Project Officer-MEAL

JOB DESCRIPTIONS

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

1. Project MEAL Startup

• Lead in the development and standardization of forms and tools to collect data for project monitoring indicators, results, effects and impacts (Simple Measurement of Indicators for Learning and Evidence-based Reporting, also known as SMILER) to comply with donor and CRS standards.
• Promote the use of ICT4D and assist in developing digital data collection systems
• Ensure that all project monitoring arrangements comply with project and donor agreements.

1. Project Monitoring

• In collaboration with the Project Manager and MEAL Coordinator, lead all project level data collection exercises.
• Conduct quarterly field visits with Project team to monitor the implementation of project activities.
• Lead in the reporting of annual project level Participant and Service Delivery Indicator (PSDI) data according to agency standards, definitions and processes.
• Validate all collected data to ensure accuracy and quality and analyze it using available ICT4D tools and software.
• Ensure all data is recorded in relevant project databases in a timely and accurate manner

1. Project Evaluations

• Lead data collection for baseline, midline and endline values for all projects as outlined in MEAL Policies and Procedures.
• Lead efforts to coordinate final evaluation and after-action reviews as outlined in MEAL Policies and Procedures.
• Lead all aspects of project studies and evaluations, including planning logistics for field research, overseeing sampling strategies, trainings, and supervising data collection to ensure reliability and validity of data.

1. Budgeting 

• Draft budget for all project-level MEAL activities and support budgeting during design phase of proposal development as well as project budget realignments during implementation.

1. Accountability and Learning 

• Oversee the documentation of results and evaluation findings, ensuring timely sharing with key stakeholders.
• Spearhead the preparation of quarterly and annual project reports that comply with donor requirements.
• Support knowledge management initiatives by completing past performance references and maintaining an updated Gateway system.
• Lead the organization of participatory events with partners and beneficiaries to reflect on project monitoring data, identify learning and recommendations as a part of all evaluations and reviews.
• Lead in the implementation and operationalization of all project beneficiary feedback and response systems in accordance with CRS MEAL policies and Procedures.

1. Other

• Review data collection systems as implemented by partners, to ensure rigor and appropriateness of practices
• Support in provide capacity building and accompaniment to the project’s partner MEAL staff in line with partner organizational strengthening efforts. 

Required Languages – English. Must be able to communicate fluently in oral and in writing.

Travel - Travel 50% of the time to project sites 

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, statistics, development studies, social work or other relevant field is required.
• A minimum of 2 years of work experience in project support, ideally in the field of monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience with digital data collection systems and tools is required 
• Experience working with national or local partners in participatory action planning and community engagement activities.
• Strong skills in assessing and developing partner capacity including institutional strengthening in MEAL
• Experience using statistical analytical software/tools, SPSS, MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Proficiency in English; other local languages a strong advantage

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