Technical Advisor II – Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)

Job Summary 

You will provide strategic technical advice, guidance, and support for monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) to a wide range of program design and implementation issues with a focus on larger projects in line with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) program quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices to regional and Country Program (CP) teams to advance the delivery of high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable. Your MEL-related technical knowledge, advice, and guidance will contribute to determining how effective, adaptive, and innovative CRS programming is across the globe. 

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the development and implementation of CP and agency-wide strategies, standards, tools, and best practices in MEL that effectively engage partners, donors, and governments. Help ensure a cross-sectoral approach integrating strategic cross-cutting program areas, such as gender, youth, peacebuilding, safe and dignified programming, and partner capacity strengthening.

• Guide CP teams in the development of project MEL systems and MEL budgets that meet donor requirements and adhere to the agency’s MEAL policies, procedures, and practices. Provide expert level technical assistance in building or strengthening monitoring systems, quantitative and qualitative analysis, survey, and sample design and effectively promoting evidence-based program management. Contribute to or lead the periodic review of MEAL systems, particularly for large and complex projects.

• Lead or support the facilitation of regular project learning reflections using Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) methodologies or similar approaches. Promote the use of data for decision-making for program improvement and enhanced impact.

• Support the organization of projects and CP annual learning events and propose other dynamic ways of reflection sessions contributing to better programming. 

• Provide MEL-related technical solutions to regional and CP teams, remotely and on-site, for strategic planning and how to best apply program design and implementation standards, best practices, partnership principles, tools, and MEL, ensuring high-quality implementation.

• Contribute to regional and CP efforts to pre-position CRS for growth opportunities. Lead the development of the MEL-related portions of the technical design and budgeting for large and/or complex proposals, including defining appropriate monitoring systems and indicators. Advise project teams on integrating donor strategies, priorities, and technical requirements into the CRS approach. 

• Contribute to capacity-strengthening initiatives in MEL for staff and partners through helping develop learning and training strategies and agendas/curriculums, conducting trainings and workshops, and mentoring and coaching CP staff.

• Contribute to knowledge management and learning through collecting and analyzing program data, evaluating strategic projects, assisting with measuring program impact, capturing and sharing lessons learned and best practices, and research and internal reports.

• Support the identification and implementation of ICT4D/ICT4MEL solutions to address programming challenges and ensure high-quality program implementation. Ensure timely completion of all agency level MEAL requirements (e.g., annual data quality assessments, beneficiary count reporting and CRS’ MEAL Policies and Procedures (MPP) self-assessments) for all CP programming. Ensure timely completion of MPP self-assessment improvement plans and continuous quality improvement of MEL implementation across the CP.

• Establish and maintain relationships with donors, peer organizations, research, and other institutions. Participate in MEL forums to collect and share best practices and promote CRS’ work.

• Coordinate the identification of CP level learning agenda lead the assessment process and ensure its accessibility to all relevant CP and other stakeholders for informed program adaptability.

• Lead the CP MEAL coordination platform and ensure continuous communication and integration exist among all types of programming. 

Basic Qualifications 

• Master's Degree in MEL or related fields required.

• Minimum of five years relevant international working experience in an advisory or management role with progressive responsibilities, ideally with an international NGO, with a minimum of three years working for programming interventions in MEL. Previous experience managing MEL-related activities for large donor-funded projects is preferred.

• Previous experience providing technical assistance and developing successful proposals for external donor funding is required.

• Demonstrated application of technical principles and concepts in MEL. General knowledge of other related disciplines to ensure a proper cross-sectoral approach.

• Experience in mentoring, coaching, facilitation, and training applying adult learning principles and practices.

• Experience with program monitoring and evaluation, including applying data collection tools and methodologies, data analysis, and data presentation.

• Experience and skills in networking and relations with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based and civil society partners. Understanding of partnership principles.

• Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information and budget management systems, and knowledge-sharing networks.

Required Languages

Fluency in oral and written English and Amharic required

Travel

Must be willing and able to travel up to 20 % domestically and internationally

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  

• Excellent relationship management skills with the ability to influence and get buy-in from people not under direct supervision and to work with individuals in diverse geographical and cultural settings.

• Strong strategic, analytical, problem-solving, and systems thinking skills with the capacity to see the big picture and the ability to make sound judgment

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Strong presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills

• Proactive, resourceful and results-oriented

Supervisory Responsibilities

TA I – ICT4D, TA I – Learning and Knowledge Management, Senior Project Officers (SPO) - MEL

Key Working Relationships  

Internal: TA II – Information, Communication, Learning & Knowledge Management Strategic Advisor; Chiefs of Party; Deputy Chiefs of Party; Deputy Head of Programs – PQ; Program Managers; and MEL Program Mangers, SPOs and POs

External: Senior/Regional Technical Advisors, Donor MEL Technical Advisors/Leads, Partner MEAL staff, Research institutions, Government agencies 

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 in:

• Monitoring

• Evaluation

• Analysis and Critical Thinking

• ICT4MEAL

• Management in MEAL

Each staff member in this position is expected to have expert knowledge and ability and can apply the following competencies in the most complex situations. Develops new approaches, methods, or policies in the area. Is recognized as an expert, internally and externally:

• MEAL in Design

• Learning

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.

Disclaimer:  This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

How To Apply

Qualified and interested professionals who meet the requirements of the role are encouraged to apply through https://form.jotform.com/242571541042549 before the application deadline on September 22, 2024.
CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Qualified female and persons with disabilities are highly encouraged to apply.

CRS is Equal Opportunity Employer!