Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Band: 7

Department: Programs/MEAL

Reports To: MEAL Manager OFDA

Location: Maiduguri, Borno State.

Job Ref Code: MEO170419

Full JD Link: http://bit.ly/2V5COVx

Primary Function:

Under the direction of the MEAL Manager, the MEAL Officer will be responsible for supporting all MEAL related activities including, but not limited to: monitoring progress on project indicators, elaboration of M&E tools, conducting needs/market/post-activity assessments, beneficiary database management, recalibration of beneficiary targeting at project mid-point, development and implementation of accountability mechanism as well as compilation of monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly reports. The MEAL officer will be based in Maiduguri with frequent trips to the project area and will report to the MEAL Manager with dotted line to Program Manager.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Assist Program Managers and MEAL Manager in facilitation of SMILER workshop at the project start-up.
• Conduct regular on-site and post distribution monitoring; post-activity monitoring and Focused Group Discussion to measure the project progress.
• Provide consistent, supportive supervision to strengthen staff performance as necessary to meet monitoring objectives.
• Conduct Market Price Monitoring in collaboration with the Programs.
• Provide timely analyzed data and report on the monitoring activities and feedback to the programs; and write reports. 
• Support the team on the registration, commodity/card distribution and others activity through rigorous monitoring exercise. 
• Conduct data validation and verification exercise as necessary.
• Maintain the Indicator Performance Tracking Table and feed the information to programs and MEAL team.
• Facilitate the training of enumerators in the activities such as rapid assessment, registration, survey, baseline/end-line etc.
• Elaborate, review, and test all M&E tools before the implementation.
• Establish the database or tracking sheets of project beneficiary and assistance provided and share the information timely with the programs.
• Support the establishment and management of a system to track beneficiary and non-beneficiary’s feedbacks and complaints management.
• Work closely with ICT department and MEAL Manager in tracking IT equipment 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.
• Identify, document, store and share lessons learned (this includes success story too) that have implications for refinement of best programmatic practice.
• Ensure ethical and safe collection and storage of data.

Qualifications and Skills:

• University degree, preferably in statistics, information management, management, social sciences or related fields.
• At least 3 years of experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning, preferably in humanitarian or development context.
• Proven track record and experience in developing 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.
• Communication skills in Hausa and Kanuri mandatory.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a diverse team and manage complex and sensitive organizational relationships.
• 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

Key Working Relationships:

Internal:              MEAL Officers, MEAL Manager, MEAL Coordinator, MEAL Assistant, Program Officers, Program Manager, Emergency Coordinator, Operations Staff

External:              Local partners, Red Rose team, enumerators, external consultants and other key stakeholders

Travel:

Travel up to 60% of the time as needed.