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

Background

• In October-November 2014 CRS conducted a food security assessment and market survey in Yobe State. This assessment confirmed the food security alerts from FEWS Net predicting the lean season to start earlier than normal, in March instead of July, and IPC phase (crisis level) from March through September 2015 in the region.
• Following the field assessment CRS submitted in December 2014 a concept notes that was approved. CRS has then developed a full proposal which will soon be submitted to FFP.
• The focus of the project strategy is food voucher to IDPs and vulnerable households. The project includes apilot phase using CRS private fund and the roll-out phase using the funds expected from FFP/EFSP. CRS is currently in the process of implementing the pilot phase of the project in one of the target LGAs.
• In anticipation that the project will be funded, CRS is looking for a strong candidateto work as a Food Security MEAL Officer (FSMO) on the project team.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Under the direction of the Food Security Program Manager, the Food Security MEAL Officer will be responsible for all MEAL related activities including, monitoring progress on project indicators, conducting ongoing market and price assessments, beneficiary database management, recalibration of beneficiary targeting at project mid-point, development and implementation of accountability mechanisms as well as compilation of monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly reports.
• The FSMO will be based in Abuja with frequent trips to the project area and will report to the FSPM, but will also work closely with the CRS Country Program MEAL Coordinator for technical support.

Specific Job Responsibilities
The FSMO’s specific responsibilities will include the following:

• With technical assistance from the country program MEAL Coordinator and the MEAL RTA, conduct a SMILER workshop at the project start
• Track the project performances against project indicators
• Create and manage databases to ensure the traceability of the project beneficiaries and the vouchers
• Conduct a household level baseline study at the project start
• Regularly lead field volunteers in conducting post distribution surveys
• Regularly lead field volunteers in conducting post distribution market surveys
• Ensure the project final evaluation is carried out in a timely manner
• Promote the use of Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) solutions during the registration of beneficiaries, the registration of traders/vendors, the monitoring of the project activities, the post distribution household and vendorsurveys, and final evaluation
• Establish and manage asystem to track beneficiary and non-beneficiary’s feedback and manage complaints
• Ensure a timely submission of monthly post distribution monitoring, market monitoring, feedback and complaint management, and evaluation reports in collaboration with CBO field staff and CGPP PO.

Agency Wide Competences (For all CRS Staff):

• These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.
  • Serves withIntegrity
  • ModelsStewardship
  • Cultivates Constructive Relationships
  • Promotes Learning

Key Working Relationships

• Internal: Food Security Program Manager, Food Security Market Coordinator, Food Security Project Officers, Country Program MEAL Coordinator
• External: Implementing CBO’s staff, MEAL RTA, HRD MEAL TA

Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Master's degree or Engineering Degree in Information and Technology Management, Statistics or any other relevant equivalent degree
• At least 3 years full-time experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning, preferably with an international NGO
• Professional proficiency in both English and Hausa
• Thorough technical knowledge and experience in MEAL
• Demonstrated experience in database management and usage of ACCESS, SPSS, EPI-INFO, STATA and/or EXCEL or other quantitative statistical management programs for data analysis
• Experience designing tools for, collecting and analyzingqualitative data
• High degree of competency and comfort with ICT4E or ICT4Ddevices, form creation and data management software, and data visualization. Specific skills using I-Forms Builder and Zoho a plus.
• Strong group process design and facilitation skills, including developing and leading workshops
• Demonstrated commitment to gender responsive programming.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, oral and written communication skills
• Team-oriented and strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to organize and prioritize a variety of initiatives
• Willingness to travel within Nigeria 50% of the time