MEAL Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established in 1943, CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need across more than 100 countries, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. The organization focuses on various areas including emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS Philippines, founded in 1945, is the longest-running CRS country program globally, with a dedicated team of over 70 staff members located in Manila, Davao, and Cotabato City. The organization collaborates closely with a network of church partners, government agencies, and NGOs to effectively address the needs of the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
As a member of the Cotabato project team, the MEAL Officer will play a crucial role in monitoring and reporting on the activities of three significant projects aimed at supporting vulnerable populations. The projects include the LDS Project HOPE, which focuses on creating healthy and empowered schools in the Bangsamoro region, the LDS Women Advancing Sustainable Livelihood and Economic Empowerment initiative, and the Peace Accords Matrix Mindanao project. The MEAL Officer will ensure that best practices are applied consistently and will work towards enhancing the impact of these projects on the communities served. This position requires a thorough and service-oriented approach to project management, ensuring that all activities align with CRS's program quality principles and donor requirements.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Officer will be responsible for coordinating and implementing all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan. This includes monitoring and reporting on challenges or gaps identified during project execution, assisting stakeholders in reflecting on project experiences, and supporting accountability through project monitoring and evaluation activities. The officer will collect and analyze project data, collaborate with key project staff to prepare reports, and document project activities. Additionally, the MEAL Officer will assess local capacity needs and monitor capacity-building efforts to ensure effective impact. The role also involves identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree relevant to the area of work and have a minimum of 3 years of experience in project support. Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement is essential. Preferred qualifications include experience in monitoring projects and collecting relevant data, as well as familiarity with peacebuilding, peace education, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), gender and development, particularly within an NGO context.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required for this position. This educational background should provide a solid foundation in project management, community engagement, and relevant technical areas related to the projects being supported.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 3 years of work experience in project support, with a strong emphasis on participatory action planning and community engagement. Experience in monitoring projects and collecting data is preferred, particularly in fields related to peacebuilding and development.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, along with fluency in Filipino and Cebuano. These language skills are essential for effective communication with project stakeholders and community members.

Additional Notes:
The MEAL Officer position may require travel up to 60% of the time to various project sites. There are no supervisory responsibilities associated with this role. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and community members from exploitation and abuse, and all staff are expected to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct. The position is contingent on the selected candidate's ability to legally work in the Philippines, and candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the country are prioritized.