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

Catholic Relief Services | CRS•Remote, United States

10d

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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.
English fluency required

Nice To Haves

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.
Additional French proficiency preferred.

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.