Senior Project Officer - MEAL at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Job Summary

As Senior Project Officer MEAL, you will support DRIVE MEAL Manager in building capacity of JDPC on DRIVE MEAL systems.  You will providing technical guidance and advice to JDPC  and CRS DRIVE staff in program and  MEAL on  the  standards, application and effective use of MEAL   tools, systems and approaches. You will provide training,  guidance, mentoring and supervision to the JDPC DRIVE team in program and MEAL on  the effective use of ICT4D systems, tools and devices for data management and reporting.  

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the  CRS MEAL manager, support JDPC to  lead the implementation of all project MEAL activities in line with CRS standards and MPP and  donor requirements;.
• Support the JDPC MEAL team to integrate learning and  accountability based on reflection on  project implementation experience  and data analysis throughout the project cycle.  Ensure that JDPC MEAL analyzes implementation challenges and report any inconsistencies and gaps to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules. 
• Support JDPC in the roll-out and implementation of the project’s feedback and response mechanism (FRM). Support actively seeking and responding to feedback from all members of targeted communities and other stakeholders as defined by the FRM. 
• Support JDPCE to implement monitoring activities and processes according to the project’s DIP and  Ensure the quality of monitoring data through the conduct by JDPC of  annual data quality assessments. 
• Coordinate and oversee MEAL-related working relationships with all local project stakeholders and serve as the liaison between them and the project team to mobilize local actors and promote project activities and impact. Identify and respond to key stakeholders’ information needs in MEAL activities, using a range of appropriate communication methods.
• Supervise and perform ad hoc inspections of various MEAL processes and resources at project sites to ensure timely project activities implementation and adherence to established process standards and procedures. Ensure proper tracking of resource use for project MEAL activities through periodic budget reviews and follow-up with and assistance to implementing partner.
• Support and coordinate MEAL capacity building and technical support activities to CRS and JDPC teams  to ensure assigned project MEAL activities are implemented per project guidelines and standards. Optimize partner participation and capacity development in the implementation of MEAL systems.
• Work with JDPC to develop a MEAL system outlining indicators, tools, data sources, data flow, procedures, staffing and statistical procedures required to monitor implementation and assure quality project interventions
• Coordinate provision of any MEAL-related logistical and administrative support to  CRS and JDPC staff; 
• Ensure timely, project documentation for assigned MEAL activities is complete with all required documents and is filed per agency and donor requirements. Assist with preparation of trends analysis reports and documentation of case studies and promising practices.

Required Languages - English and Hausa languages are required. Proficiency in other local languages will be an added advantage.

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 40%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Analysis and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented
• Attention to details, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.
• Excellent interpersonal skills: must be able to interact in a mature, professional, and friendly manner with local and international colleagues of differing religious and cultural backgrounds.
• Able to work independently, take initiative and be committed with few guidance in the implementation of received directions.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in working with partners, participatory action planning, complexity-aware monitoring techniques, and community engagement.
• Good technical knowledge and experience in managing MEAL in a resilience, developmental or emergency context.
• Demonstrated experience in database management and appropriateness of quantitative statistical management programs including Microsoft Access, SPSS, EPI-INFO, STATA, and Microsoft Excel. Familiarity with GIS and GPS technology.
• Strong group process design and facilitation skills, including developing and leading workshops.
• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data.

Supervisory Responsibilities : None

Key Working Relationships:

• Internal: Program Director, MEAL Manager, DRR Manager, other DRIVE sector leads, Senior Admin and Security Officer staff in Maiduguri, CRS CP MEAL lead.
• External:  JDPC   MEAL and program sector staff,  community mobilisers and enumerators .

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, statistics, computer science; 
• Minimum of  four years experience designing and implementing MEAL system for INGOs or USAID- funded projects related to emergency projects in the Northeast region of Nigeria.
• Demonstrated expertise in qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis and management methods using CommCare technology.
• Knowledge of USAID Evaluation Policy and requirements. 
• Capacity to produce Power BI reports.