Project Officer - MEAL

Job Summary:

The Project Officer, MEAL supports the implementation and monitoring of assigned project monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning activities. Working closely with project staff, partners, and community stakeholders, the Project Officer, MEAL assists with data collection, monitoring, data-quality checks, feedback and response processes, documentation, and reporting. The role helps ensure that accurate project information is available to support learning, accountability, timely implementation adjustments, and improvements in project quality and impact.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Support the coordination and implementation of assigned projectMEAL activities in accordance with the Detailed Implementation Plan,CRS program quality standards, donor requirements, and established MEAL policies, procedures and sector best practices.

• Assist with the implementation progress and maintenance of approved project MEAL plans, indicator-tracking tools, data-collection tools, databases, and reporting mechanisms.

• Coordinate routine field monitoring and support project teams and partners in collecting, organizing, reviewing, and submitting quality project data using approved tools and mechanisms.

• Monitor and document MEAL-related implementation challenges, data gaps, inconsistencies, and emerging issues; share observations with the MEAL Technical Advisor and project management; and assist with agreed follow-up actions.

• Support project assessments, baseline studies, routine monitoring activities, evaluations, surveys, by assisting with field coordination, data collection, logistics, recordkeeping, and  are documentation of findings .

• Support day-to-day implementation and monitoring of project’s feedback, complaints, and response mechanisms by documenting, escalating, and following up on feedback from communities and stakeholders in accordance with established procedures. 

• Compile information, check data completeness, and prepare assigned inputs for project reports, indicator performance summaries, established dashboards, case studies, best practices, data visualizations, and other MEAL products in line with established reporting schedules and donor requirements.

• Collect and share information on MEAL-related capacity gaps among CRS staff and partners and support the delivery of training, coaching, mentoring, and technical assistance to strengthen monitoring, evaluation, data management, accountability, and learning practices.

• Conduct regular data verification and field monitoring visits, maintain complete and accurate MEAL records and project files, and support project reflection and learning by sharing relevant information collected from pro to ensure the accuracy, completeness, reliability, and timeliness of project data and compliance with CRS MEAL policies and procedures.

Required Languages - Fluency in English and proficient in local language of the country.

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 25% to remote and low resource locations

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Observation, active listening and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment

• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and community members

• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented

• Demonstrated skills in MEAL design with previous experience in application of quantitative and qualitative research methodologies.

• Demonstratable computer literacy in MS Office - Excel, Power Point, Access and Word, SPSS, STATA. Or any other statistical packages.

• Ability and proven experience transferring knowledge through formal and informal training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership experience in MEAL 

• Experience engaging with partner organizations.

• Experience using web conferencing applications and information management systems. 

Supervisory Responsibilities - N/A

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in international development, International Relations, Sociology, Statistics, MEAL, or in a related field. 

• Minimum of two years of work professional experience implementing MEAL for programs related to public health, agriculture, nutrition and/or WASH programming. 

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.

What we offer

CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan.  Benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role.  CRS´ work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.

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

CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.

CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse.  The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.

CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people - especially children and vulnerable adults - to live free from abuse and harm.

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

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

General Requirements

CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements.  All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.