Project Officer (MEAL) at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

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 people 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 partner organizations is fundamental to the work of CRS. CRS re-established its presence in Nigeria in 2000 and currently focuses on health, vulnerable children, agriculture, extractives and governance, and peace-building programming.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Project Officer (MEAL)

Job Id: 3002543
Location: Kebbi
Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Job Summary

• CRS is seeking a State MEAL Officer for the CDC-funded global childhood immunization project.
• The project will reach zero- and under-immunized children with immunization services in Northern Nigeria including fragile and conflict settings.
• Project interventions will focus on: (a) Supporting immunization uptake for polio eradication, measles and rubella reduction and elimination, hepatitis B and maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination; (b) strengthening surveillance systems to improve preparedness and response to outbreaks of VPDs; strengthening of immunization delivery systems and capacities.
• The state MEAL officer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the monitoring and evaluation framework for routine immunization and polio eradication programs in Kebbi state.
• He/She will track program performance, ensure data quality, analyze trends, and provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance program impact of the POISED project in Kebbi state.
• The position holder is also expected to work with POISED’s state team lead, Immunization and MEAL leads on high level matters. She/he will work directly with the Kebbi state Primary Health Care Development Agency, other Implementing Partners (IP), and the Local Partners to implement the project in the designated LGAs and other areas as determined.
• This will also include working with state government and other critical stakeholders in the Health and Humanitarian space. 

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.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, Statistics, Information Technology, Computer Science, Health Sciences, or a related field (master’s degree preferred). 
• 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.

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.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified. 

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online