Project Officer - MEAL - CRS Timor-Leste

 

Position Title :    Project Officer, MEAL

Department :     Program Quality

Location :            ____

Supervisor :        Project Manager, MEAL

Job Band :           G

 

Job Summary

 

The primary function of the Project Officer for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) is to support the project team in implementing a strong MEAL system that ensures high-quality programming through systematic data collection and management, incorporation of beneficiary accountability measures, and the documentation and sharing of learning.

 

Working closely with the MEAL Project Manager and the entire project team, the MEAL Project Officer will contribute to the design and implementation of the project MEAL system in accordance with CRS MEAL Policies and Procedures. The MEAL Project Officer will be responsible the organizing data collection activities, and overseeing data verification, storage, and management.  The MEAL Officer is also expected to support the writing of project reports that will be shared with partners, donors, and other stakeholders. The MEAL Officer will work closely with project team members and partner staff to facilitate learning and reflection processes. S/he will also provide MEAL-related capacity building and mentoring to CRS and partner staff based on donor MEAL requirements as well as CRS MEAL Policies and Procedures

 

This position will be based in ___ but will require traveling regularly to project districts.

 

Specific Responsibilities:

• Support the coordination and implementation of all assigned project MEAL activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards; MEAL policies, procedures, and good practices; donor MEAL requirements; and industry good practice.
• Supports project team members, partner staff, and other key stakeholders to design and implement a MEAL system, that specifies indicator definitions, data collection methods, frequencies, and staff responsibilities.
• Monitor and report any MEAL‑related challenges and gaps identified to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules. Assist partners in their efforts to reflect on project experiences.
• Lead the roll‑out and implementation of the project’s feedback mechanism. Support actively seeking and responding to feedback from all members of targeted communities and other stakeholders as defined by the feedback mechanism.
• Support field‑level project MEAL activities (including digital data collection) and assist partners in their efforts to collect and ensure timely analysis of project data per specified mechanisms and tools. Collaborate with local partner(s) to prepare MEAL‑related aspects of reports per established reporting schedule.
• Collect information on staff MEAL capacity needs and technical assistance needs of partner organizations and monitor MEAL capacity building and technical support activities to ensure effective impact.
• Support capacity building of CRS colleagues and partner staff in MEAL by helping deliver coaching and training activities.
• Complete project documentation for assigned MEAL activities. Assist in identifying information for case studies and reports on promising practices.
• Support program learning and decision‑making by posing thoughtful questions, engaging with project data, and reflecting on and sharing with project management the information gathered from community members and partners.

Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:

Education and Experience

• High school diploma required.  University or institute degree in social sciences, statistics, econometrics, management, rural development, or other related degree is preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of progressive experience in supporting the implementation of MEAL systems for projects in community-based development and/or emergency response projects. Additional education may substitute for some experience.
• Understanding of monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning and their role in program management
• Experience in conducting surveys, facilitating focus group discussions and interviews, and other quantitative and qualitative data collection methods.
• Experience in organizing and conducting workshops.
• Experience in conducting or supporting capacity building activities for staff such as trainings, orientations, or workshops.
• Detail-oriented, highly organized, and can work effectively under tight deadlines.
• Flexibility to work both in a team and independently
• Good communication skills: Fluency in spoken and written Tetum and ‘good’ spoken and written English. Knowledge of local language is Makasae, Naueti, Fataluku, Makalero is a plus
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Power Point 
• Willingness to travel 50 to 60% of time to field locations
• Experience working in collaboration with government counterparts, donors, the Church, NGOs, and community-based organizations.

 

Personal Skills

• Observation, active listening, and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners and community members
• Attention to details, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities
• Excellent time management skills with ability to work on multiple tasks
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions oriented and results-oriented
• Cultural sensitivity, patience, and flexibility
• Demonstrated personal accountability and driven to serve others.

 

Key Working Relationships:

• Supervision: No supervisory responsibilities
• Reports to: MEAL Project Manager
• Internal: Project Manager, Project Officers
• External: Project Prime Recipient M&E, Partner Staff, Community members, other local stakeholders

 

Agency-wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

 

These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.

• Integrity
• Continuous improvement and innovation
• Builds relationships
• Develops talent
• Strategic mindset
• Accountability and stewardship

 

Agency-wide MEAL Competencies (for key program staff, including M&E staff): The MEAL Competency Model comprises a group of associated soft and hard competencies that will be used in conjunction with the set of CRS Agency-Wide Competencies and Partnership and Capacity-Strengthening Competencies. 

• MEAL in Design                            
• Monitoring                     
• Evaluation                      
• Management in MEAL
• Accountability                
• Learning                          
• Critical Thinking                           
• ICT for MEAL    

 

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 skills, efforts, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Suitable qualified female candidates are especially encouraged to apply.

Sent a cover letter, current CV and professional references by email to CRS Timor-Leste HR at recruitmenthrtl@crs.org

or

Delivery by hand at CRS Dili Office at Rua Dom Boaventura Nu.12, Vera Cruz, Motael, Dili or

CRS Baucau Office at Avenida David Alex ’’Daitula’’. Buibau, Baucau

Deadline: April 25th, 2022, at 5pm the latest. 

Only Short-Listed Applicants will be contacted