Project Officer MEAL at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Job Summary

• Under the direction of the Program Manager, the Project Officer MEAL will be responsible for all MEAL related activities of EU-funded Regreening Africa project 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 Project Officer MEAL will be based in Sokoto with frequent trips to the project area and will report to the Program Manager, but will also work closely with other staff for technical support

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• With technical assistance from the CP MEAL Coordinator and the MEAL RTA, facilitate the SMILER workshop at the project start.
• Track the project performance vs. project indicators. 
• Create and manage databases to ensure the traceability of the project beneficiaries and assistance provided.
• Conduct a household level baseline study at the start of the project.
• Regularly conducting on-site monitoring surveys.
• Carryout market assessments for new and existing project sites.
• Review, clean and analyze all project data, including but not limited to: beneficiary registration, baseline study, onsite monitoring, post activity monitoring, final evaluation.
• Ensure that the project mid-term evaluation and project’s Real Time Evaluation are conducted in a timely manner and as per donor’s regulations.
• Ensure the project final evaluation is timely conducted.
• Elaborate, review, and test all M&E tools.
• Promote the use of Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) solutions throughout the project including for the registration of beneficiaries, the monitoring of the project activities, the post distribution household surveys, the baseline study, and the mid-term and final evaluations.
• Collaborate with the Accountability Officer to establish and manage a system to track beneficiary and non-beneficiary’s feedback and complaints management.
• Ensure timely submission of the baseline study report, post distribution monitoring reports, feedback and complaints management reports, and evaluations reports.
• Support the development and testing of electronic data entry questionnaires using Kobo collect (or other software as needed) during periodic surveys and data analysis using appropriate statistical package.
• Train enumerators and daily workers on data collection tools and on the utilization of iPads and/or android devices.
• Supervise data collection exercises.
• In coordination with the ICT4D Specialist, maintain the project’s stock of IT equipment (including program phones, etc.).
• Collect and share lessons learned, best practices, success stories and innovations stemming from program implementation.
• Formulate and share clear recommendations for improved programming implementation. 
• Compile yearly beneficiary data.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in information and technology management, Statistics or any other relevant equivalent degree
• Minimum of 4 years full-time experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning, preferably with an international NGO.

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.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually looks for ways to improve the agency through a culture of agility, openness, and innovation.
• Develops and Recognizes Others – Builds the capacity of staff to reach their full potential and enhance team and agency performance.
• Strategic Mindset – Understands role in translating, communicating, and implementing agency strategy and team priorities.

Required Languages - English and Hausa language
Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 30% of the time to field locations throughout the work week.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent interpersonal skills must be able to interact in a mature, professional, and friendly manner with local and international colleagues of differing religious and cultural backgrounds.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to organize and prioritize a variety of initiatives.
• Demonstrated commitment to gender-responsive and safe/dignified programming.
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.
• Proactive, results-oriented and service and customer-oriented.
• Understanding of NGOs’ and other entities’ responsibility to protect beneficiaries from sexual exploitation and abuse.
• Team-oriented and strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to organize and prioritize a variety of initiatives.
• Demonstrated commitment to gender responsive programming.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, oral and written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Thorough technical knowledge and experience in MEAL.
• Demonstrated experience in database management
• Demonstrated appropriateness of quantitative statistical management programs including Microsoft Access, SPSS, EPI-INFO, STATA, and Microsoft Excel. Knowledge of Microsoft Power BI will be an added advantage.
• Familiarity with GIS and GPS technology.
• High degree of competency and comfort with information and communication technology used for MEAL
• Strong group process design and facilitation skills, including developing and leading workshops
• Demonstrable experience working with Information and Communication Technologies (software and hardware).

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships:

• Internal: Program Manager, Agric & Livelihoods Officer, Other MEAL Officers, MEAL Coordinator, ICT4D Specialist, Operations Staff, Field Agents
• External: Local partners, enumerators, external consultants and other key stakeholders.