MEAL Manager

Job Description

CRS JOB ADVERT – INTERNAL/EXTERNAL 

CRS is recruiting for X1 Position: MEAL Manager. 

If you are interested and your profile matches the requirements, please read the below job descriptions, and follow the instructions to submit your application package.  

About 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 are accomplished through programs  of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. CRS launched  its work in Sierra Leone in 1963 supporting relief and development operations in the country. CRS Sierra  Leone has proudly maintained a strong reputation and relationship with partners and the communities we  serve in the country implementing a multi-sector program portfolio based on the country’s dynamic needs.  Today, the Country Program has a robust portfolio built around several major programs in Health, Nutrition,  Education, and Urban Resilience. CRS Sierra Leone has its main office in Freetown and a field office in Kabala,  with over 140 staff in total. 

Job Title: MEAL Manager  

Department: Global Fund – Health Program 

Reports To: PMI REACH Program Manager 

Country: CRS-Sierra Leone.  

Duty Location: CRS Freetown Office 

Job Summary: 

The purpose of this position is to manage, strengthen, and provide technical direction to the PMI REACH  MEAL system, ensure learning, build the capacity of program staff, and support the implementation of CRS  MEAL policies and procedures. The MEAL Manager will support the program team to develop high quality  monitoring systems and tools which measure progress towards indicators. He/she will ensure that  accountability and learning are systematically captured and used. 

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

• Manage and implement all MEAL activities throughout relevant project cycles – project design, start-up,  implementation, and close-out to ensure efficient and effective implementation in line with CRS program  quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices. Ensure project staff use the  appropriate systems and tools.  
• Champion learning with project staff and other project MEAL staff within the CP.  • Analyze and evaluate project performance data following MEAL policy.  
• Proactively identify issues and concerns and use participatory processes to overcome implementation  obstacles.  
• Act as a MEAL resource person in design and proposal development for new funding opportunities. • Coordinate the identification of MEAL needs of partner organizations and capacity strengthening and  required interventions to support quality project implementation. 
• Compile, analyze and present summary data and progress reports to Program Manager to generate  progress update for reporting to the Donor. 
• Conduct data verification exercise in the field to ensure data and reporting are of high quality and data  reported is accurate. 
• Implement activities according to MEAL Detailed Implementation Plan (DIP). 
• Document lessons learned, best practices and conduct Learning to Action reviews. • Support the Country Program (CP) Feedback Complaint Response Mechanism drive.  • Actively contribute to the growing CRS Community of Practice in MEAL. 
• Monitor the use of standardized CRS reporting forms and suggest adaptations as required. • Developed new reporting forms as needed in consultation with Program Manager. • Establish strong working relationships with DHMTs/ NMCP and other stakeholders. • Support the Program Manager to meet all reporting requirements to Gateway. • Collaborate with CP MEAL coordinator to ensure that the CP program is complaint with the donor and  agencies MEAL policies, procedures, standards, and good practices. 
• Carryout other CP, Regional or Agency wide MEAL initiative that may be assigned from time to time by  the MEAL Coordinator. 

Basic Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in international development, International Relations or in the field of Statistics,  Mathematics or Computer Science required. 
• At least 5 years relevant experience in related field. 
• Experience working with large donors e.g.: USAID (including PEP FAR, FFP, FtF, OFDA offices), USDA,  Global Fund, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. 
• Familiarity with principles and current approaches to MEAL of development programs using both  quantitative and qualitative methods. 
• Experience with participatory MEAL systems. 
• Proficiency in database development/management, SPSS, EPl-lnfo, Access, Excel and skills in analyzing,
• interpreting and communicating information to various stakeholders. 
• Experience using ICT for data collection and information visioning and mapping using GIS.
•   Significant experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative assessments and surveys (including
• sound understanding of sampling issues). 
• Previous experience with leading and managing studies and consultants. 
• Experience with facilitation, capacity strengthening and partnership building, with the capacity to  empower staff through opportunities for growth & development. 
• Ability to meet deadlines in multiple tasking environment. 
• Experience in using Digital Data Gathering (DDG) tools (Kobo collect, CommCare, Power-Bi, DHIS2,  Tangerine, etc.). 
• Experienced in interpreting and analysis large databases a plus. 
• Experience in participating in baseline, midline, and end line surveys a plus. 
• Experienced in developing MEAL training guides, presentations, and facilitation. 

Required Languages – Proficient in English both spoken and written communication, Krio is an added  advantage. 

Travel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 40%. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
•  Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with culturally diverse groups.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with ability to write reports 
• Strong analytical skills.  
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented

Preferred Qualifications 

• Project management experience in MEAL is highly desirable. 
• Experience engaging with partner organizations. 
• Demonstrated experience in program design, monitoring and evaluation. 

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)  

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.  

• Integrity  
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation 
• Builds Relationships  
• Develops Talent 
• Strategic Mindset 
• Accountability & Stewardship 

Supervisory Responsibilities: None 

Key Working Relationships:  

Internal: PMI REACH Program Manager, Technical Advisor, Malaria Quality Assurance & Diagnostics,  Accountant, CP MEAL Coordinator. 

External: PATH, CDC, Government (NMCP, CHW Hub, DHMT, PHU, DPPI) etc. 

___________________________________________________________________________________ 

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff)  

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.  

• Integrity  
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation 
• Builds Relationships  
• Develops Talent 
• Strategic Mindset 
• Accountability & Stewardship 

***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the  commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. We welcome as a  part of our staff people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to  serving those in need. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to protecting children and  vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.  

By applying to this job, I understand and acknowledge that CRS requires its staff to treat all people with  dignity and respect and to actively prevent harassment, abuse, exploitation, and human trafficking. Further,  I understand that if I am a successful candidate, I will be subject to a comprehensive background check, and  my personal/professional references will be asked to evaluate my behaviors related to safeguarding-related  topics. 

WOMEN ARE STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. CRS IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

To apply for this position please send up-to-date CV and a supporting letter, copies of relevant certificates to email, SL_HR@crs.org 

On the subject: APPLICATION FOR MEAL MANAGER 

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted. 

Also send a copy of your application package to the desk Officers, Ministry of Employment and Social  Security, New England and Extension Offices in Applicants’ Locations 

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities  associated with the position.  

CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults  from abuse and exploitation. 

Closing Date for the receipt of application packages is 25th November 2024.