Project Officer Sr (MEAL) – (Nigerian Natiaonal Only)

Job title: Project Officer Sr (MEAL) – (Nigerian Natiaonal Only)

Company: Catholic Relief Services

Job description: Job Category: Program ManagementJob Description:About the Project:
CRS Nigeria is implementing the Development of Cassava Seed Entrepreneur (DCSE) component of Building Economically Sustainable Cassava Seed System, Phase 2 (BASICS-II) in Benue and Kogi State. BASICS-II is being implemented by a consortium of organizations led by IITA and covers the entire cassava seed value chain, ranging from breeder to farmer seed. The project’s vision is to provide farmers with access to affordable, quality-assured seeds of the cassava varieties in demand by local food and processor markets through the establishment of a commercially viable seed value chain operating across breeder, foundation, and commercial seed levels. This value chain will enable more efficient dissemination and adoption of new varieties to improve productivity, raise incomes of cassava growers and seed entrepreneurs, enhance gender equity, and contribute to inclusive agricultural transformation in Nigeria and Tanzania.Job Summary:CRS/Nigeria is seeking a Senior Project Officer – MEAL, who will be responsible for all monitoring, evaluation, accountability and reporting activities under the Agriculture and Economic Growth unit. The SPO – MEAL develops and manages the Project’s Performance Monitoring Plan (PMP). The SPO-MEAL develops and maintains systems to collect and analyze information on inputs, outputs, outcomes and impact of the program. S/He analyzes monthly data and support training of partners on M&E in quality assurance Methods. The SPO-MEAL will report to the BASICS – II Program Manager and will maintain close liaison with relevant Regional Technical Advisors and the CRS/Nigeria Agriculture Team. The SPO MEAL will ensure adherence to CRS technical and program quality standards in implemtation and the timely submission of all required deliverables to all donors.Job Responsibilities:Program Quality: * With key program staff and partners, ensure each of the unit’s programs’ strategic objectives and results are fully accomplished and meet expected technical quality standards.

• Ensure that vision and plans for the programs are innovative and are in line with CRS agency and country program strategies as well as Ministry of Agriculture food security strategies.
• In collaboration with program staff, develop, implement and periodically update a decentralized Agriculture program results monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and reporting framework with policy, process, system and performance measurement plan, based on the program logical framework (LF) and supporting documents, with clearly demarcated responsibilities based on the participatory and equity principles of the program
• Contribute generally to the process of program design and prioritization, including the identification and allocation of resources;
• Work with partners and other collaborating agencies to ensure that lessons of sound practice are documented and disseminated.
• Oversee program’s monitoring and evaluation system, using data analysis as the basis for measuring performance. Ensure that M&E learning is incorporated into evolving program plans.
• Work with the Head of Unit and program staff to identify and implement appropriate ICT4D solutions to improve timeliness and quality of M&E and project implementation.
• Design M&E plan for all agriculture related program
• Design and implement baseline and end-line studies
• Review the detailed LF and performance measurement plan prepared for all agriculture related programs for completeness and alignment with the desired goals and objectives.

Management quality * Make regular visits to project and partners sites to oversee and ensure the efficient implementation of M&E activities

• Undertake regular verification monitoring of ongoing program implementation in close coordination with the Program Managers
• Regular update of reporting formats to capture key results, challenges, lessons, success stories and opportunities
• Train and mentor partners’ program staff on LF preparation and M&E activities based on the program M&E framework and requirements
• Assist in the formulation of recommendations for improving implementation performance including direct training and mentoring at program and partner staff.
• Ensure that project M&E system and reporting are enhanced through innovative approach
• Facilitate and participate in the periodic review of program implementation and progress towards achieving results and adjustment of expected results
• Assist in the formulation of recommendations for improving implementation performance including direct training and mentoring at program and partner staff.

Partnership, representation and Networking * Represent agriculture and economic growth unit on M&E issues with relevant agencies and other organization including data sharing

• Ensure CRS Nigeria agriculture and economic growth section of the share point is updated quarterly with relevant program documents.
• In collaboration with the PM; coordinate program communication strategies, including compliance with donor’s branding and marketing requirements, as well as CRS marketing and communication procedures

Required Languages – English. Knowledge of local languages in the State preferred but not required.Travel- Must be willing and able to travel up to 50 %.Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Analysis and problem-solving skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners.
• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented.
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with partners, participatory action planning and community engagement.
• Staff supervision experience a plus.
• Experience monitoring projects and collecting relevant data.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Good interpersonal skills including ability to work with multiple stakeholders successfully and to create linkages.

Supervisory Responsibilities: BASICS II Project field support personnelKey Working Relationships:Internal: BASICS-II, Finance, Administration, M&E, Audit, DCR Programs, DCR Operations, Country Representative, RTA/Agriculture, RTA/MEAL as well as other relevant regional and HQ Technical staff.External: Justice,Peace and Development Commissions of the Catholic Church (JDPCs), other implementing Partner Organizations (National Root Crop Research Institute – NRCI, National Agricultural Seeds Council – NASC, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture -IITA, IITA GoSeed, Umudike Seed, Sahel Consulting, Agricultural Development Program – ADP, Seed Entrepreneur Networks, representative of other NGOs, Donors, Researchers, and Private Sector.Qualifications:Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree in agriculture, Agriculture related field or development studies required.
• Minimum of 5 years of work experience in project support, ideally in the field of Agriculture and for an NGO.
• Experience in the cassava value chain and public and private donor relations

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.

What we offerCRS offers U.S. based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan. Benefits packages for successful candidates employed outside the U.S. are based on the country of employment/in-country office where the candidate will perform the role. CRS´ work culture is a collaborative, mission-driven culture committed to improving the lives of the poor throughout the world.About 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: Benue

Job date: Wed, 14 May 2025 06:07:15 GMT

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