CRS Project Officer (Sr. Field Only)

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to serve those in need, CRS operates in over 100 countries, focusing on saving, protecting, and transforming lives without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization engages in various relief and development programs, including emergency response, health initiatives, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, ensuring that its processes and policies reflect this commitment. The agency welcomes individuals from all faiths and secular traditions who share its values and dedication to serving those in need. With a diverse workforce, CRS emphasizes the importance of collaboration and community engagement in its mission.

Job Overview:
The CRS Project Officer will be a vital member of the programming team, directly supervised by the MEAL Program Manager. This role involves implementing and reporting on all project monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) tasks. The Project Officer will provide technical guidance and advice related to MEAL to staff and implementing partners, ensuring that the project adheres to best practices and continuously improves its impact on the communities served. The position requires strong coordination and relationship management skills to effectively engage with local stakeholders and ensure that MEAL activities are integrated throughout the project cycle. The Project Officer will also support the implementation of feedback mechanisms and actively seek input from community members and stakeholders, fostering a culture of accountability and learning within the project.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Project Officer will be responsible for organizing and implementing all assigned project MEAL activities in collaboration with local partner staff. This includes utilizing ICT for MEAL support as outlined in the detailed implementation plan, ensuring compliance with CRS program quality principles, standards, and MEAL policies. The officer will facilitate learning throughout the project cycle, support accountability through project evaluation activities, and guide partners in reflecting on project experiences. Key responsibilities include analyzing implementation challenges, particularly in data management and reporting, and addressing any inconsistencies or gaps. The Project Officer will implement monitoring activities according to the project’s detailed implementation plan, ensuring data quality through routine checks and assessments. Building and maintaining effective relationships with local stakeholders is crucial, as is coordinating field-level MEAL activities and mobilizing local actors. The officer will also provide logistical and administrative support for MEAL activities and ensure timely documentation of project activities, including data analysis reports and case studies.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in development studies, social science, statistics, information technology, economics, public policy, or a related field. A minimum of 4 years of work experience in a monitoring and evaluation role within challenging contexts is required. Strong experience with data collection platforms such as CommCare or Kobo, as well as data visualization tools like PowerBI, is essential. Candidates should have experience in monitoring projects, collecting relevant data, and engaging in participatory action planning and community engagement. Proficiency in MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) is also necessary. Preferred qualifications include a Master’s degree and additional certifications in data analytics, visualization, spatial analysis, research, information management, or AI.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as development studies, social science, statistics, information technology, economics, or public policy. A Master’s degree is preferred, along with additional certifications that enhance the candidate's qualifications in data and analytics, visualization, and related areas.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant work experience in monitoring and evaluation roles, particularly in challenging contexts. Candidates should demonstrate strong experience in data collection, project monitoring, and community engagement, showcasing their ability to navigate complex environments effectively.

Languages:
Fluency in Burmese is mandatory, along with proficient oral and written English language skills. The ability to communicate in local languages will be considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse community members and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Taunggyi, Southern Shan State, Myanmar, and requires the candidate to be willing to travel up to 50% to field sites and other offices as needed. The role does not involve supervisory responsibilities. CRS offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including health and life insurance, generous leave entitlements, and family-friendly benefits. Employees enjoy paid public holidays, opportunities for professional growth, and a supportive work environment. The position is specifically for Myanmar nationals, and candidates must meet legal work eligibility requirements. CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates.