CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES LESOTHO – JOB DESCRIPTION
| Job Title: MEAL & ICT4D Officer | Reports to: MEAL Specialist |
| Department: Programs | Salary Grade: 7 |
| Location: Maseru, Lesotho | Contract Duration: 2 years |
About CRS
Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. CRS works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding.
Catholic Relief Services began working in Lesotho in 1976 and has had a physical presence since 2002. Programming areas include health, agriculture/livelihoods, WASH, and school feeding/nutrition. CRS has a staff complement of 70 and its programming, in collaboration with local partners, spans all 10 districts in Lesotho. The most recent donors include GIZ/EU, USDA, USAID/PEPFAR, UNICEF, UNDP, and many other private donors.
Project Overview
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and its implementing partners anticipate implementation of the World Bank (WB) funded Pathways to Sustainable Livelihoods Project (PSLP) under Component 1A– the Economic Inclusion Program (EIP) for 3 years (2023 – 2026) in Lesotho through the Ministry of Gender, Youth, Sports, Culture, Arts and Social Development (MoGYSCA&SD). The aim of the Economic Inclusion Program is to improve the efficiency and equity of selected social assistance programs and to strengthen the livelihoods of poor and vulnerable households – in alignment with goals outlined in the Government of Lesotho’s (GoL) NSDP II (2021-2031); The GoL National Social Protection Strategy (NSPS) II (2021-2031); and the WB Group Country Partnership Framework (CPF) for Lesotho FY2022–2026 recently finalized.
The interventions included under Economic Inclusion Program, in conjunction with PLSP Component 2 (delivering shock-responsive cash transfers) will support PLSP Results Area 1: Strengthen the livelihoods of poor and vulnerable households by piloting the introduction of economic inclusion activities alongside cash transfers.
Job Summary:
You will manage and continually provide the day-day maintenance of the MEAL systems, and database, to ensure high data integrity and quality and delivery of responsive, effective, and efficient for the project team and partners in its relevant information Technology- for Development (ICT4D) needs in support of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) mission to serve the poor and vulnerable. You will perform statistical analysis and generate reports based on the specific needs of the project staff.
Roles and Key Responsibilities:
- Maintain and help in the design and development of the PSLP project database. Troubleshoot and communicate issues to contribute to ensuring optimal performance.
- Provide technical support to requests from the PSLP staff team and Partners in relation to the MEAL systems database and ICT4D hardware, software, and associated peripherals.
- Log support requests and document their outcome to facilitate the resolution of common queries.
- Proactively provide information to the teams on the progress of outstanding support inquiries.
- Monitor the implementation processes to ensure consistent uptake and utilization of the ICT4D system across sectors.
- Support the coordination and implementation of all assigned project activities as outlined in the detailed implementation plan in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor requirements, and good practices.
- Monitor and report any challenges and/or gaps identified to inform adjustments to plans and implementation schedules. Assist partners in their efforts to reflect on project experiences.
- Support accountability through coordinating project evaluation activities and assisting partners in their efforts to collect and analyze project data per specified mechanisms and tools. Collaborate with local partner(s) to prepare reports per established reporting schedule.
- Oversee and support the work of enumerators, data entry clerks, and interns (when needed).
- Document the best practices, lessons learned, and innovations in the use of ICT4D solutions (mapping and data visualization) for project learning and knowledge
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelors Degree in Economics, Statistics, Population Studies, Public Administration or any other relevant fields is required.
- Minimum 2 – 5 years of work experience in Monitoring and Evaluation related function.
- Experience in creating data visualization dashboards (e.g. Reporting services, Access, Zoho Reports, Dundas Dashboards, PowerBI, etc);
- Proficiency in database management packages (e.g. Microsoft Access and SQL Server);
- Proficiency in MS Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook) required.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Observation and active listening skills
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to interact effectively with diverse groups
- Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented
Required Languages – Fluent in both Sesotho and English
Travel – Travel within the country is required as needed, with some international travel possible for attendance at program-related meetings and workshops. Must be willing and able to travel up to 50%.
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 are 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 look 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.
Supervisory Responsibilities: none
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: MEAL Specialist and other CP Staff
External : Partners
***Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. 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 protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.
CRS’ talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.
CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.
CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.