and operates in numerous countries, focusing on delivering high-quality programs that address the needs of communities in crisis and development contexts.

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 provide integrated health services, including 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, context, 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. The MEAL PM will ensure compliance with donor requirements and support learning initiatives to enhance program quality and effectiveness. This position requires a proactive approach to continuous improvement and high-quality programming, with a focus on transitioning activities to national and sub-national governments and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL PM will develop and manage the MEAL system throughout the project cycle, including 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 data, and ensuring data quality and management practices. The MEAL PM will integrate data analysis and reflection to drive improvements in project activities, ensuring compliance with donor and agency MEAL requirements. The role also involves maintaining collaborative relationships with community members and stakeholders, identifying staff capacity needs, and providing technical assistance to partner organizations. The MEAL PM will train project stakeholders on the MEAL system and donor requirements, support the production of donor reports, and organize quarterly partner meetings. Additionally, the MEAL PM will communicate the agency's approach to MEAL and share findings with colleagues and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, Sociology, Statistics, or a related field. A minimum of five years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing light to 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 (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), as well as standard statistical data analysis packages (SPSS, Stata, or R).

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as international development, International Relations, Sociology, Statistics, or a related discipline. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of project management and the technical aspects of MEAL.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant field-based experience, specifically in coordinating or managing projects that are light to moderately complex. Candidates should have experience working with international NGOs and a proven track record of effectively communicating with communities and implementing accountability mechanisms. Leadership experience in MEAL is highly desirable, as is familiarity with engaging partner organizations.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if it aligns with the regions where the project will be implemented.

Additional Notes:
The position does not specify a deadline for applications. The role is based in Baltimore, United States, and may involve travel of up to 35% to remote and low-resource locations. The position does not include supervisory responsibilities. CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package for U.S.-based staff, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. For candidates employed outside the U.S., salary and benefits packages are based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment for expatriates is informed by a term limit based on the job type and level, as well as the agency's needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and community members from exploitation and abuse, and successful candidates are expected to adhere to the agency's Code of Conduct.