Program Manager II – MEAL Continuity of Integrated Health Services (CIHS) Project

Salary and 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 is recruiting in anticipation of an award.***

CRS is seeking candidates for an anticipated project which will be funded by the Department of State. The overall objective of the project is to deliver cost-effective, high-quality integrated malaria, maternal and child health, health systems strengthening, infectious disease preparedness and response programming, with a clear and time-bound plan to sustainably transition program activities to national and sub-national government and stakeholders.

Job Summary

The Program Manager II, MEAL will serve as a member of the leadership team for the Continuity of Integrated Health Services (CIHS) project, a multi-country initiative supporting Guinea, Liberia, Mali, and Togo. The role develops, implements and manages tools and methodologies to meet the project’s technical requirements aligned with the project's four objectives: (1) strengthening malaria and MNCH service delivery; (2) strengthening health information systems, laboratories, supply chains, and other health systems; (3) improving readiness to detect and respond to infectious disease threats; and (4) accelerating the transition to country-led health programs. The incumbent oversees MEAL activities, including project performance monitoring, data analysis, indicator reporting, data quality assurance, evaluations, and accountability mechanisms across all participating countries. Additionally, the role maintains relationships with partners and other project stakeholders to support project objectives and advance Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable. Utilizing technical MEAL skills and knowledge to manage and analyze data, the Program Manager II ensures donor compliance and supports learning initiatives to promote continuous improvement and the delivery of high-quality programming in the project.

Roles and Key Responsibilities 

• Provide leadership and management of technical MEAL component of the CIHS project throughout the program cycle to ensure compliance with CRS quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices.
• Develop, implement, supervise and strengthen data collection, management and reporting systems at all levels (community, health structures and partners), ensuring the quality, reliability and regularity of data.
• Effectively manage and supervise program talent. Create strategic, clear and actionable goals and objectives for program team members. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailored individual development plans, and complete performance management for direct reports. 
• Lead the development of program learning. Proactively identify opportunities for learning, research and publications related to MEAL policy. Disseminate promising practices and lessons learned findings to contribute to the agency's knowledge management agenda. Ensure integration of innovations and best practices.
• Act as leader to pre-position CRS for growth opportunities in MEAL. Provide technical guidance on the development of large or complex proposals, including defining appropriate monitoring systems and indicators. Design and implement methodologies for project teams to integrate donor strategies, priorities and requirements into CRS’ approach.
• Oversee technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities for program staff and partner organizations to enhance program quality and impact.
• Oversee the identification, assessment and strengthening of partnerships relevant programs. Ensure the appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches.
• Ensure timely and appropriate project expenditures in line with financial plans and efficient use and stewardship of project material sources.
• Oversee the identification, evaluation and strengthening of partnerships relevant to MEAL and the appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches .

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong understanding of monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning principles and practices, including MEAL system design, indicator tracking, data quality assurance, feedback and response mechanisms, and learning processes.
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment calls and find innovative solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to write high quality technical proposals.
• Excellent data analysis (quantitative and qualitative) and database management skills.
• Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting in English.
• Strong relations management capabilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Ability to strategically approach each relationship.
• Ability to effectively represent CRS and its mission.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with digital data collection platforms or ICT4MEAL tools.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills
• Proactive, results-oriented, service-oriented, and attentive to detail, accuracy, and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Statistics, Information Management, or related field.
• Experience in an international NGO.
• Experience managing grants for multiple public donors.
• 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. 

Required Languages - English fluency required, additional French proficiency preferred.

Travel - Must be willing and able to travel up to 40%.

Supervisory Responsibilities - Must be willing and able to travel up to 40%.

Qualifications

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Statistics, Information Management, or related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience with at least 3 years experience in MEAL.
• Experience successfully managing MEAL programs or projects of large scale and complexity.
• Experience successfully managing a team of professionals and developing a strong learning environment.
• Strong experience in project grants management, including project design.
• Experience engaging with partner organizations.

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.

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.

General Requirements

CRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements.  All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.

CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.