Job Title: Program Manager II, MEAL
Reports To: PM II – Emergency Response and Recovery
Department: Programming
Salary Grade: 10
Job Summary
You will manage and provide direct technical oversight of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities for large and complex projects of the Myanmar Program Office (PO), ensuring effective MEAL systems and processes are in place that support high-quality programming advancing CRS’ work in serving the poor and vulnerable. Develop, implement and manage tools and methodologies to meet the programs’ technical requirements. Oversee MEAL activities, maintain relationships with partners and other project stakeholders to support project objectives and advance CRS work. Utilize technical MEAL skills and knowledge to manage and analyze data, ensure donor compliance, and support learning initiatives to promote continuous improvement and the delivery of high-quality programming in the PO.
Responsibilities
Roles and Key Responsibilities
- Provide management, guidance, and technical oversight for MEAL in all new and existing projects within Myanmar throughout the project cycle to ensure project design, start-up, implementation and close-out are in line with CRS quality principles and standards and MEAL policies, procedures, and practices; donor MEAL guidelines, and industry best practices.
- Develop, implement, supervise and strengthen data collection, management and reporting systems at all levels (community and partners), ensuring the quality, reliability and regularity of data.
- Effectively manage and supervise MEAL talent. Create strategic, clear and actionable goals and objectives for program team members. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailored individual development plans, and complete performance management for direct reports.
- Lead the development of program learning in collaboration with technical advisors. Proactively identify opportunities for learning, research and publications related to MEAL policy. Disseminate promising practices and lessons learned findings to contribute to the agency's knowledge management agenda. Ensure integration of innovations and best practices in MEAL plans and learning agendas.
- Contribute to the proactive pursuit of opportunities for new funding. Serve as the MEAL technical lead and technical writer to ensure quality proposals in per agency and donor standards. Provide guidance and technical oversight for the design of project and sectoral theories of change, results frameworks, and Proframes. Contribute to MEAL budgeting and staffing plans and activities for proposals.
- Provide management, guidance, and technical oversight for the development and implementation of high-quality MEAL systems and processes, including ICT4MEAL and the application of responsible data principles as per agency and donor requirements. Promoting MEAL policies and industry good practices, champion the analysis and use of project performance data to inform decision-making and identify lessons learned. Facilitate connections between colleagues and peers to generate and share evidence-based learning.
- Provide management, guidance and technical oversight for project or program evaluation events and research, including the development of terms of reference or study protocols that include evaluation/learning questions, a balance of qualitative and quantitative methods, appropriate consideration of ethical and data protection standards, and the necessary technical rigor. Oversee the quality of evaluation data through good data management. Support the identification, recruitment, and management of external evaluators or research partners to ensure high quality evaluation, research, and learning.
- Oversee MEAL-related technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities for program staff and partner organizations to enhance program quality and impact.
- Oversee the identification, assessment and strengthening of partnerships relevant to MEAL. Ensure the appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches.
- Ensure timely and appropriate MEAL expenditures in line with financial plans and efficient use and stewardship of project material sources.
Qualifications
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in International Development, International Relations, Sociology, Statistics, MEAL or in a related field.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, with at least 3 years’ professional experience in MEAL.
- Experience in managing projects of large scale and complexity.
- Experience successfully managing a team of professionals and developing a strong learning environment.
- Strong experience in project grants management, including project design, preferably for grants from multiple public donors, including US government and UN agencies.
- Experience engaging with partner organizations.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in international development, International Relations, MEAL or a related field.
- Experience in an international NGO.
- Experience and expertise with CommCare and Kobo.
- Statistical data analysis packages (SPSS, Stata or R), web conferencing applications, and information management systems.
- Demonstrated ability to write high quality technical proposals.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to make sound judgment and decisions and offer innovative solutions.
- Excellent data analysis (quantitative and qualitative) and database management skills.
- Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting in English.
- Strong relations management capabilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Ability to strategically approach each relationship.
- Excellent presentation and facilitation skills
- Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented mindset.
- Attention to detail, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.
Required languages: Fluency in English. Knowledge or proficiency in Myanmar language is a plus.
Travel: Must be willing and able to travel up to 30%.
Supervisory responsibilities: Yes
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.
Organization context
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.
