Technical Advisor II - MEAL

Job Posting Organization:
The Faith and Community Initiative (FCI) is a large, multi-country global health program implemented under a consortium led by World Vision, with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) taking the lead in Nigeria, Liberia, and Cameroon. The mission of FCI is to support countries in building resilient, nationally owned health systems that sustainably deliver integrated health services, including HIV, TB, malaria, maternal and child health (MCH), and nutrition. Established to strengthen community and frontline health worker platforms, FCI aims to enhance the availability and utilization of integrated health services through a hub-and-spoke model, which has been successfully implemented in Zambia. FCI emphasizes the importance of strengthening health systems, including digital data use and supply chains, while ensuring a transition to sustainable, country-led ownership over time. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations.

Job Overview:
The Technical Advisor II will serve as the lead for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) for the FCI Project. This role involves providing technical guidance and support in MEAL at both national and sub-national levels, contributing to global approaches as needed. The advisor will manage tools and recommend methods that are appropriate to the scope, context, and technical requirements of the projects. The position requires coordination of MEAL activities, maintaining relationships with partners and stakeholders to support project objectives, and advancing CRS's mission to serve the poor and vulnerable. The advisor will utilize their technical MEAL skills to manage and analyze data, ensure compliance with donor requirements, and support learning initiatives aimed at continuous improvement and high-quality programming within the country program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Technical Advisor II will develop a country-specific FCI MEAL system in line with the global MEAL framework and manage MEAL implementation activities throughout the project cycle, including co-design, start-up, implementation, and close-out. Key responsibilities include leading needs assessments, developing results frameworks, theories of change, Proframes, and SMILER+ (Simple Measurement of Indicators for Learning and Evidence-based Reporting). The advisor will provide technical support for quality MEAL system design and implementation, ensuring data quality and management practices. They will integrate data analysis and reflection to drive improvements in ongoing project activities, ensuring compliance with donor and agency MEAL requirements. The advisor will maintain collaborative relationships with community members and stakeholders, identify technical MEAL assistance needs of partner organizations, and contribute to capacity strengthening initiatives. They will also support the production of donor reports, organize quarterly partner meetings, and communicate MEAL findings to colleagues and partners. Additionally, the advisor will participate in MEAL forums to share best practices and promote CRS's work.

Required Qualifications:
The position requires a PhD in a related field, with leadership experience in MEAL being highly desirable. Candidates should have experience engaging with partner organizations and government entities, as well as proficiency in MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), standard statistical data analysis packages (SPSS, Stata, or R), web conferencing applications, and information management systems. Experience in developing curricula, tools, and evidence to support MEAL is essential, along with demonstrated experience in transferring knowledge through training and mentoring. Candidates should possess the skills to represent the organization at meetings with donors, government, international NGOs, and local partners, with a solid understanding of partnership principles.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in international development, statistics, economics, microfinance, or a related field is required for this position. Candidates with a PhD in a relevant area will be preferred, as it demonstrates a higher level of expertise and knowledge in the field.

Experience:
Candidates must have a minimum of ten years of work experience in international development and/or MEAL, with progressive responsibilities, ideally within an international NGO. At least five years of experience as a MEAL technical advisor and/or program manager is required, along with experience working overseas. Familiarity with project MEAL, including the development of indicators, data collection tools, methodologies, data analysis, and presentation, is essential. Experience providing technical assistance and contributing to successful proposals for external donor funding is also necessary, as is experience in business development related to MEAL components of project design and proposal development.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, and proficiency in the local language of Nigeria is preferred. This bilingual capability will enhance communication with local stakeholders and ensure effective engagement in the community.

Additional Notes:
The position does not specify a contract duration, but it is expected that the successful candidate will adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies. The role is full-time, and candidates should be willing to travel up to 25%. 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., benefits packages will be based on the country of employment. CRS is committed to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people, especially children and vulnerable adults, and prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.