Program Manager I, MEAL – Health Systems Strengthening Project

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Maryland.

📋 Description

• The MEAL PM will serve as the technical advisor and process leader for quality Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) for the Project.

• Oversee tools and suggest methods that are suitable for the scope, context, and technical requirements of these projects.

• Facilitate MEAL activities, nurture relationships with partners and other project stakeholders to support project goals and advance CRS efforts for the benefit of the poor and vulnerable.

• Apply technical MEAL expertise to manage and analyze data, ensure compliance with donor requirements, and support learning initiatives aimed at fostering continuous improvement and high-quality program delivery in the country program.

• Develop the MEAL system and oversee its implementation throughout the project lifecycle—co-design, start-up, execution, and closure—aligned with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor expectations, and best practices.

• Provide technical assistance for the design and execution of a quality MEAL system, including tools and methods that fit the project's scope, context, and technical needs.

• Lead the planning and analysis of both qualitative and quantitative MEAL data while ensuring data quality and management practices are upheld.

• Incorporate data analysis and reflection to enhance ongoing project activities, thereby strengthening evidence-based and high-quality programming.

• Ensure adherence to donor and agency MEAL requirements by consistently applying established standards and monitoring compliance across activities.

• Foster collaborative relationships with community members and key stakeholders through regular engagement, open communication, and support for meaningful participation in program activities.

• Assess staff capacity needs and the technical MEAL assistance requirements of partner organizations. Contribute to capacity building and necessary interventions to support effective project implementation. Provide training to project stakeholders on the MEAL system and donor expectations.

• Assist in the preparation of donor reports and organize quarterly meetings with partners.

• Report annual Global Results in the CRS system and ensure all reports are uploaded to centralized systems.

• Convey the agency’s approach to MEAL and key findings to CP colleagues and partners.

• Contribute to broader regional discussions by sharing MEAL learning and experiences.

⛳️ Requirements

• A Bachelor’s degree in international development, International Relations, Sociology, Statistics, or a related field is required.

• At least 5 years of pertinent field-based experience in coordinating or managing light to moderately complex projects, preferably with an international NGO.

• Experience in communicating with communities and implementing accountability mechanisms.

• Leadership experience in MEAL is highly desirable.

• Experience working with partner organizations.

• Proficiency in MS Windows and MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), standard statistical data analysis software (SPSS, Stata, or R), web conferencing tools, and information management systems.

• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving abilities, with a capacity for sound judgment.

• Excellent relationship management skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with local stakeholders.

• Skills in data analysis (both quantitative and qualitative) and database management.

• Outstanding communication and writing abilities for effective reporting in English.

• A proactive, results-driven, and service-oriented approach.

• Detail-oriented, with a focus on accuracy and timeliness in fulfilling assigned tasks.

• Proficiency in English.

• Must be willing and able to travel up to 35% to remote and low-resource locations.

🏝️ Benefits

• CRS offers U.S.-based staff a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, life insurance, vision, and a generous retirement savings plan.