Senior Project Officer - MEAL (Plateau)

The Senior Project Officer for monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) for the RAPID under the supervision of the MEAL Manager, will be responsible for monitoring progress on project indicators, elaboration of M&E tools, conducting needs/market/post activity assessments, beneficiary database management, beneficiary targeting management, data quality management, development and implementation of accountability mechanism as well as compilation of monthly, bi-monthly, and quarterly reports. The post will also provide technical support and capacity building to CRS partners and sub-recipients on MEAL processes and procedures. The MEAL officer will be based in Plateau and will report to the MEAL Manager I. The post will also work closely with the CRS Emergency Coordinator for technical support. 

• →Organize and support the implementation of all assigned project MEAL activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles, standards, and MEAL policies, procedures, and practices, donor MEAL requirements, and industry good practices. This includes coordinating MEAL-related logistical and administrative support to staff and partners.
• →Ensure learning properly accompanies project activities throughout the project cycle. Integrate adaptive learning and operations research practices to ensure documentation of lessons learned and utilization of best practices. Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and guiding partners in their efforts to reflect on project experiences. Analyze implementation challenges and report any inconsistencies and gaps to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules.  
• →Lead the roll-out and implementation of the project’s feedback, complaints, and response mechanism (FCRM). Support actively seeking and responding to feedback from all members of targeted communities and other stakeholders as defined by the FCRM.  
• →Implement monitoring activities and processes according to the project’s Detailed Implementation Plan, MEAL system, MSNA, and donor requirements. Ensure the quality of monitoring data through annual data quality assessments.  
• →Oversee MEAL-related working relationships with all local project stakeholders and serve as the liaison between them and the project team to mobilize local actors and promote project activities and impact. Identify and respond to key stakeholders’ information needs in MEAL activities, using a range of appropriate communication methods. This will also include supervising and performing ad hoc inspections of various MEAL processes and resources at project sites to ensure timely project activities implementation and adherence to established process standards and procedures.
• →Support and coordinate MEAL capacity building and technical support activities to ensure assigned project MEAL activities are implemented by project guidelines and standards. Optimize partner participation and capacity development in the implementation of MEAL systems.
• →Support in developing a MEAL system outlining indicators, tools, data sources, data flow, procedures, staffing, and statistical procedures required to monitor implementation and assure quality project interventions. Ensure timely, project documentation for assigned MEAL activities is complete with all required documents and is filed according to agency and donor requirements. Assist with the preparation of trends analysis reports and documentation of case studies and promising practices. When required, provide accurate data and information to meet agency (Global and Country Program) information needs and other initiatives.
• →Apply CRS responsible data guidance with regards to GDPR and data protection in the area of responsibility, specifically for MEAL related data. Liaise with relevant internal counterparts responsible for data protection. 

Required Languages - English and Hausa languages are required. Proficiency in other local languages will be an added advantage. 

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 40 %.

Location: Plateau State

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• →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.
• →Excellent interpersonal skills: must be able to interact in a mature, professional, and friendly manner with local and international colleagues of differing religious and cultural backgrounds.
• →Able to work independently, take initiative and be committed with few guidance in the implementation of directions.
• →Ability to maintain confidentiality and privacy. 

• A master's degree in information and technology management or Statistics/Mathematics, Computer Science, project management, International Relations or in the field of MEAL would be a plus. 
• Experience working with partners, participatory action planning, and community engagement.
• Good technical knowledge and experience in managing MEAL in a Resilience, Developmental or Emergency context.
• Understanding of and ability to work with data management software such as CommCare, Kobo toolbox, MS forms and other ODK.  
• Demonstrated experience in database management and data analysis of quantitative and qualitative statistical management programs including Microsoft Access, SPSS, STATA, Python,R Microsoft Excel and MS PowerBi. Familiarity with GIS and GPS technology is an advantage.
• Strong group process design and facilitation skills, including developing and leading workshops.
• Demonstrated commitment to gender-responsive programming.
• Staff supervision experience a plus.
• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint). 

• A bachelor's degree is required in information and technology management or Statistics/Mathematics, Computer Science, project management, International Relations or in the field of MEAL.
• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in project support, ideally in the field of MEAL and for an international NGO, Humanitarian response.
• Additional experience in Humanitarian Response, DRR, Nutrition, WASH and food assistance may substitute for education. 

• 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.

• 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.