Project Officer – MEAL (Kaduna State)

Job title: Project Officer – MEAL (Kaduna State)

Company: Catholic Relief Services

Job description: Job Category: Program ManagementJob Description:Job Summary:The Project Officer MEAL will be responsible for leading the monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) components of the CGPP in Kaduna State. The role ensures data-driven decision-making, quality reporting, and continuous learning to improve program effectiveness. S/He will work closely with the State program team, implementing partners, community-based organizations (CBOs), and government stakeholders to ensure robust data systems and accountability mechanisms are in place.He/she will participate in all CGPP-related events and activities, review and share weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual Program-related data, and provide support on narrative reports on CGPP’s project portfolios – Polio, Global Health Security (GHS), Diphtheria, and other VPDs Response intervention in Kaduna state. The project aims to reach under-immunized children with life-saving services in Northern Nigeria, including fragile and conflict settings. Project interventions will focus on: (a) supporting immunization uptake for polio vaccination-eradication, Measles and rubella reduction and elimination, Diphtheria prevention, Hepatitis B, and maternal and neonatal tetanus elimination; (b) strengthening surveillance systems to improve preparedness and response to outbreaks of VPDs; strengthening of immunization delivery systems and capacities. The Project Officer (PO), under the guidance of the Senior Project Officer, will provide MEAL guidance for routine immunization (RI), Polio and non-Polio Supplemental Immunization Activities (SIAs), disease surveillance, and demand creation activities data reporting. This role includes support in planning, capacity building, supportive supervision, monitoring, and stakeholder engagement to strengthen immunization coverage and uptake of life-saving interventions.Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the implementation of the MEAL plan for CGPP activities in the state.
• Support the CBO partners to craft program workplans and detail implementation plans using the SIA calendar, REW micro plans document and provide detail reviews under the guidance of the STL.
• Ensure that data is reported on project implementation in all hard-to-reach and international border settlements.
• Ensure timely and accurate data collection, analysis, and reporting for all program components (Polio, RI, Diphtheria, cross-border, GHS, etc.).
• Provide technical support and capacity building to CBOs and field teams on data management, reporting tools, and accountability mechanisms.
• Conduct regular field visits for data verification, supportive supervision, and monitoring of program activities in various settlements, Wards, and LGA.
• Ensure data quality through routine data quality assessments (RDQA), LQAS/Survey data analysis, and feedback loops.
• Support the development of weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports in collaboration with program teams.
• Support the development and finalization of weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual work plans and budgets in collaboration with SPO.
• Facilitate learning and reflection sessions to promote adaptive management and continuous improvement.
• Ensure community feedback mechanisms are functional and responsive.
• Collaborate with the CGPP Secretariat MEAL Manager to align state-level MEAL activities with national standards.
• Provide direct mentoring, monitoring and supervision to the Community Based Organization (CBO) MEAL staff and community volunteers.
• Represent CGPP in MEAL-related for a, events and meetings at all levels.
• Maintain a high visibility profile for the CGPP program in the state among the relevant stakeholders – EOC, SMoH, UNICEF, etc.
• Ensure adequate knowledge of the project portfolios MEL plan, as specified by the donor, and disseminated to the CBOs working closely with the SPO and Secretariat MEAL Manager
• Attend to other duties as assigned by the program’s management

Required Languages – English, and the ability to speak and understand Hausa will be an advantageTravel – Must be willing and able to travel up to 70% and stay in difficult environmentsKnowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; Hausa is an advantage.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively.
• Willingness to travel up to 70% of the time, including to hard-to-reach areas.
• Ethical conduct under recognized professional and organizational codes of ethics.
• Proactive, resourceful, solution-oriented and results-oriented

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with relevant donors’ regulations is a plus.
• Proficient in Excel and experienced with Word and PowerPoint. Knowledge of financial reporting software is a plus.
• Proficient in virtual platforms and hosting/participation in seamless virtual meetings.

Supervisory Responsibilities: NoneKey Working Relationships:Internal Program Manager, Senior Project Officer, CRS Head of Programming, Deputy Country Representative, and Country program operations and finance teams.External CGPP Secretariat, CRS CBO Partners, WHO, UNICEF, SPHCDA, NCDC, SOLINA Health, SMOH, EOC, LGA PHC Team.Qualifications:Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree/HND in Statistics, Social Sciences, or related field. Public health is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience within public health or development programs and 2 years of progressive experience in MEAL roles. Experience in PEI and implementing zero-dose reduction strategies will be an added advantage.
• Proven experience working with and through partner organizations, including working with the public sector
• Knowledge of the local terrain in Kaduna state will be an added advantage.
• Experience with and a demonstrated commitment to a community-based approach to development.
• Ability to interface with multiple stakeholders, representatives, and partners professionally.
• Proven experience in immunization, disease surveillance, or public health program management.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, DHIS2, Commcare, ONA, Power BI, etc.).
• Experience working with partner organizations and government stakeholders.
• Familiarity with donor reporting requirements and MEAL frameworks.
• Knowledge of the local context in Kaduna State is an added advantage

Core Skills:Immunization and Disease Surveillance Expertise:

• Good knowledge of the polio eradication initiative.
• Experience with immunization programs and disease outbreak investigations.

Data Management Proficiency

• Must be Proficient in data collection methods, analysis, and use of tools like Excel and Power Bi for analysis. ODK,
• Familiarity with digital health platforms or databases, such as DHIS2.

Program Reporting and Communication Skills:

• Ability to compile, analyze, and present reports effectively.
• Skilled in writing detailed program updates, reports, and briefs.

Agency Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

• 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 looks 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.

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 is an Equal Opportunity EmployerAbout Us:Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. 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 safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency.CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse. The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS´ Code of Conduct.CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm.Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.About the Team:General RequirementsCRS offers are contingent on the selected candidate’s ability to legally work where the position is to be performed. Every government has a unique set of work permit eligibility requirements. All positions requiring residence or frequent travel outside a home country must undergo and clear a pre-employment medical clearance; some work permit processes require clearing a separate government administered medical examination.CRS prioritizes candidates who are citizens/ permanent residents of the countries where we have CRS offices.

Expected salary:

Location: Kaduna, Kaduna State

Job date: Sat, 26 Jul 2025 07:54:36 GMT

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