CATHOLIC RELIEF SERVICES/LESOTHO
Career Opportunity
Catholic Relief Services is currently recruiting for a MEAL Specialist based in Maseru, Lesotho
Job Title: MEAL Specialist
Reporting to: Project Manager
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract
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 and microfinance.
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.
Roles and Key Responsibilities:
- Provide technical lead for quality MEAL system design, including tools and methods, appropriate to the scope, context, and technical requirements for the PLSP project implemented by CRS Lesotho teams, ensuring compliance with donor and agency MEAL requirements.
- Communicate agency approach to MEAL and key findings, as appropriate, among CP colleagues and partners.
- Plan, budget, and ensure quality management practices of MEAL activities.
- Coordinate and provide technical oversight for data management practices, including for analysis of MEAL data, qualitative and quantitative, to ensure the quality of data to measure programs’ impact and progress. Work with Program/Project Managers to integrate data analysis, reflection, and interpretation into ongoing project activities.
- Manage and lead capacity-strengthening initiatives in MEAL for staff and partners through leading the development of learning strategies, conducting training and workshops, and coaching.
- Share MEAL learning and experiences in broader regional discussions to facilitate improvements in decision-making and contribute to agency learning.
Basic Qualifications
Typical Background, Experience & Requirements:
- Master’s Degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Economics, Planning, or relevant field.
- Minimum of two years of relevant work experience in MEAL with progressive responsibilities, ideally with an international NGO.
- Excellent knowledge of technical principles and concepts in MEAL.
- Experience in project design and proposal development and writing content for proposals.
- Demonstrated ability to build staff capacity.
- Proficient in MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), statistical packages, Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems, and knowledge-sharing networks.
Personal Skills
- Strong relationship management skills with the ability to influence and get buy-in from people, not under direct supervision.
- Good strategic, analytical, problem-solving, and systems thinking skills with the capacity to see the big picture and the ability to make sound judgments.
- Good technical writing skills
- Presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills.
- Proactive, resourceful, and results-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%.
Supervisory Responsibilities: MEAL & ICT4D Officer
SUBMISSION
Please note that the position is only open to applicants who are Citizens of Lesotho. Interested Basotho candidates should submit their CV, Cover Letter, a certified copy of national ID/ Passport and certified Copies of Educational Certificates not later than 5th October 2023 at 14:00 by email to [email protected] with the subject line: MEAL Specialist- EIP. If the subject line does not indicate the position, the application will not be considered. HARD COPY APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED. ONLY SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES WILL BE CONTACTED.
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: MEAL and ICT4D Officer, Project Manager, HoP, CP MEAL Manager, Local Entrepreneurship Manager etc.
External: Partner Staff
***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.