Program Manager I, MEAL
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Job Title: Program Manager I, MEAL - Cuba Crisis-Response
Grade: 9
Department: LACRO
Reports to: Senior Program Manager - Cuba Crisis-Response
Position Duration : July 1, 2026 - December 2027
Project Overview
Catholic Relief Services (CRS), in partnership with Caritas Cuba, is implementing a multi-sector emergency response to support vulnerable households across Cuba. The project focuses on delivering essential assistance in food security, water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), and basic shelter and non-food items (NFIs). The program prioritizes households with the greatest needs and is delivered through local Caritas structures to ensure effective, community-based implementation. Activities include food distributions, hygiene support, and targeted shelter improvements in select areas.
The project emphasizes efficient delivery, accountability to participants, and practical monitoring approaches adapted to the local context. Through this effort, CRS and Caritas aim to help households meet immediate needs while strengthening the capacity to deliver timely and well-coordinated assistance.
Job Summary
Act as the technical advisor and process lead for quality Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) design for humanitarian response programming in Cuba. Manage tools and recommend methods appropriate to scope, context, and technical requirements of these projects. Coordinate MEAL activities, maintain relationships with partners and other project stakeholders to support project objectives and advance Catholic Relief Services’ (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 promote continuous improvement and the delivery of high-quality humanitarian response programming in Cuba.
Roles and Key Responsibilities
- Develop the program MEAL system and manage MEAL implementation activities through the project cycle - start-up, implementation and close-out - in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and best practices.
- Lead technical support for quality MEAL design, including tools and methods, appropriate to scope, context, and technical requirements of a project.
- Lead technical support in analyzing 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.
- Ensure compliance with donor and agency MEAL requirements by consistently applying established standards and monitoring adherence across activities.
- Communicate the agency’s approach to MEAL and key findings to program colleagues and partners.
- Maintain collaborative relationships with partner staff and volunteers and, as needed, community members by engaging regularly, fostering open communication, and supporting meaningful participation in program activities.
- Share MEAL learning and experiences in broader regional discussions.
- Contribute to planning, budgeting, and implementation of quality MEAL activities through effective management practices.
- Identify staff capacity needs and 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.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in International Development, International Relations, Sociology, Statistics, MEAL or in a related field.
- 5 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing light to moderately complex projects required, preferably with an international NGO.
- Experience communicating with communities and implementing accountability mechanisms.
Preferred Qualifications
- Leadership experience in MEAL.
- Experience engaging with partner organizations.
- 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.
- Project MEAL management experience in Latin America and the Caribbean is highly desirable.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with the 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.
- Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting in English.
- Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented mindset.
- Attention to detail, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.
Required Languages: Fluency in English and Spanish required.
Travel: Must be willing and able to travel up to 35%.
Supervisory Responsibilities: Yes
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.
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. 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. CRS’ processes and policies reflect our commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, 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 committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse. The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.
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.
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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