Technical Advisor I, MEAL WSA

CRS JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Summary

The Technical Advisor I MEAL provides technical assistance and support in monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) at the Water and Smart Agriculture platform (WSA) level. The incumbent provides a range of MEAL technical support including managing tools and recommends methods appropriate to scope, context, and technical requirements of the WSA platform and projects throughout the region, and support for sectoral and global awards. This position ensures CRS program quality principles and standards, MEAL Policies and Procedures, donor guidelines, and industry best practices to advance the delivery of high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable. The Technical Advisor utilizes technical MEAL skills and knowledge processing to analyze and interpret complex data from the WSA platform, integrating advanced statistical methods and data analytics to generate robust evidence that supports decision-making, institutional learning, and the programmatic scaling of CRS.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Supports WSA platform, country programs and project teams in applying MEAL standards, tools, and best practices, including assisting in the development and use of data collection tools, strong monitoring systems, and reporting processes to promote quality implementation.
• Contributes to MEAL components of WSA platform initiatives and proposal development by providing inputs on indicators and PIRS, monitoring approaches, and donor requirements, and supporting documentation and submission processes as needed.
• Collects, organizes, and analyzes program data to support reporting and decision-making contributing to the overall quality and consistency of CRS MEAL Programming. 
• Designs and applies advanced statistical methods and models to analyze historical data that reveal causal relationships, trends, and patterns in agricultural and market systems on the WSA platform.
• Produces and generates technical reports, dashboards, and analytical reports on complex data (metadata, dictionaries, protocols, and architectures) that integrate quantitative and qualitative information from multiple sources.
• Documents and systematizes key learnings and evidence derived from data analysis and the use of comprehensive databases that contribute to development of replicable and scalable evidence at CRS.
• Contributes to documenting lessons learned and emerging best practices to inform project improvements and the broader MEAL learning agenda.
• Supports capacity strengthening efforts for staff and partners by assisting in preparing training materials, facilitating basic training or workshops, and providing day-to-day guidance on MEAL tools and processes.
• Supports engagement with internal teams and external stakeholders (e.g., partners, peers, forums) through participation in meetings and knowledge-sharing activities to exchange MEAL practices and promote program learning.
• Provides analytical insights and strategic evidence to influence, scale up, and position CRS’s impact in the region and in country programs.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with community members and key stakeholders by engaging regularly, fostering open communication, and supporting meaningful participation in WSA platform activities. 

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in statistics, data science, systems engineering, communication and information sciences, international development, or related field. 
• Minimum of five years of work experience in international development with progressive responsibilities, ideally with an international NGO, Ministry of Agriculture or Environment or Agriculture Research.
• Proven experience in advanced statistical analysis, model design, and complex data processing.
• Strong ability to synthesize, document, and communicate results.
• Minimum of 2 years of field-based experience in Agriculture-related MEAL. 
• Experience with project MEAL and ICT4D including development of indicators, data collection tools and methodologies, data analysis, and data presentation.
• Experience providing technical assistance and contributing to successful proposals for external donor funding. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Leadership experience in MEAL and ICT4D is highly desirable.
• Experience engaging with partner organizations.
• Proficiency in analytical tools (R, Python, SPSS, Power BI, or others).
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), standard and advances statistical data analysis packages (SPSS, Stata), web conferencing applications, and information management systems (Power Bi). 
• Experience in the development and production of curricula, tools, evidence and other products to support MEAL. Demonstrated experience in transferring knowledge to diverse audiences through training, mentoring, and other formal and informal methods.
• Experience and skills to represent the organization at meetings with donors, government, international NGOs, and local partners, with understanding of partnership principles.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Proficient in systems for data collection, web conferencing applications and strong understanding of information and budget management systems and knowledge-sharing networks.
• Demonstrated ability to apply the technical principles and concepts in MEAL and ICT4D. General knowledge of program sectors. 
• Excellent relationship management skills with ability to influence and get buy-in from people not under direct supervision and to work with individuals in diverse geographical and cultural settings.
• Accompaniment orientation and skills, with ability to recognize the capacities and solutions of partners, colleagues and system actors. 
• Strong presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills.
• Ability to leverage networking skills and develop relations with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based civil society partners. Knowledge and understanding of partnership principles.
• Excellent relationship management skills with ability to influence and get buy-in from people not under direct supervision and to work with individuals in diverse geographical and cultural settings.
• Strong strategic, analytical, problem-solving and systems thinking skills. Ability to see the big picture and make sound judgments.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate a proactive, resourceful and results-oriented mindset.

Required Languages: Written and verbal fluency in Spanish required. Professional proficiency in English is a plus. 

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

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

Agency wide competencies:

• Integrity
• Accountability and stewardship
• Collaborate with others
• Build relationships
• Develop talent
• Constant improvement and innovation
• Lead change
• Strategic mindset

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.