Program Manager I, MEAL - Heath Systems Strengthening Project

CRS is recruiting in anticipation of an award – recruitment for all candidates is contingent upon successful award of the project.

Background

CRS is seeking candidates for an anticipated five-year multi-country project which will be funded by the Department of State. The overall objective of the project is to deliver cost-effective, high-quality integrated HIV, tuberculosis, maternal and child health, malaria and nutrition health services through government and a strengthened community and facility-based health worker networks using faith and community-based platforms, with a clear and time-bound plan to sustainably transition program activities to national and sub-national government and stakeholders.

Job Summary

The MEAL PM will act as the technical advisor and process lead for quality Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) for the Project. Manage tools and recommend methods appropriate to scope, context, and technical requirements of these projects. Coordinate MEAL activities, maintain relationships with partners and other project stakeholders to support project objectives and advance CRS work serving the poor and vulnerable. Utilize technical MEAL skills and knowledge to manage and analyze data, ensure donor compliance, and support learning initiatives to ensure continuous improvement and the delivery of high-quality programming in the country program.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Develop MEAL system and manage MEAL implementation activities through the project cycle -co-design, start-up, implementation and close-out - in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and best practices.
• Provide technical support for quality MEAL system design and implementation, including tools and methods appropriate to scope, context, and technical requirements of a project.
• Lead planning for and analysis of qualitative and quantitative MEAL data, while ensuring data quality and data management practices.
• Integrate data analysis, and reflection to drive improvements in ongoing project activities to strengthen evidence-based and high-quality programming.
• Ensure compliance with donor and agency MEAL requirements by consistently applying established standards and monitoring adherence across activities.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with community members and key stakeholders by engaging regularly, fostering open communication, and supporting meaningful participation in program activities.
• Identify staff capacity needs and technical MEAL assistance needs of partner organizations. Contribute to capacity strengthening and required interventions to support quality project implementation. Train project stakeholders in the MEAL system and donor requirements.
• Support the production of donor reports and organize quarterly partner meetings.
• Report annual Global Results in the CRS system and ensure all the reports are uploaded to centralized systems.
• Communicate agency approach to MEAL and key findings to CP colleagues and partners.
• Share MEAL learning and experiences in broader regional discussions.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, Sociology, Statistics or in a related field is required.
• Minimum 5 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing light to moderately complex projects required, preferably with an international NGO.
• Experience communicating with communities and implementing accountability mechanisms.

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership experience in MEAL is highly desirable.
• Experience engaging with partner organizations.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), standard statistical data analysis packages (SPSS, Stata or R), web conferencing applications, and information management systems.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with local stakeholders.
• Data analysis (quantitative and qualitative) and database management skills.
• Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting in English.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented mindset.
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.

Required Languages: Fluency in English.

Travel: Must be willing and able to travel up to 35% to remote and low resource locations

Supervisory Responsibilities: No

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. Salary and 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.

Organization context

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.