Project Officer - MEAL at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely with partners to ensure all program and related reports are collated, reviewed and are of high-quality for submission to the State Team Lead on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Develop and implement M&E frameworks for routine immunization and polio programs in Kebbi state.
• Support data collection, entry, validation, and analysis using appropriate tools and software (DHIS2, COMMCARE, ODK, Kobo Toolbox, etc.).
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of immunization and surveillance data to stakeholders.
• Conduct data verification and validation exercises to ensure data quality.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) for routine immunization and polio eradication campaigns.
• Conduct supportive supervision and field visits to monitor program implementation.
• Develop data visualization tools, dashboards, and presentations to support decision-making.
• Provide technical assistance for the use of monitoring tools by field staff.
• Analyze immunization and disease surveillance data to identify trends and gaps.
• Prepare MEAL reports, dashboards, and presentations for program management and donors.
• Support the use of data for decision-making and program improvement.
• Document lessons learned and best practices for program improvement.
• Train and mentor health workers and program staff on data management, reporting tools, and MEAL best practices.
• Provide technical support in planning and conducting operational research related to immunization and polio eradication.
• Facilitate workshops, meetings, and training on MEAL strategies and tools.
• Work closely with government agencies (NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, etc.) and partners to align MEAL efforts.
• Support coordination of routine immunization review meetings.
• Ensure compliance with national and global MEAL standards.
• Organize and support training sessions for health workers, LGA immunization officers, and disease surveillance teams on data management for routine immunization SIAs and non-SIA campaign.
• Support health teams in using digital tools for tracking, reporting, and GIS mapping.
• Facilitate learning exchanges and best practice sharing among program teams.

Required Languages - High level of proficiency in both written and spoken English. Local languages such as Hausa preferred.

Travel - 50%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Data Management & Analysis – Proficiency in tools like DHIS2, SPSS, STATA, Excel, and Power BI for data collection, cleaning, analysis, and visualization.
• Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Frameworks – Strong understanding of M&E methodologies, including logical frameworks, results-based management (RBM), and indicator tracking.
• Health Information Systems (HIS) – Experience with state and national health information platforms (e.g., DHIS2, Kobo Toolbox, Open Data Kit).
• GIS & Mapping – Knowledge of GIS tools (QGIS, ArcGIS) for mapping immunization coverage and surveillance data.
• Survey Design & Implementation – Ability to design and conduct field surveys, operational research, and population-based assessments.

Key Attributes:

• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills – Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Attention to Detail – High level of accuracy in data collection, reporting, and analysis.
• Communication & Presentation Skills – Strong ability to present data-driven insights to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Training & Capacity Building – Experience in mentoring and training health workers and field staff on data collection and M&E tools.
• Project Management & Adaptability – Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving program needs.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) – Advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
• Data Visualization & Dashboards – Ability to create interactive dashboards in Power BI, Google Data sheet.
• Proficient in virtual platforms and hosting/participation in seamless virtual meetings.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

 Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Kebbi State Team Lead, SI Lead, Immunization Lead, Program manager Partnerships and Community Services, Project Officer.

External: Kebbi State Primary Health Care Agencies, Development Partners, other INGO representatives

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, Statistics, Information Technology, Computer Science, Health Sciences, or a related field (master’s degree preferred). 
• Minimum of 3 - 5 years of experience in data management, immunization, disease surveillance, or public health program management.
• Demonstrated expertise in RI, SIAs, supportive supervision, and disease surveillance systems.
• Experience implementing zero-dose reduction strategies and IEV approaches.
• Strong familiarity with government health systems and working with development partners.

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions. 
• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission.  Is considered honest.
• Builds and Maintains Trust - Shows consistency between words and actions.
• Collaborates with Others – Works effectively in intercultural and diverse teams.
• Open to Learn – Seeks out experiences that may change perspective or provide an opportunity to learn new things.