Project Officer 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 sectors including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and welcomes individuals from diverse faiths and secular traditions who share its values and commitment to serving those in need. The agency's work culture is collaborative and mission-driven, aiming to improve the lives of the poor globally. CRS has a strong emphasis on integrity, accountability, and trust, and seeks to build the capacity of its staff to enhance team and agency performance.

Job Overview:
The Project Officer MEAL will play a crucial role in the EU-funded Regreening Africa project, focusing on Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities. This position involves monitoring project indicators, developing M&E tools, conducting assessments, managing beneficiary databases, and implementing accountability mechanisms. The officer will compile reports on a monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly basis, ensuring that all MEAL-related activities are executed effectively. The role requires frequent travel to project areas and collaboration with various stakeholders, including the Program Manager and other technical staff. The Project Officer MEAL will be responsible for ensuring that evaluations are conducted in accordance with donor regulations and that lessons learned are documented and shared to improve programming implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer MEAL will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including facilitating the SMILER workshop at the project start, tracking project performance against indicators, and managing databases for beneficiary traceability. The officer will conduct baseline studies, on-site monitoring surveys, and market assessments, ensuring that all project data is reviewed, cleaned, and analyzed. Timely execution of mid-term and final evaluations is critical, along with the development and testing of M&E tools. The officer will collaborate with the Accountability Officer to manage feedback and complaints from beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries. Additionally, the role involves training enumerators on data collection tools, supervising data collection exercises, and maintaining the project’s IT equipment. The officer will also compile yearly beneficiary data and share best practices and recommendations for improved programming.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in information and technology management, Statistics, or a relevant equivalent degree. A minimum of 4 years of full-time experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) is required, preferably with an international NGO. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a thorough technical knowledge of MEAL processes and possess strong database management skills. Familiarity with quantitative statistical management programs such as Microsoft Access, SPSS, EPI-INFO, STATA, and Microsoft Excel is essential, with knowledge of Microsoft Power BI considered an advantage. Candidates should also have experience with GIS and GPS technology, as well as strong group facilitation skills.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in fields related to information and technology management, Statistics, or any other relevant equivalent degree. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of data management and analysis within the context of MEAL activities.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of full-time experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL), ideally within an international NGO setting. This experience should encompass a range of MEAL activities, including data collection, analysis, and reporting, as well as familiarity with donor regulations and compliance requirements.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, and knowledge of Hausa is also required. These language skills are essential for effective communication with local communities and stakeholders, as well as for reporting and documentation purposes.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Sokoto, Nigeria, and requires the candidate to be willing to travel up to 30% of the time to field locations throughout the work week. The role does not involve supervisory responsibilities but requires strong interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders. 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 packages are based on the country of employment. The successful candidate is expected to adhere to CRS's Code of Conduct and commitment to safeguarding program participants from exploitation and abuse.