Job Title:            Project Officer MEAL

Reports to:        Program Manager

Department:      Programming

About CRS 

Catholic Relief Services is United States Based international humanitarian agency. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work are accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.

CRS has been operational in Pakistan since 1954. CRS’ relief and development work are accomplished through program of emergency response, food security/livelihood, education, and disaster risk reduction (DRR). Currently, CRS is responding to monsoon floods in Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. CRS has been working with local national partners to support government led efforts for implementation of 2022 flood response and recovery in Pakistan.

Job Summary  

CRS is currently seeking a Project Officer MEAL for an 18-month integrated project named "SUSTAIN - Kamangar (Sustainable Settlements Towards Adaptation, Innovation, and Nature)." This project encompasses sectors such as access to basic infrastructures, disaster preparedness and capacity strengthening, and resilient livelihoods, aiming that flood affected communities having safe, resilient, and dignified living in sustainable settlements. The Project Officer MEAL will be responsible to provide technical support to CRS and Partners in the project implementation for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) matters. Based on lesson learned of CRS’ CLADER programing and Climate Resilient Settlement Development Plan (CRSDP), The PO MEAL will support Program Manager to ensure effective MEAL system and process are in place that support high-quality programing and integration within the project and systems to adopt people centered approaches in all programs activities, coordination with relevant actors to ensure a holistic intervention. Your MEAL related skills and knowledge will ensure that the CP delivers high-quality programming and continuously works towards improving the impact of its programming. In addition, to ensure understanding and adherence to CRS MEAL policy, donor guidelines and best practices in the sector and build the capacity of the program and partners’ staff and work closely with them to coordinate the development and implementation of the various development interventions.

Roles and Key Responsibilities: 

• Support CRS and Partners in quality MEAL system design, and management of MEAL implementation, project/sector level, or for strategic external donor project, involving tools and methods, appropriate to scope, context, and technical requirements of a project, and review in line with donor and CRS guidance.
• Support compliance with agency and donor MEAL requirements, including agreed MEAL Detailed Implementation Plan activities, and liaising with partners, project consultants.
• Ensure quality data capture, input and management, qualitative and quantitative analysis, reflection, and ongoing use of MEAL data results through respectful management of agreed processes.
• Support opportunities for reflection and learning among partner MEAL staff and practitioners as well as other MEAL experts in Pakistan for cross learning and sharing.
• Document and disseminate agency approach to MEAL and project learning among partners, and in broader CP level discussions.
• Contribute to respectful relationships and dialogue regarding ongoing project interventions and results with partner, community members and stakeholders.
• Oversee capacity strengthening initiatives in conducting all MEAL activities for partners.
• Identify emerging and innovative donor and industry good practices to incorporate in MEAL work for CRS Pakistan and partners.
• Coordinate with peer organizations to share best practices, lessons learned, and collaborate on joint initiatives.
• Champion learning with project staff and program partner teams. Analyze and evaluate project performance data following MEAL policy. Proactively identify issues and concerns and use participatory processes to overcome implementation obstacles.
• Collect quantitative and qualitative data to assess program performance and impact.
• Analyze data to identify trends, strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for program improvement.
• Provide support to ensure successful adoption and application of new skills and technologies.
• Monitor program implementation to ensure adherence to quality standards and compliance with donor requirements.
• Recommend and implement improvements in program design, implementation strategies, and monitoring frameworks.

Basic Qualifications 

• Bachelor's Degree required in social sciences/development studies/DRR or other related field required.
• Minimum of 4 years of work experience in project support, ideally in the field of MEAL, preferably with an international organization. Additional experience may substitute for some education.
• Practical experience of engaging in all phases of project cycle (design, start up, implementation, evaluation and close out) as well as team management, budget management etc.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and mobilize diverse partners including the private sector, develop strategic partnerships and stakeholder networks, and communicate, and coordinate among key stakeholders.

Required Languages - Required proficiency in written and speaking in English, Urdu, and Sindhi.

Travel – The position will be based in Meher/Dadu and must be willing and able to travel to Karachi and Islamabad where applicable. 

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Strong presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills
• Proactive, resourceful, and results-oriented
• Analysis and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented
• Attention to details, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with partners, participatory action planning and community engagement.
• Staff supervision experience a plus.
• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results. 

• 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. 

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Key Working Relationships:  

Internal: Country Manager, HOP, HoOP, National Coordinator, H&C, Project Managers, HR and Finance.

External:  Local NGOs/Partners, UN/INGO/NNGO, Government of Pakistan, Vendors, Service Providers.

*** 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.

 Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

*Note: Interested candidates may also send their updated CV at [email protected] by mentioning the position in the subject line.