Program Manager II MEAL (RAPID) Sudan

Job Summary

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is responding to the humanitarian crisis in North Darfur and East Darfur, where large‑scale displacement has resulted in severe food insecurity, critical water shortages, and acute health and nutrition needs amid access constraints and a complex operating environment. CRS is implementing and scaling life‑saving interventions in food security, water, health, and nutrition, including cash‑based and in‑kind assistance and support to Emergency Response Rooms (ERRs). CRS also actively engages in humanitarian coordination to improve coverage, targeting, and accountability.

Act as the technical advisor, consultant and leader for quality Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) design on the Sudan RAPID grant. 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 aspects of the Sudan RAPID grant 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 for the RAPID grant. 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 regional and CP efforts 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 .

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in International Development, International Relations, Sociology, Statistics, MEAL or in a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in managing projects of large scale and complexity.
• Experience successfully managing MEAL programs.
• Experience successfully managing a team of professionals and developing a strong learning environment.
• Strong experience in project grants management, including project design, preferably for grants from multiple public donors, including USAID.
• Experience engaging with partner organizations.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in international development, International Relations, MEAL or a related field.
• Experience in an international NGO.
• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in the field of MEAL.
• statistical data analysis packages (SPSS, Stata or R), web conferencing applications, and information management systems.
• Experience working in the Sudan context desired
• Experience working on US DOS funded projects

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.

Required languages: Fluency in English. Fluency in Arabic is a plus.

Travel: Role is based in Tawila, North Darfur with up to 70% travel within Darfur

Supervisory responsibilities: Yes – 2 MEAL Senior Project Officers

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in International Development, International Relations, Sociology, Statistics, MEAL or in a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience.
• Experience in managing projects of large scale and complexity.
• Experience successfully managing MEAL programs.
• Experience successfully managing a team of professionals and developing a strong learning environment.
• Strong experience in project grants management, including project design, preferably for grants from multiple public donors, including USAID.
• Experience engaging with partner organizations.

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 offer

CRS 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.