Technical Advisor II - MEAL (Nigerian Nationals Only)

The Faith and Community Initiative (FCI) is a large, multi-country global health program being implemented under a World Vision–led consortium, with Catholic Relief Services (CRS) slated to lead implementation in Nigeria, Liberia and Cameroon.  FCI’s goal is to support countries in building resilient, nationally owned health systems that sustainably deliver integrated HIV, TB, malaria, MCH, and nutrition services through strengthened community and frontline health worker platforms. To achieve this goal, FCI has three key objectives: 1) Strengthen Community and Frontline Health Worker Networks; 2) Ensure that Existing Faith and Community-based Services are Well Coordinated and Integrated into Government Systems; and 3) Transition to National and Sub-national Systems. To expand the availability and utilization of integrated health services, FCI will adapt and replicate a hub-and-spoke model using tools developed by Circle of Hope’s Community Post model established in Zambia, rapidly establishing and supporting hub-and-spoke facility networks to deliver integrated health services. Hub-and-spoke models will be expanded and integrated into existing health service delivery systems supported through national governments, faith-based organizations, and other civil society partners to strengthen local ownership, cascade MOH guidance and protocols to CHWs and FHWs, and ensure CHW and FLW are recruited, trained, and supervised through transition-ready health systems. Across countries, FCI emphasizes strengthening health systems (including digital data use and supply chains) and an intentional transition to sustainable, country-led ownership over time.

Technical Advisor II will serve as the lead for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) for FCI Project.  He/she provides technical guidance and support in monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) at the national and sub-national levels, contributing periodically to global approaches. Manage tools and recommend methods appropriate to scope, context, and technical requirements of these projects. S/he will Coordinate MEAL activities, maintain relationships with partners and other project stakeholders to support project objectives and advance CRS work serving the poor and vulnerable. Utilize technical MEAL skills and knowledge to manage and analyze data, ensure donor compliance, and support learning initiatives to ensure continuous improvement and the delivery of high-quality programming in the country program

 Roles and Key Responsibilities

• In line with the global MEAL framework, develop country-specific FCI MEAL system and manage MEAL implementation activities through the project cycle -co-design, start-up, implementation and close-out - in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and best practices. 
• Lead the needs assessments and support the development of results frameworks, theories of change, Proframes, and SMILER+ (Simple Measurement of Indicators for Learning and Evidence-based Reporting). Provide technical support for quality MEAL system design and implementation, including tools and methods appropriate to scope, context, and technical requirements of a project.
• Lead planning for and analysis of qualitative and quantitative MEAL data, while ensuring data quality and data management practices.
• Integrate data analysis, and reflection to drive improvements in ongoing project activities to strengthen evidence-based and high-quality programming.
• Ensure compliance with donor and agency MEAL requirements by consistently applying established standards and monitoring adherence across activities.
• Maintain collaborative relationships with community members and key stakeholders by engaging regularly, fostering open communication, and supporting meaningful participation in program activities.
• Working closely with Health Systems Strengthening Lead, identify technical MEAL assistance needs of partner organizations. Contribute to capacity strengthening and required interventions to support quality project implementation. Train project stakeholders in the MEAL system and donor requirements.
• Support the production of donor reports and organize quarterly partner meetings.
• Report annual Global Results in the CRS system and ensure all the reports are uploaded to centralized systems. 
• Communicate agency approach to MEAL and key findings to CP colleagues and partners.
• Share MEAL learning and experiences in broader regional discussions. 
• Contribute to capacity strengthening initiatives in MEAL for staff and partners by helping develop learning and training strategies and agendas/curriculums; conducting trainings and workshops; and mentoring and coaching country MEAL staff. 
• Contribute to influence and scaling strategies, including systems analysis, evidence generation and MEAL approaches that contribute to influence, and measurement of influence and scaling progress. 
• Establish and maintain relationships with donors, peer organizations, research and other institutions.
• Participate in MEAL forums to learn and share best practices and promote CRS’ work.

• PhD in a related field.
• Leadership experience in MEAL is highly desirable.
• Experience engaging with partner organizations and government.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), standard statistical data analysis packages (SPSS, Stata or R), web conferencing applications, and information management systems. 
• Experience in the development and production of curricula, tools, evidence and other products to support MEAL. Demonstrated experience in transferring knowledge to diverse audiences through training, mentoring, and other formal and informal methods.
• Experience and skills to represent the organization at meetings with donors, government, international NGOs, and local partners, with understanding of partnership principles.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities  

• Critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Strong relationship management skills and the ability to work effectively with local stakeholders.
• Data analysis (quantitative and qualitative) and database management skills.
• Demonstrated ability to apply the technical principles and concepts in MEAL. General knowledge of program sectors. 
• Excellent relationship management skills with ability to influence and get buy-in from people not under direct supervision and to work with individuals in diverse geographical and cultural settings.
• Accompaniment orientation and skills, with ability to recognize the capacities and solutions of partners, colleagues and system actors.  
• Strong presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills.
• Ability to leverage networking skills and develop relations with donors, peer organizations, and faith-based civil society partners. Knowledge and understanding of partnership principles.
• Excellent relationship management skills with 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. Ability to see the big picture and make sound judgments.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to demonstrate a proactive, resourceful and results-oriented mindset.

• →Master’s degree in international development, statistics, economics, microfinance or other related field. 
• →Minimum of ten years’ of work experience in international development and/or MEAL with progressive responsibilities, ideally with an international NGO.
• →Minimum five years as a MEAL technical advisor and/or program manager. 
• →Experience working overseas. 
• →Experience with project MEAL including development of indicators, data collection tools and methodologies, data analysis, and data presentation.
• →Experience providing technical assistance and contributing to successful proposals for external donor funding. 
• →Experience in business development, including MEAL components of project design and proposal development.

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• →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.

What we offer

CRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan.  Benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role.  CRS´ work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.