Technical Adviser I, MEAL

Technical Adviser I, MEAL

Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

August 5, 2026September 19, 2026Guatemala
Job Description
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, focusing on various sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. The organization is committed to improving the lives of the poor and vulnerable, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. CRS has a collaborative, mission-driven culture and welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values. The agency prioritizes safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, reflecting its commitment to the rights and dignity of all people. CRS also emphasizes the importance of local engagement, welcoming candidates from the regions in which it operates, and ensuring that its processes and policies align with its mission and values.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor I, MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) plays a crucial role in providing technical assistance and support at the Water and Smart Agriculture (WSA) platform level. This position is responsible for managing MEAL tools and recommending methods that align with the specific context and technical requirements of the WSA platform and its projects across the region. The advisor ensures adherence to CRS program quality principles, MEAL policies, donor guidelines, and industry best practices, all aimed at delivering high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable populations. The role involves utilizing advanced statistical methods and data analytics to analyze complex data, generating robust evidence that supports decision-making and institutional learning, and facilitating the scaling of CRS programs. The Technical Advisor is expected to engage with various stakeholders, contribute to the development of MEAL components in proposals, and support capacity strengthening efforts for staff and partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Advisor I, MEAL will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including: supporting the WSA platform and country programs in applying MEAL standards and best practices; assisting in the development and use of data collection tools and monitoring systems; contributing to MEAL components of platform initiatives and proposal development; collecting, organizing, and analyzing program data for reporting and decision-making; designing and applying advanced statistical methods to analyze historical data; producing technical reports and dashboards that integrate quantitative and qualitative information; documenting lessons learned and best practices; supporting capacity strengthening efforts through training and workshops; engaging with internal teams and external stakeholders to promote program learning; and maintaining collaborative relationships with community members and key stakeholders.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in statistics, data science, systems engineering, communication and information sciences, international development, or a related field. A minimum of five years of work experience in international development is required, with progressive responsibilities ideally in an international NGO, Ministry of Agriculture, or Agriculture Research. Proven experience in advanced statistical analysis, model design, and complex data processing is essential. Candidates should have strong abilities to synthesize, document, and communicate results, along with at least two years of field-based experience in Agriculture-related MEAL. Experience with project MEAL and ICT4D, including the development of indicators and data collection methodologies, is also necessary, as is experience in providing technical assistance and contributing to successful proposals for external donor funding.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as statistics, data science, systems engineering, communication and information sciences, or international development. This foundational education is critical for understanding the technical aspects of MEAL and the analytical skills needed for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of five years of relevant work experience in international development, with a focus on MEAL practices. Candidates should have progressive responsibilities, ideally with experience in an international NGO or related governmental organizations. Field-based experience in Agriculture-related MEAL is also necessary, along with a proven track record in advanced statistical analysis and data processing.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish, both written and verbal, is mandatory for this position. Professional proficiency in English is considered a plus, enhancing communication capabilities within diverse teams and with international stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position does not have a specified deadline for applications. It is important to note that the role may involve travel up to 40%. The position is classified under salary grade 9, and while there are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this role, it is expected that the candidate will demonstrate strong leadership competencies in MEAL and ICT4D. 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., benefits are based on the country of employment. The organization emphasizes a commitment to safeguarding program participants and community members from exploitation and abuse, and successful candidates are expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct.
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