MEAL Assistant at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Job Ref Code: MLT80119
Location: Yobe
Band: 4
Department: Programs/Water for Agriculture
Reports To: MEAL Specialist

Job Summary / Background

• The MEAL Assistant will work with the MEAL officer and implementing partners to provide strategic guidance to Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) on the USAID-funded Water for Agriculture (WFA) project
• S/he will support MEAL activities across all sectors including periodic assessments / surveys and routine gathering of project implementation information collection;
• S/he will implement efficient systems for accountability to beneficiaries, donors and other stakeholders;
• S/he will collate and archive project documentation; and foster cross-learning among projects.

Job Responsibilities

• Support the development and regular updating of WFA MEAL tools, approaches, frameworks and databases.
• Support the MEL Specialist to monitor WFA implementation progress on a regular basis against CRS quality standards and international humanitarian principles through monitoring visits, data quality audits, spot check against reports and review of implementation reports.
• Support implementing partners in collection and analysis of data (method, formats, software, etc.), indicator measurement, feedback and complaint mechanisms, negative impact analysis, etc.
• Provide technical support to WFA partner staff on the implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities, data management and integration of cross-functional issues.
• Support project wide assessments and surveys including baseline and other evaluative surveys. This might entail leading recruitment, orientation, deployment and management of external consultants.
• Support learning and knowledge management within the WFA project and ensure such best practice is communicated across CRS Nigeria.
• Ensure robust and participatory beneficiary accountability and feedback mechanisms are established, used and reported against.

Background, Experience & Requirements

• Understanding of MEAL standards used by major donors including USAID,
• Bachelor's Degree in Information Sciences, Monitoring and Evaluation or relevant field
• Minimum 3 years of experience in a MEAL role on a development or humanitarian project
• Demonstrated experience in planning and delivering effective trainings.
• Strong team player with the ability to take initiative and work well independently.
• Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
• Knowledge of Hausa is an added advantage.
• Knowledge of CRS MEAL standards and policies.
• Prior experience in a similar position in the Northeast Region of Nigeria.
• Ability to work to meet deadlines in multiple tasking environments
• Excellent organization, planning and analytical skills; detail oriented
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with demonstrated strength in relationship management.