CRS is strongly committed to strengthening its ability to capture and communicate its effectiveness, in order to learn what does and does not work in an effort to overcome poverty and suffering and to strengthen its accountability to a wide range of stakeholders. Monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) forms a critical role in program management and is a core competency for the organization worldwide. CRS’ overall vision for M&E at CRS is for its staff to have the best access possible to the agency’s institutional knowledge, reflected in their decision making; CRS staff can provide robust and verifiable answers to questions about what the agency is doing, and the outcomes and impact of its operations.

Principal responsibility: The Urban Programs MEAL Coordinator is responsible for all aspects of project monitoring, evaluative efforts, accountability, operations research and other learning efforts, for programs and projects being implemented in the Urban Programs department. In collaboration with program managers, program implementing partners and other MEAL staff, the Urban Programs MEAL Coordinator is responsible for all stages of program data management, including indicator definition, development of data collection instruments, data collection and verification, data analysis and presentation, and feedback to partners. The Urban Programs MEAL Coordinator must ensure that systems are in place to measure programs impact and progress, as well as promotion of an accountable and learning culture. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: Monitoring and Evaluation, Program Quality Assurance, Mentoring/Training, Accountability, Learning/Operations Research, Report Writing


SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
• As a senior member of the MEAL team, the Urban Programs MEAL Coordinator will support the MEAL Country Coordinator in specific higher level activities and is responsible for the following:

Monitoring and Evaluation:
• Manage all phases of M&E system for the programs and ensure that system is functional and followed
• Develop data collection instruments as necessary and provide training to program staff and partners on M&E system
• Develop a sound, integrated and standardized M&E system for Urban Programs, with an emphasis on knowledge and learning, following CRS LACRO MEAL strategy
• Oversee tracking of program implementation against the Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) plan
• Oversee all monitoring activities to ensure quality data to use as information for making necessary project implementation changes
• Carry out or manage the implementation of required evaluations (impact, baseline, others, etc.) and analysis
• Promote new information and communication technologies for M&E, as appropriate
• Apply and promote the use of multi-media for documentation purposes including photo stories, videos, audio, testimonials, case studies, systematizations, live event reporting/blogging, etc.
• Apply and promote the use of participatory documentation techniques that involve project participants and staff in the process

Program Quality:
• Ensure relevance and evidence base of all aspects of program design, and engage in dialogue with Head of Programming and technical leads to continually strengthen program impact
• Collaborate with MEAL team to ensure high quality data collection; supporting analysis for monitoring and evaluation activities
• In collaboration with the ICT4D Unit, MEAL agents and program team to support the installation and management of an evolving database that contributes to effective project implementation.
• Develop data collection instruments that capture the required information based on the relevant project indicators and determine the appropriate timeframe for implementation of project evaluations
• Ensure high quality data using Data Quality Assessments (DQAs)
• Analyze results achieved compared with objectives expected and identify the appropriate means and methods required at the project level
• Ensure reliance on evidence produced from sector-specific monitoring tools based on relevant indicators to make key decisions
• Develop and review SOWs and contracts for the programs M&E-related tasks and consultancies
• Support MEAL Country Coordinator in activities like development of tools and budget for project design or design of TDR/SOW and supervision of contractors. (The contractors might be for projects outside of Urban Programs)

Mentoring/training:
• Lead, manage, and supervise Urban Programs M&E team to meet program objectives
• Conduct periodic reviews of staff performance in keeping with CRS' performance management system and coach/mentor staff to ensure high levels of motivation, commitment, capacity, and teamwork
• With the Urban Programs Head of Programming and Project Managers, assess local partner MEAL capacity, and develop and implement plans to increase their MEAL capacity in line with gaps
• Ensure the program's sustainability with government partners by developing capacity strengthening systems in the context of monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning
• Supervise Urban Programs M&E Officers and ensure that they receive adequate technical and administrative guidance
• Ensure that the performance management process (annual evaluation and performance plan, etc.) is followed by the Urban Programs MEAL team Collaborate with program managers to ensure that program teams are fully familiar with MEAL system and able to implement it; assess program staff training needs and development training plan in MEAL system to respond to identify program needs
• Serve as a resource to train and mentor Country Program MEAL staff as necessary

Accountability:
• Develop and implement robust accountability systems to ensure activities respond to community member needs and that the results obtained are in line with the pre-established indicators and targets
Ensure the maintenance and regular updating of a centralized project file system/database

Learning/Operations Research:
• Coordinate After Action Review sessions with the team to collect information and lessons learned
• Facilitate research into thematic sectors and other operational aspects specific to Urban Programs in coordination with MEAL Country Coordinator and relevant stakeholders (as necessary)
• Provide leadership to MEAL agents in conducting case studies and operations research as part of the project's learning agenda
• Conduct lessons learned activities including: workshop, meeting with the communities, sharing among the program staff
• Prepare workshops and reflection sessions organized by CRS M&E team

Report writing:
• Develop and establish system to ensure timely and accurate reporting to major public and private donors and from implementing partners/sub-recipients.
• Draft all M&E sections of the programs report for finalization and review by MEAL Country Coordinator
• Provide all necessary accurate data to program managers for the writing of reports and other documents
• Review and revise reports to ensure sufficient attention is paid to lessons learned and impact; data are clear, accurate, and consistent; and donor reporting requirements and formats are respected
• Effectively communicate program results to a wide variety of stakeholders
• Produce high quality required and periodic reports for monitoring and evaluation according to the reporting intervals (monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and annual)
• Effectively communicate program results to a wide variety of stakeholders

Meetings :
• Participate in internal and external UP and M&E meetings and trainings


CRS AGENCY CORE COMPETENCIES
These are rooted in the mission, values, and principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and to achieve the desired results.
 Serve with integrity
 Be an exemplary worker
 Cultivate constructive relationships
 Promote learning

QUALIFICATIONS and SKILLS
• College degree or equivalent in statistics
• Diploma or equivalent related to development sciences (education, human rights, grassroots development, child protection, preferred)
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in M&E development programs in a position of responsibility
• Past experience working on USAID-funded projects preferred
• Must be extremely detail-oriented and have a strong capacity in quality data analysis, planning and organization, and communication
• Excellent verbal and written capacity in French, Creole and English
• Excellent knowledge of statistics computer software (ACCESS, STATA, SPSS, EpiInfo, etc.)
• Excellent knowledge of standard computer programs: Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Willingness to travel to the field up to 50% of the time
• Flexibility and capacity to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrate self-motivation, team playing and supervisory skills

The concerned candidates are asked to send their complete application (cover letter, CV, copy diplomas) confirming the subject "Urban Program-Meal Coordinator"

CRS’ recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.