Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Advisor

This position is contingent upon donor funding and approval

About CRS

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is US 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 is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

Job Summary

The position will lead the design and implementation of all monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) activities and systems for an anticipated five-year USAID-funded Education Resilience Activity (ERA) in Pakistan. This program will support the Departments of Education to improve the education systems for climate resilience and inclusiveness of marginalized populations, particularly girls and children with disabilities. The MEAL Advisor will design and manage a robust system of performance-based monitoring and evaluation ensuring management, achievement and reporting of project results. The performance monitoring system led by the MEAL Advisor will track tangible, measurable progress toward the results.

The MEAL Advisor’s technical skills and knowledge in MEAL and information management will ensure that USAID and CRS deliver high-quality programming and continuously work towards improving the impact of education programming in Pakistan.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

Lead the development and implementation of the Activity Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plan (AMELP) to capture project performance and results, including data and information management, reporting, assessments, and all MEAL activities in line with the USAID and CRS quality principles and standards, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) policies, procedures, and practices.

• Lead the development and implementation of AMELP in coordination with the donor to effectively monitor the progress of project activities and track delivery against targets, outcomes, and results.
• Provide leadership in the development of data capture, capture, entry, analysis, visualization and reporting tools and processes for qualitative and quantitative indicators of the project.
• Ensure data quality by conducting Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) in-house and in collaboration with partner organizations and the donor. Lead implementation of corrective actions to address identified gaps on any project indicators and promote the application of learning to improve program quality and to strengthen agency influence among external stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the project technical staff in the development and implementation of annual project work plans, quarterly and annual reports.
• Lead the response to project-related data and information requests from the donor, government counterparts and other stakeholders.
• Compile, write and disseminate best practices and lessons learned from the project to stakeholders and a national and global audience through publications, articles, conference presentations, technical briefs, research reports and social handles.
• Oversee MEAL-related capacity strengthening activities and train/mentor the project team and that of partner organizations in data capture, capture, entry, analysis, visualization and reporting in accordance with the donor and CRS quality principles and standards.
• Champion the development of program learning – identify opportunities for learning, research and publications in Reliant Education and implementation of MEAL policy.
• Provide management, guidance, and technical oversight for the development and implementation of high-quality MEAL systems and processes, including ICT4MEAL and the application of responsible data principles as per donor requirements and CRS standards.
• Provide management, guidance and technical oversight for the research and evaluation activities of the project, including but not limited to baseline, mid-line and endline surveys and other research in education events.
• Develop terms of reference or study protocols that include evaluation/learning questions, a balance of qualitative and quantitative methods, appropriate consideration of ethical and data protection standards, and the necessary technical rigor. Support the identification, recruitment, and management of research partners to ensure high quality evaluation, research, and learning.
• Oversees timely and appropriate project MEAL expenditures in line with financial plans and efficient use and stewardship of project material sources.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to make sound judgment and decisions and offer innovative solutions
• Strong relations management abilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Strategic in how you approach each relationship.
• Good presentation and facilitation skills
• Proactive, resourceful, solutions-oriented and results-oriented

Preferred Qualifications

• Good experience in project grants management, including project design, preferably for grants from multiple public donors, including USAID.
• Demonstrated ability to write high quality technical proposals.
• Experience engaging with partner organizations
• Information management as well as ICT skills and experience required.
• Staff management experience and abilities that are conducive to a learning environment.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems.

Required Languages: English and Urdu

Travel: Must be willing and able to travel up to 70% in the program area.
 
Supervisory Responsibilities:  Accountability Officer

Key Working Relationships

• Internal: Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, Head of Programs, Head of Operations, Country Manager, Country Finance Manager, Director Finance and operations, Field Managers, Communication Officer, Education Technical teams and CRS regional MEAL experts
• External: USAID, Government of Pakistan, Ministry of Education, Consortium members leadership, Education Sector Actors including NGOs, UN other donors ‘and communities.

Qualifications
Basic Qualifications

• At least a Master’s degree in International Development, statistics, data/information systems or other relevant discipline from an accredited, recognized university.
• At least seven years of monitoring and evaluation experience in monitoring and evaluation of large-scale development programs using large donor templates and systems.
• Demonstrated knowledge of inclusive data collection protocols – including with a gender focus and for children with disabilities, data analysis, and data communication skills.
• Experience leading and building the capacity of MEAL teams to meet program needs and deliverables is desired.
• Hands on experience in using information and communication technologies to increase effectiveness of MEAL systems.
• Experience in managing moderately complex projects preferably with USAID and/or an international donor/NGO.

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.

MEAL Competencies (for CRS MEAL Program Staff)

• Each staff member in this position is expected to have advanced knowledge and ability and can apply the following competencies in new or complex situations. Guides other professionals:
• MEAL in Design
• Monitoring
• Evaluation
• Accountability
• Learning
• Analysis and Critical Thinking
• Management in MEAL
• Each staff member in this position is expected to have solid knowledge and ability and can apply the following competencies with minimal or no guidance, in the full range of typical situations, while requiring guidance to handle novel or more complex situations
• ICT4MEAL
• 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.
• Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
• Note:  All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside their home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical examination.
• CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.
• CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate or global telecommuter, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.
• CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer