MEAL Manager II

Job Posting Organization:
CRS (Catholic Relief Services) is a leading international humanitarian agency that works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries. Established in 1943, CRS has a mission to alleviate suffering and provide assistance to people in need, regardless of their race, religion, or nationality. The organization employs thousands of staff worldwide and operates various programs in emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS is committed to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation, and its processes and policies reflect this commitment. The organization fosters a collaborative, mission-driven culture focused on improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

Job Overview:
The MEAL Manager II will provide technical leadership for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities of the World Bank funded SOMOUD project in East Sudan. This role involves rolling out CRS’ MEAL Policies and Procedures, ensuring compliance with donor MEAL requirements, and creating systems for accountability to beneficiaries, donors, and stakeholders. The MEAL Manager will work closely with CRS program teams and partner staff to develop high-quality monitoring systems and tools that address the indicators set out in the SOMOUD project. The position requires proactive management to ensure high program quality and donor compliance, as well as the capacity to build and enhance the skills of MEAL staff.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Manager will provide management guidance and technical leadership for the MEAL systems and processes throughout relevant project cycles, ensuring they meet CRS’s MEAL policy and procedures, donor requirements, and local regulations across targeted states including East Darfur, West Darfur, Central Darfur, and Khartoum. Responsibilities include leading the design of quality MEAL tools and methods, ensuring compliance with donor and agency MEAL requirements, analyzing MEAL data, and ensuring quality data management practices. The manager will oversee project communications materials, cultivate relationships with community members and stakeholders, and build the capacity of MEAL officers and partners. Additionally, the role involves managing team dynamics, providing coaching and mentoring, and contributing to staffing plans and recruitment processes. The MEAL Manager will also identify performance gaps and training opportunities for CRS and partner staff, and supervise MEAL Senior Project Officers in the targeted states.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in international development, International Relations, or a relevant technical area. A minimum of 5 years of experience in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) is required, with at least 3 years in a senior position within a large project that operates in multiple locations with diverse teams. Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills are essential, along with proven experience using statistical software such as SPSS and ICT4D applications like POWER BI, CommCare, and GIS. Technical experience in start-up projects in insecure environments, such as Sudan, is also necessary, as well as experience in designing and overseeing program studies and evaluations.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Master’s degree in international development, International Relations, or a relevant technical area. This advanced degree is crucial for understanding the complexities of international development work and the specific challenges faced in the field of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in Monitoring and Evaluation, with at least 3 years in a senior role within a large project that has multiple locations and diverse teams. Candidates should have strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills and experience working with statistical software and ICT4D applications. Experience in managing projects in insecure environments, particularly in Sudan, is highly valued, as is experience in remote management and staff development.

Languages:
Fluent English is mandatory for this position, and proficiency in Arabic is considered an asset. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages is crucial for engaging with local stakeholders and ensuring compliance with donor requirements.

Additional Notes:
This position involves supervisory responsibilities over Senior MEAL Project Officers in targeted states. The role may require travel up to 40% to field locations. 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 are based on the country of employment. The anticipated duration of the assignment for expatriates is informed by a term limit based on the job type and level, as well as the agency's needs. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants and staff from exploitation and abuse, and successful candidates are expected to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct.