Program Manager II, MEAL

Position duration: 18 months (tentative July 1, 2026 – December 31, 2027)

Note: Position is contingent on funding.

Project Overview

Catholic Relief Services is implementing a global emergency response initiative designed to deliver timely, life‑saving humanitarian assistance in rapidly evolving crises worldwide. Over 18 months, the program enables fast, flexible action to address urgent needs arising from sudden shocks and protracted emergencies. It supports critical humanitarian sectors through context‑appropriate assistance while emphasizing operational readiness, locally led implementation, accountability to affected communities, and safe, dignified programming. The initiative strengthens the organization’s ability to respond at speed and scale in complex and resource‑constrained environments, ensuring help reaches people most in need when it matters most.

Job Summary

Act as the technical advisor, consultant and leader for quality Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) design on large and complex projects. Develop, implement and manage tools and methodologies to meet the programs’ technical requirements. Oversee MEAL activities, maintain relationships with partners and other project stakeholders to support project objectives and advance Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) work serving the poor and vulnerable. Utilize technical MEAL skills and knowledge to manage and analyze data, ensure donor compliance, and support learning initiatives to promote continuous improvement and the delivery of high-quality programming in the CPs.

Roles and Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and management of technical MEAL projects throughout the program cycle to ensure compliance with CRS quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices.
• Develop, implement, supervise and strengthen data collection, management and reporting systems at all levels (community, health structures and partners), ensuring the quality, reliability and regularity of data.
• Effectively manage and supervise program talent. Create strategic, clear and actionable goals and objectives for program team members. Manage team dynamics and staff well-being. Provide coaching, strategically tailored individual development plans, and complete performance management for direct reports.
• Lead the development of program learning. Proactively identify opportunities for learning, research and publications related to MEAL policy. Disseminate promising practices and lessons learned findings to contribute to the agency's knowledge management agenda. Ensure integration of innovations and best practices.
• Act as leader and advisor to pre-position CRS for growth opportunities in MEAL. Provide technical guidance on the development of large or complex proposals, including defining appropriate monitoring systems and indicators. Design and implement methodologies for project teams to integrate donor strategies, priorities and requirements into CRS’ approach.
• Oversee technical assistance and capacity strengthening activities for program staff and partner organizations to enhance program quality and impact.
• Oversee the identification, assessment and strengthening of partnerships relevant programs. Ensure the appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches.
• Ensure timely and appropriate project expenditures in line with financial plans and efficient use and stewardship of project material sources.
• Oversee the identification, evaluation and strengthening of partnerships relevant to MEAL and the appropriate application of partnership concepts, tools and approaches.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to write high quality technical proposals.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with ability to make sound judgment and decisions and offer innovative solutions.
• Excellent data analysis (quantitative and qualitative) and database management skills.
• Excellent communication and drafting skills for effective reporting in English.
• Strong relations management capabilities. Ability to relate to people at all levels internally and externally. Ability to strategically approach each relationship.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
• Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented mindset.
• Attention to detail, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.
• Knowledge of Humanitarian principles, standards and systems.
• Ability to work with local partner organizations.
• Ability to maintain performance expectations and strong working relationships in diverse cultural contexts, psychologically and physically stressful environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in international development, International Relations, MEAL or a related field.
• Experience in an international NGO, including working in or with a country or field office.
• Experience with and knowledge of the relevant public donors’ MEAL requirements, including the US Government, EU/ECHO and UN agencies.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in the field of MEAL.
• Proficiency in statistical data analysis packages (SPSS, Stata or R), web conferencing applications, and information management systems.
• Experience working in humanitarian contexts and on humanitarian programming.
• Specific knowledge of CRS and Caritas Internationalis emergency programming and standards a plus.

Required languages: Fluency in English and at least one of the following languages: French, Spanish, Arabic.

Travel: Must be willing and able to travel up to 40%. Candidates should have the capacity to live and work in difficult/stressful environments and serve wherever agency needs dictate.

Supervisory responsibilities: Yes