Project Officer - MEAL

Job Summary:

CRS is seeking a State MEAL Officer for the CDC-funded global childhood immunization project. The project will reach zero- and under-immunized children with immunization services in Northern Nigeria including fragile and conflict settings. Project interventions will focus on: (a) Supporting immunization uptake for polio eradication, measles and rubella reduction and elimination, hepatitis B and maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination; (b) strengthening surveillance systems to improve preparedness and response to outbreaks of VPDs; strengthening of immunization delivery systems and capacities. The state MEAL officer will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the monitoring and evaluation framework for routine immunization and polio eradication programs in Kebbi state. He/She will track program performance, ensure data quality, analyze trends, and provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance program impact of the POISED project in Kebbi state. The position holder is also expected to work with POISED’s state team lead, Immunization and MEAL leads on high level matters. She/he will work directly with the Kebbi state Primary Health Care Development Agency, other Implementing Partners (IP), and the Local Partners to implement the project in the designated LGAs and other areas as determined. This will also include working with state government and other critical stakeholders in the Health and Humanitarian space.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Work closely with partners to ensure all program and related reports are collated, reviewed and are of high-quality for submission to the State Team Lead on a weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual basis.
• Develop and implement M&E frameworks for routine immunization and polio programs in Kebbi state.
• Support data collection, entry, validation, and analysis using appropriate tools and software (DHIS2, COMMCARE, ODK, Kobo Toolbox, etc.).
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of immunization and surveillance data to stakeholders.
• Conduct data verification and validation exercises to ensure data quality.
• Track key performance indicators (KPIs) for routine immunization and polio eradication campaigns.
• Conduct supportive supervision and field visits to monitor program implementation.
• Develop data visualization tools, dashboards, and presentations to support decision-making.
• Provide technical assistance for the use of monitoring tools by field staff.
• Analyze immunization and disease surveillance data to identify trends and gaps.
• Prepare MEAL reports, dashboards, and presentations for program management and donors.
• Support the use of data for decision-making and program improvement.
• Document lessons learned and best practices for program improvement.
• Train and mentor health workers and program staff on data management, reporting tools, and MEAL best practices.
• Provide technical support in planning and conducting operational research related to immunization and polio eradication.
• Facilitate workshops, meetings, and training on MEAL strategies and tools.
• Work closely with government agencies (NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, etc.) and partners to align MEAL efforts.
• Support coordination of routine immunization review meetings.
• Ensure compliance with national and global MEAL standards.
• Organize and support training sessions for health workers, LGA immunization officers, and disease surveillance teams on data management for routine immunization SIAs and non-SIA campaign.
• Support health teams in using digital tools for tracking, reporting, and GIS mapping.
• Facilitate learning exchanges and best practice sharing among program teams.

Location: Kebbi State

Required Languages - High level of proficiency in both written and spoken English. Local languages such as Hausa preferred.

Travel - 50%

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Data Management & Analysis – Proficiency in tools like DHIS2, SPSS, STATA, Excel, and Power BI for data collection, cleaning, analysis, and visualization.
• Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Frameworks – Strong understanding of M&E methodologies, including logical frameworks, results-based management (RBM), and indicator tracking.
• Health Information Systems (HIS) – Experience with state and national health information platforms (e.g., DHIS2, Kobo Toolbox, Open Data Kit).
• GIS & Mapping – Knowledge of GIS tools (QGIS, ArcGIS) for mapping immunization coverage and surveillance data.
• Survey Design & Implementation – Ability to design and conduct field surveys, operational research, and population-based assessments. Key Attributes:
• Analytical & Problem-Solving Skills – Ability to interpret data, identify trends, and provide actionable recommendations.
• Attention to Detail – High level of accuracy in data collection, reporting, and analysis.
• Communication & Presentation Skills – Strong ability to present data-driven insights to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Training & Capacity Building – Experience in mentoring and training health workers and field staff on data collection and M&E tools.
• Project Management & Adaptability – Ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving program needs.
• Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word) – Advanced Excel skills for data analysis and reporting.
• Data Visualization & Dashboards – Ability to create interactive dashboards in Power BI, Google Data sheet.
• Proficient in virtual platforms and hosting/participation in seamless virtual meetings.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Kebbi State Team Lead, SI Lead, Immunization Lead, Program manager Partnerships and Community Services, Project Officer.

External: Kebbi State Primary Health Care Agencies, Development Partners, other INGO representatives

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public health, Statistics, Information Technology, Computer Science, Health Sciences, or a related field (master’s degree preferred).
• Minimum of 3 - 5 years of experience in data management, immunization, disease surveillance, or public health program management.
• Demonstrated expertise in RI, SIAs, supportive supervision, and disease surveillance systems.
• Experience implementing zero-dose reduction strategies and IEV approaches.
• Strong familiarity with government health systems and working with development partners.

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.

Safeguarding:

CRS is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all people who interact with our work. We uphold the highest standards of safeguarding and expect all staff and partners to respect and protect the dignity and rights of everyone from any form of harm, abuse, harassment, or exploitation. All staff are required to follow CRS’s safeguarding policies and procedures and to complete mandatory safeguarding e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

***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.

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.

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

What we offer

CRS offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, generous retirement savings plan and the opportunity to work in a collaborative, mission-driven culture that is 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.