Project 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 on the basis of need, regardless of creed, ethnicity or nationality. CRS works through local church and nonchurch 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 has worked in Nigeria for more than 25 years.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Project Officer - MEAL (Nigerian Nationals Only)

Location: Damaturu, Yobe (On-site)
Job Type: Full Time

Background
The CORE Group Partnership Project (CGPP) is a multi-country, multi-partner initiative providing financial support, on-the-ground technical guidance and support to strengthen host country efforts to eradicate polio. The premise of this project is to work through existing networks of international and local NGOs with established child survival activities in high-risk areas of priority countries.

A country-level Secretariat coordinates the work of CORE group members in a manner that complements the work of other implementing partners. The work of all CORE members is in support of the national action plan for polio eradication, 5-year health plans and consistent with national MDG goals.

Job Summary

• Under the guidance of the State Team Lead (STL), the MEAL Officer will be responsible for all MEAL related activities including, but not limited to monitoring progress on project indicators, M&E tools reviews, tracking and monitoring of Kaduna & Yobe state MEAL activities.
• He/she will work closely with the Senior MEAL Officer to ensure project target objectives are met, conducting data quality assessments and audits, database management, and the compilation of weekly, monthly, and quarterly MEAL related reports of CGPP project portfolios Polio and GHSA.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to regular analysis of field data from focal LGAs and provide feedback as necessary.
• Conduct regular monitoring to focal LGAs for data verification to ensure data integrity, precision, reliability, timeliness, and validity.
• Works closely with the Senior MEAL Officer to track and monitor the implementation of detailed implementation plans (DIPs) developed by the Community Based Organization (CBO).
• Provide support to the CBO MEAL Officers to maintain the functionality of the project's devices for data reporting.
• Work closely with the Senior MEAL Officer to ensure compliance with the SOP of the management of the project's devices.
• With guidance from the STL and close working with the Senior MEAL officer, work with the CBO  MEAL officers to field test data tools.
• Assist in compiling and harmonization of annual training plans for Yobe state under the guidance of the STL.
• Prepare Issues Log and keep a record of the Issues addressed, including updating of Change Management Procedure (CMP) tool.  
• Work closely with the Senior MEAL officer to maintain the project's database for Yobe state under the guidance of the STL.
• Ensure the archiving of state reports, DIPs, supervisory visits reports, and filing of blank data tools.
• Work closely with the STL to plan and implement all review meetings in the state, not limited to bi-weekly or monthly MEAL meetings
• Prepare weekly MEAL activities status reports for the state and share them with Team members.
• Provide inputs to research activities and writing of articles for publications as required.
• As guided by the management team and working closely with the Senior MEAL officer, support the planning and implementation of KAP surveys, annual DQA exercise, After Action Reviews and Intervention assessments and evaluations.
• Work with the project accountability focal point to ensure feedback from project stakeholders are promptly logged on the Country-Program Feedback registry and ensure closure of feedback loop in line with Country Program Accountability SOPs
• Collaborate with the PM and Senior MEAL Officer to ensure compliance with the Agency’s MEAL policies and procedures(MPP 4.0).

Key Working Relationships

• Internal: State Team Lead, Senior MEAL officer, Project Officers, Program Manager,  Deputy Chief of Party, CBO MEAL officers, CP Accountability Officer
• External:  CGPP Secretariat, WHO, UNICEF, SPHCDA, NCDC
• Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):
• Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. 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.
• 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.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Monitoring and Evaluation, Information Management, Social sciences, or related fields.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning, preferably in humanitarian or development context.
• Proven track record and experience in supporting the development of M&E plan, systems and database using MS office applications (Excel or Access) and software applications.
• Strong knowledge and proven experience on developing and analyzing logical and conceptual framework.
• Ability to train Partners and staff on developing and maintaining the M&E system.
• Demonstrate good knowledge and understanding of the Polio Eradication program.
• Demonstrate understanding of and commitment to promoting gender equity and the interests of vulnerable people.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Familiarity with relevant donors' regulations is a plus.
• Proficient in Excel and experience with Word and PowerPoint. Knowledge of financial reporting software a plus.
• Required Languages - English and ability to speak Hausa will be an Advantage.
• Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 70% and stay in difficult environments.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and oral communications skills in English.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to detect and report inconsistencies
• Excellent organizational skills with great attention to detail
• Ethical conduct in accordance with recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics
• Proactive, resourceful, solution-oriented and results-oriented
• Ability to work collaboratively
• Ability to multitask and deliver work to tight deadlines.

Agency Leadership Competencies:

• Lead Change – Continually look 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.

Application Closing Date
29th September, 2023.

Method of Application
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online