Project Officer (MEAL) at Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

 

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is currently recruiting qualified professionals for the position of Project Officer – Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL). This role offers an excellent opportunity for individuals passionate about humanitarian work, data-driven programming, project monitoring, and community development to contribute to life-changing interventions across vulnerable communities.

As one of the world's leading humanitarian organizations, CRS continues to implement impactful programs focused on health, agriculture, food security, education, emergency response, and peacebuilding. The Project Officer (MEAL) position plays a critical role in ensuring that these programs achieve measurable results and deliver meaningful benefits to the communities they serve.

About Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Founded in 1943, CRS works in more than 100 countries around the world, providing assistance to people based on need, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. The organization supports vulnerable populations through emergency response programs, health interventions, agriculture development, education initiatives, peacebuilding efforts, and livelihood support projects.

CRS has maintained a strong presence in Nigeria for many years, implementing projects that address food security, health challenges, community resilience, governance, and humanitarian emergencies. Through partnerships with local organizations, government agencies, and community stakeholders, CRS continues to improve the lives of millions of people across the country.

Understanding the MEAL Function

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) is an essential component of modern development and humanitarian programming. It ensures that projects are implemented effectively, resources are utilized efficiently, and intended outcomes are achieved.

MEAL systems help organizations:

• Measure project performance
• Monitor progress against targets
• Improve accountability to beneficiaries
• Generate evidence for decision-making
• Promote continuous learning and improvement
• Strengthen donor reporting and compliance

As a Project Officer (MEAL), you will contribute directly to these objectives by collecting, analyzing, and managing project data while supporting evidence-based program implementation.

Job Summary

The Project Officer (MEAL) will support the monitoring and evaluation activities of CRS projects by tracking indicators, managing databases, conducting assessments, overseeing data collection exercises, and supporting reporting processes.

The position requires close collaboration with project managers, technical coordinators, field teams, implementing partners, and community stakeholders to ensure that project activities remain aligned with program goals and donor requirements.

The successful candidate will help ensure that data collected from project activities is accurate, reliable, and useful for decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Monitoring Project Performance

One of the primary responsibilities of the MEAL Officer is tracking project performance against established indicators and targets. This includes monitoring outputs, outcomes, and program achievements throughout the project lifecycle.

Data Collection and Analysis

The role involves collecting, reviewing, cleaning, and analyzing data from various project activities, surveys, assessments, and monitoring exercises. Accurate data analysis helps improve program effectiveness and supports evidence-based decision-making.

Database Management

The officer will create and manage beneficiary databases to ensure proper tracking of participants, services provided, and project results. Effective database management contributes to accountability and transparency.

Conducting Assessments

Project Officers participate in baseline studies, endline evaluations, needs assessments, market assessments, and post-distribution monitoring activities. These assessments help determine project impact and identify areas for improvement.

Accountability Mechanisms

A major aspect of the role involves establishing and managing feedback and complaints mechanisms that allow beneficiaries to provide input regarding project implementation and service quality.

Reporting

The position requires preparing monthly, quarterly, and annual reports that summarize project achievements, challenges, lessons learned, and recommendations for future programming.

Required Qualifications

Candidates applying for the Project Officer (MEAL) position are generally expected to possess:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Statistics, Information Technology Management, Social Sciences, Public Health, Development Studies, or a related field.
• At least four years of relevant experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning.
• Experience working with NGOs or international development organizations.
• Strong knowledge of data management systems and statistical tools.
• Experience conducting surveys, evaluations, and field monitoring activities.

Educational qualifications should be obtained from recognized institutions and demonstrate relevance to the responsibilities of the role.

Essential Technical Skills

To perform effectively in this position, candidates should have strong technical capabilities, including:

• Data analysis and interpretation
• Database management
• Monitoring and evaluation methodologies
• Report writing
• Statistical software proficiency
• Survey design and implementation
• Data quality assurance
• Information management systems

Experience with tools such as Kobo Collect, CommCare, Red Rose Collect, SPSS, STATA, Epi Info, Microsoft Access, Power BI, and Excel is often considered highly desirable.

Personal Competencies

Successful MEAL professionals possess a combination of technical expertise and interpersonal skills.

Desired competencies include:

• Strong analytical thinking
• Attention to detail
• Excellent communication skills
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Problem-solving ability
• Organizational skills
• Adaptability and flexibility
• Professional integrity

Candidates should also demonstrate commitment to accountability, safeguarding, gender-responsive programming, and beneficiary protection principles.

Benefits of Working with CRS

Joining Catholic Relief Services offers numerous professional and personal benefits.

Meaningful Humanitarian Impact

Employees contribute directly to programs that improve lives and strengthen vulnerable communities around the world.

Professional Development

CRS invests in staff development through training, mentorship, technical support, and leadership opportunities.

International Exposure

Staff members gain valuable experience working within a globally recognized humanitarian organization with international standards and best practices.

Career Advancement

Experience gained with CRS can open doors to future opportunities within international NGOs, United Nations agencies, donor organizations, and development institutions.

Why Consider a Career in MEAL?

MEAL professionals are increasingly important in the humanitarian and development sectors. Organizations rely on accurate data and evidence to demonstrate impact, improve programs, and meet donor expectations.

A career in MEAL offers opportunities to work in:

• International NGOs
• United Nations agencies
• Government development programs
• Research institutions
• Public health organizations
• Humanitarian response operations

The skills developed in monitoring, evaluation, data management, and learning are highly transferable and in demand globally.

Application Closing Date
Not Specified. 

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online

Conclusion

The Project Officer (MEAL) position at Catholic Relief Services represents an outstanding opportunity for professionals interested in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning within the humanitarian sector. By supporting project performance monitoring, data management, beneficiary accountability, and evidence-based decision-making, the successful candidate will play a vital role in ensuring the effectiveness and impact of CRS programs.

For individuals passionate about data-driven development, community impact, and humanitarian service, this role provides a rewarding pathway to contribute to meaningful change while building a strong professional career in the international development sector.