MEAL Assistant at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Band:                 4

Department:      CGPP

Report To:         Technical Advisor

Job Ref Code:   MEA121218

Full JD Link:      https://goo.gl/d7fiaD

Job Summary:                                                                                             

Under the direction of the Technical Advisor, the MEAL Assistant will be responsible for all MEAL related activities including, but not limited to: monitoring progress on project indicators, elaboration of M&E tools, ensuring project target objectives are met, conducting data quality assessments and audits, maintaining the implementation of gender related, database management, as well as compilation of  weekly, monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly reports.

The MEAL Assistant will be based in Damaturu with frequent trips to the project areas and will report to the Technical Advisor with dotted line to MEAL TO but will also work closely with the North East MEAL team.

Specific Job Responsibilities:

• Conduct regular in-between round and SIAs campaigns supervisory visits to ensure program quality and improve performance.
• Provide timely analyzed data and report on the monitoring activities and feedback to improve performance.    
• Conduct data validation and verification exercise as necessary.
• Maintain the Indicator Performance Tracking Tool/template and feed the information to programs team. Ensure ethical and safe collection and storage of data
• Identify gaps and Facilitate trainings for partner M&E officers and other grassroot volunteers.
• Elaborate, review, and test all M&E tools before the implementation.
• Promote the use of Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) solutions throughout the project or digital data collection. 
• Supervise and mentor the partner M&E officers.
• Establish and manage a system to track and provide feedbacks from frontline workers (LGA Coordinators) through their partners.
• Work closely with the MEAL TO in tracking and maintaining IT equipment (smart phones) associated with project use. 
• Conduct regular analysis and action planning meetings to (1) compare data against project milestones, targets, and quality expectations across project sites; (2) identify issues requiring further attention; (3) define action needed and assign responsibility and deadlines. (4) provide data feedbacks regularly working closely with the MEAL TO.
• Identify, document, store and share lessons learned (this includes success story too) that have implications for refinement of best programmatic practice.
• Ensure that the cross-cutting themes such as gender and protection are integrated in the partners’ MEAL plans and systems.
• Conduct and document trainings, learning agendas, learning reviews and share learnings and reports with stakeholders.
• Compile state program reports working closely with the program officers. 

Qualifications and Skills:

• University degree, preferably in statistics, information management, management, social sciences or related fields.
• At least 2-3 years of experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning, preferably in humanitarian or development context.
• Proven track record and experience in supporting the development of M&E plan, systems and database using MS office applications (Excel or Access) and software applications.
• Strong knowledge and proven experience on developing and analyzing logical and conceptual framework.
• Ability to train partners and staff on developing and maintaining the M&E system.
• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills in English.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a diverse team and manage complex and sensitive organizational relationships.
• Demonstrate good knowledge and understanding of the POLIO Eradication program
• Demonstrable understanding of and commitment to promoting gender equity and the interests of vulnerable people.
• Enthusiasm for and commitment to CRS’s values and guiding principles.
• Ability to manage complex workloads and deliver work to tight deadlines.
• Ability to travel frequently and stay in difficult environments.
• Team working spirit and ability to multi task.

Key Working Relationships:

Internal:              Senior Program Manager, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Technical Officer (MEAL), Technical Advisor, Program Officers, Health System Strengthening (HSS) Unit, Operations, and Finance.

External:              CGPP Secretariat, Local partners, EOC, State Primary Health Care Management Board, Volunteers, and other key stakeholders.

Travel:

Travel up to 60% of the time as needed.