Position Summary

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Tanzania is seeking a Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP)/Monitoring and Evaluation and Learning (MEL) for the anticipated USAID-funded Multi-sector Nutrition Activity in Tanzania. The project aims to strengthen the delivery of integrated community-based nutrition services and social and behavior change communication (SBCC) in Tanzania and to build the capacity of the government and communities to sustain these activities.

The DCOP/MEL will be the lead on MEL and will have knowledge and experience in performance and impact evaluation designs, methodologies and practical applications, including baseline data collection methodologies. The DCOP/MEL will design, coordinate and monitor operational research activities and other data-based analysis to facilitate evidence-based improvements in project performance and expand understanding and lessons learned. S/he will support and direct the team in assisting LGAs in strengthening nutrition data collection systems, analyses, and utilization of results for informing action. S/he will guide reporting processes amongst technical staff and consolidate program reports, promote learning and knowledge sharing of best practices and lessons learned. The DCOP/MEL will work in close partnership with CRS project staff, partner organizations and government for all MEL activities, strengthening capacity where needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the project's overall MEL efforts, including the design and oversight of a strong MEL plan and Performance Management Plan (PMP).
• Design a system to measure the project outputs, outcomes and impact to facilitate a better understanding of which approaches are working, under which conditions and which activities need to be redefined or strengthened under each result;
• Identify and train CRS and partner staff on appropriate nutrition, agriculture, and other relevant indicators in line with USAID, international, and national MEL standards.
• Integrate data analysis, reflection, and interpretation in ongoing project activities
• Develop and refine quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments and maintain project information database.
• Conduct routine data quality assurance process to maintain adequate quality control in all aspects of MEL from data collection to results' reporting.
• Conduct supportive supervision visits to observe, monitor and provide guidance and quality feedback on the use of data and indicators; and
• Support and direct project team in assisting LGAs in strengthening nutrition data collection systems, analyses, and utilization of results for informing action; advise on implementation of accountability mechanisms.
• Ensure on-time, accurate, and quality reporting in close collaboration with project staff.
• Lead the documentation and reporting of assessments, lessons learned and best practices for dissemination to relevant stakeholders.
• Participate in relevant MEL technical working groups and coordinating bodies; work with relevant ministries and LGAs on project-linked MEL, as appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with donor and agency MEL requirements

Qualifications:

• Master's degree required, Ph.D. preferred, in monitoring and evaluation, informatics, demographics, or related discipline.
• At least seven years' experience in successfully developing and implementing MEL systems. Tanzania and/or East Africa experience preferred; USAID experience preferred.
• Strong quantitative or mixed-method and analytical skills and ability to articulate technical information clearly and effectively to technical and non-technical audiences
• Significant experience in providing field-based technical assistance about MEL and operations research in low resource countries.
• Demonstrated experience in setting up and managing MEL systems (including databases) that track performance as per the objectives of the project.
• Analysis and data management skills as well as demonstrated analytical skills and experience in identifying and evaluating best practices and state-of-the-art approaches.
• Experience developing and delivering high-quality, on-time donor reports in accordance with cooperative agreement regulations.
• Experience working with statistical databases (Stata, SAS, etc.) preferred, as well as strong skills in Excel, Word, Access and PowerPoint.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a team.
• Willing and able to travel 30% of the time
• Qualified Tanzanian candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Agency‐wide Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

These are rooted in the mission, values, and guiding principles of CRS and used by each staff member to fulfill his or her responsibilities and achieve the desired results.

• Serves with Integrity
• Models Stewardship
• Cultivates Constructive Relationships
• Promotes Learning

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. This position is contingent on the success of a project proposal and the availability of donor funding and approval.

CRS' talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.

Equal Opportunity Employer