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Position Title: Program Manager II MEAL – Resilience Food Security Activity
Location: Niger
Country: Niger
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Established to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas, CRS operates in more than 100 countries, focusing on saving, protecting, and transforming lives in need without regard to race, religion, or nationality. The organization engages in various relief and development efforts, including Agriculture, livelihoods, Emergency response, HIV, health, education, and peacebuilding programming. CRS is committed to its mission and values, ensuring that its operations reflect a dedication to serving those in need.

Job Overview:
As the Program Manager II for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) of the Resilience Food Security Activity (RFSA), the individual will be responsible for managing and providing technical oversight for the development and implementation of the MEAL system. This role is crucial for ensuring high-quality programming and improving the impact of multi-sectoral programming. The Program Manager will ensure adherence to CRS’ MEAL Policies and Procedures and donor requirements, Design and implement a high-quality MEAL system that meets stakeholder information needs, and work closely with the Strategic Learning Advisor to utilize data for learning and adaptive management. The position requires a proactive approach to managing MEAL activities throughout the project cycle, ensuring compliance with quality principles and standards, and promoting the application of learning to enhance program quality.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Program Manager II will provide management, guidance, and technical oversight for MEAL activities throughout the project cycle, ensuring that project design, implementation, and close-out align with CRS quality principles and standards. Responsibilities include overseeing the MEAL system of a complex multi-sectoral program, strengthening the capacity of Project MEAL staff and partners through coaching and Capacity Building, championing program learning, facilitating the dissemination of promising practices, and ensuring integration of MEAL-related innovations. The role also involves managing the development and implementation of high-quality MEAL systems and processes, promoting MEAL policies and industry best practices, leading project evaluations and research, and ensuring timely and appropriate project MEAL expenditures. The Program Manager will also provide technical leadership for data Analysis and ensure adherence to USAID's best practice guidelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in international development, International Relations, Monitoring and Evaluation, economic sciences, social sciences, or Statistics. A minimum of 7 years of relevant field-based project management experience is required, with at least 5 years in MEAL. Experience managing MEAL for complex projects, preferably with an international NGO and in resilience and Food Security Programming, is essential. Familiarity with USAID MEL approaches and Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) guidelines is necessary, along with proven experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods and proficiency in ICT4MEAL tools for Data Collection and analysis.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as international development, International Relations, Monitoring and Evaluation, economic sciences, social sciences, or Statistics is required. Additional experience may substitute for some educational requirements, but a strong educational foundation in these areas is essential for the role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 7 years of relevant field-based project management experience, with at least 5 years specifically in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL). Candidates should have experience managing MEAL for complex projects, preferably with an international NGO, and experience in resilience and food security programming. Familiarity with USAID MEL approaches and experience in engaging stakeholders at various levels is also necessary.

Languages:
Fluency in French is mandatory, while professional proficiency in English is considered an asset. The ability to communicate effectively in both languages will enhance collaboration and engagement with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Niger and requires 35-40% travel to project sites. The role is contingent on donor funding and approval of the candidate. CRS encourages female candidates to apply and prioritizes candidates who are citizens or permanent residents of the countries where CRS operates. The organization is committed to equal opportunity employment and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, age, sex, or any other non-merit-based status.