About US:
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is an international non-profit organization which implements the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. We welcome as a part of our staff and as partners people of all faiths and secular traditions who share our values and our commitment to serving those in need.
Job Summary: The Project MEAL Officer – Bureau of Population, Refugees & Migration (BPRM) will work directly with emergency project staff in Yumbe to ensure implementation of high quality MEAL activities in CRS emergency response in livelihoods and WASH project funded by BPRM. With technical support from the CRS MEAL Manager in Kampala, CRS BPRM Project Manager (Yumbe-based) and the Emergency MEAL Manager (Yumbe-based), s/he will support the development of an effective MEAL system and data collection tools, collect data using qualitative and quantitative methods, conduct data entry and analysis.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Specific Responsibilities:
Support the development and implementation of MEAL Systems:
Promote project compliance with CRS MEAL policies and procedures.
Provide support in the development of ProFrames and theory of change models for assigned projects, including identification of appropriate indicators, measurement methods and critical assumptions.
Support the development of effective data collection tools for routine monitoring, project databases and reporting formats for the project.
Support the use of information and communication technologies (ICT) for project MEAL, as required.
Work closely with the MEAL Manager in the country program to ensure appropriate, high quality orientation and training of field staff and partners on project MEAL system and tools, as required.
Conduct regular project monitoring visits.
Use qualitative and quantitative methods to collect data in the field and accompany CRS project staff
Ensure timely trend analysis of monitoring data to support project reporting and decision making.
Support the implementation of data quality controls to ensure the integrity of project data.
Support project M&E audits, as required.
Assist with review and/or development of project reports.
Assist with project baseline studies, mid-term and final evaluations, as required.
Ensure regular formal feedback from beneficiaries and project stakeholders is collected, analyzed, used and recorded.
Support documentation of project processes and learning, this includes ensuring that key project data, achievements, and lessons are shared widely within the Country Program, region, headquarters and beyond at least twice yearly.
Capacity building:
Support field staff in strengthening the MEAL systems and capacity of local partner organizations to improve program quality through the provision of on-the-job support.
Promote the use of current Agency and Regional MEAL guidance and PQ references in own assignments and in the capacity building of field staff.
Participate in field-level project review meetings to support and validate the data collected and suggest areas for improvement.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
The ideal candidate for the Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Project MEAL Officer – Bureau of Population, Refugees & Migration (BPRM) job opportunity should hold a Postgraduate degree in statistics/demography/economics or other relevant areas.
At least five years work experience in development, with at least 3 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation; experience in Livelihood projects a plus
Broad knowledge and familiarity with principles and current approaches to M&E – including skills in basic data analysis and interpretation using ICT4D and implementing accountability and learning systems
Previous experience working in an emergency context
Computer literacy i.e. proficiency with Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and data analysis software platforms, (e.g., SPSS, EPI-Info, Access).
Ability to work in a team and support concurrent projects/assignments.
Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.
Proven experience of mentoring and capacity building of team / partners including training facilitation skills
Excellent interpersonal and team skills and proven ability to be flexible in demanding situation
Assessment, analytical and planning skills
A capacity and desire to pass on skills and information, a confident communicator and willing to work in a collaborative and respectful way with the beneficiaries.
Knowledge of and commitment to humanitarian principles (NGO / Red cross code of conduct) and with Sphere humanitarian charter and minimum standards
Fluent English language (speaking and writing) and knowledge of the local language in Yumbe district, Arabic is an added advantage.
Previous experience of working with local partners including local authorities’/settlement leadership
Proven experience in gender analysis and integrating gender & diversity into programme
High degree of flexibility and ability to work under pressure and meeting deadlines in changing situations
Experience of working effectively within a big international agency (I/NGOs)
Willingness to be based in Yumbe
Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff): Serves with Integrity, Models Stewardship, Cultivates Constructive Relationships, Promotes Learning
Desired MEAL Competencies:
MEAL in Design: Developing project-level Theories of Change, Results Frameworks, ProFrames, related MEAL system tools and components, and accompanying MEAL narratives.
Monitoring: Implementing monitoring activities, including timely collection of quality data, set up and maintenance of databases, facilitation of participatory reflection on monitoring results, and submission of timely progress reports.
Evaluation: Supporting project and program evaluations and reviews by ensuring the quality of evaluation methods, tools, and data and facilitating the use of evaluation results to inform decision-making and enhance learning
Accountability: Improving our accountability to a range of stakeholders through increased participation, transparent communication, responsive feedback mechanisms and adherence to internal and external quality standards and requirements.
Learning: Promoting excellent knowledge management and collaborative learning processes at the project, program and institutional levels, generating robust evidence for project and programmatic learning that leads to action, decision-making and influence.
Analysis and Critical Thinking: Engaging with data, challenging biases and assumptions, posing thoughtful questions, pursuing deeper understanding of evidence through reflection and perspective-taking, and making informed programming decisions.
ICT for MEAL: Applying knowledge on information and communication technologies (ICT), both hardware and software, for opportune and accurate data collection, database management.
How to Apply:
All suitably qualified and interested Ugandan candidates are encouraged to send their cover letters, CVs and three work references (names and contact information only) to ug_recruitment@crs.org
Deadline: 1st October 2017 by 5:00PM