Technical Officer - MEAL at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an International non-governmental organization supporting relief and development work in over 99 countries around the world. CRS programs assist persons based on need, regardless of creed, ethnicity, or nationality. CRS works through local church and non-church partners to implement its programs, therefore, strengthening and building the capacity of these partner organizations is fundamental to programs in every country in which CRS operates. CRS re-established presence in Nigeria in 2000 and has been a continuous leader in development and humanitarian response within Nigeria - focusing on the three Strategic Program Areas of Agriculture, Health and Emergency Response. Below are the existing vacancies within the country program.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Technical Officer - MEAL (Temporary Position)

Job Ref Code: THR4721
Location: Abuja (FCT)
Band: 7
Department: Programs
Reports To: Technical Advisor / Zonal Coordinator FCT

Background

• FASTER (Faith-based Action for Scaling up Testing and Treatment for the Epidemic Response) project is designed as a new component of the global FOCUS (Faith-based Organization Capacity Strengthening for Universal HIV Services) project. Funded by the President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), FOCUS was developed with the intent of building FBO network capacity, assisting FBOs to contribute to HIV multi-sector planning for expanded service delivery, and documenting successful approaches. Led by CRS, FOCUS builds understanding of how to leverage the faith-based community’s contributions at sub-national and national levels, reinforcing mutual responsibility and country-driven leadership.
• FASTER takes FOCUS’ objectives to the next level by creating an enabling environment in Nigeria where government, civil society, the private sector, and FBOs can accelerate normative pediatric HIV case finding, testing, linkage to care and treatment, and adherence support by strengthening and streamlining joint coordination and provision of pediatric HIV service delivery.

Job Summary

• The Technical Officer – MEAL (Temp. hire) is expected to support the FASTER Nigeria project strategies towards achieving UNAIDS 95:95:95, strengthening case management and referral coordination of PEPFAR OVC and Adolescent programs as well as providing support to the M&E team in the delivery of FASTER Project mandate in line with USG funding policies and procedures at the zonal / state level.

Specific Job Responsibilities

• Provide all administrative support to ensure effective running of M&E activities on the FASTER project at the state level
• Provide necessary support in training of partners to develop capacity to implement HIV/AIDS support activities as per the project requirement.
• Support program efforts on learning, formative research, special studies and operational research and work with MEAL team, FASTER technical team, and external support (if needed) to conduct research.
• Support the strengthening of MEAL strategies for effective Pediatric and Adolescent HIV case finding retention and viral load suppression
• Provide MEAL support for OVC Case management and referral coordination at the state of FASTER project implementation.

Qualifications and Skills
Education and Experience:

• A Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences, Biostatistics, Social Sciences, or related field is a pre-requisite. Master’s degree in Public Health or its equivalent will be an additional advantage.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in HIV / AIDS programming.
• Minimum of 2 years’ experience working in a PEPFAR pediatric HIV and OVC programming.
• Demonstrated skills in MEAL, data management and quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.
• Ability to work effectively with government and implementing partners as well as transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through workshops, training and meetings using participatory methods and adult learning principles.
• Strong data analytic skills including proficiency in use of data analytic tools like MS Excel.
• Familiarity with databases in use for the HIV program in Nigeria including Open MRS/NMRS, NOMIS, LAMIS, etc.
• Ability to work both in a team and independently and ability to transfer knowledge through formal and informal training
• Technical experience with programming to address cross-gender issues and concerns among children and adolescents is highly required.
• Strong strategic, analytical, systems thinking, and problem-solving skills, with capacity to see the big picture and ability to make sound judgment and decisions.
• Strong communications and presentation skills; able to develop tailored and persuasive messaging for varied audiences.
• Proven leadership qualities, depth and breadth of technical expertise and experience, and strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Application Closing Date
5:00pm; 20th April, 2021.