Project Officer (Accountability& Learning) at Catholic Relief

Ref Number

Isiolo (REF:2019/083)
Marsabit (REF:2019/082)

Background:

CRS is leading a consortium of international non-governmental organizations, local implementing partners and international/ national research institutions to implement a five-year USAID Office of Food for Peace (FFP) Development Food Security Activity (DFSA) called Mfumo Imara Lishe Endelevu (MILE). The overarching goal of this multi-sectoral activity is to sustainably reduce levels of acute malnutrition in Kenya’s arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs), focusing on Isiolo and Marsabit counties. The activity will be implemented in two phases:

• Phase I (1.5-2 years) Research, test approaches and collaboratively design a context-sensitive, multi-sectoral activity that sustainably reduces acute malnutrition
• Phase II (3- 3.5 years): Activity Implementation and System and Institutional Strengthening

Job Summary:

The Project Officer - Accountability and Learning will provide day to day accountability and learning support to a range of MILE stakeholders, including project design and MILE implementation issues, in line with CRS program quality principles and standards, donor guidelines, and industry best practices, to help advance the delivery of responsive, high-quality programming to the poor and vulnerable. S/he will ensure that the project consistently applies strong accountability systems and guidelines that enable effective listening to and understanding of the diverse needs of the women and men, girls and boys we serve, to help ensure that those perspectives and needs are reflected in the project’s decision-making processes and interventions. S/he will facilitate the effective use of emerging information and support the development and institutionalization of information and knowledge products, to continually improve the quality of CRS work and maximize the benefits to the people we serve.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Play a leadership role in embedding and supporting a culture of learning and adaptation across MILE initiatives at county level.
• Support, and in some cases lead at the County level, compliance with agency and donor Accountability and Learning systems, processes and requirements, including agreed MEAL Detailed Implementation Plan activities – in close liaison with project leadership.
• Take an active lead on all MILE consortium accountability and learning activities at county level.
• Facilitate county government and partner organizations to establish, implement and support effective, user-friendly, sustainable feedback and response mechanisms that are accessible to all community members. Share significant findings with MILE and CRS MEAL teams on a timely basis, to support project responsiveness and adaptation (as guided).
• Help to guide and support quality data gathering, management and analysis, including through qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Facilitate the engagement of county government, partner organizations and other key actors in processes to identify, document and share MILE achievements, lessons learned, success stories and good/ best practices. Help to identify significant key learning that can be leveraged for publication, incorporated into program decisions, adaptations and annual plans, and shared both internally and externally for learning purposes.
• Facilitate and support county government, partner organization and other key actor (as advised) efforts to lead collective analysis and reflective review discussions on MILE developments and results, to contribute field-based insights and learning to project discussions, to facilitate timely programmatic adjustments and evidence-based decision-making, and to proactively contribute to learning at county and wider levels.
• Document and disseminate field-based perspectives, experience and emerging findings, to strengthen MILE project learning and responsiveness. Ensure the same are regularly shared with the SPO and MILE Strategic Learning Lead in a timely manner (as guided).
• Foster respectful relationships and sustained dialogue regarding ongoing project interventions and initial results, with and among community members and other stakeholders.
• Build and strengthen the capacity of county MILE, government and partner organization staff in accountability and learning, including raising awareness on CRS accountability and learning policies and procedures and Humanitarian Accountability Partnership (HAP) standards, among others (as advised). Support key actors to ensure effective implementation of the same.
• Remain flexible and open to taking on new responsibilities as MILE unfolds and progresses, especially as requested/ guided by the SPO and Strategic Learning Lead.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in the Social Sciences; Demography, Sociology, Statistics or another MEAL-related field. Master’s degree is an added advantage. Additional education may substitute for some experience.
• Minimum of three years of relevant work experience in accountability and learning, Participatory Development or Adult Learning, ideally with an international NGO working with county governments.
• Experience setting up and implementing accountability and learning systems is required.
• Experience analyzing data and contributing to progress reports, including narrative reports, essential.
• Experience using MS Windows and MS Office packages (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), Web Conferencing Applications, information management systems, knowledge-sharing networks is required.

*MEAL Competencies:**

• Demonstrates basic knowledge and ability and, with guidance, can apply MEAL in design, Evaluation, Learning, Analysis and critical thinking and MEAL in management competencies in common situations that present limited difficulties.
• Demonstrates solid knowledge and ability, and can apply Monitoring, Accountability and ICT4MEAL competencies, with minimal or no guidance, in the full range of typical situations. Would require guidance to handle novel or more complex situations.

Required Languages: Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English

Travel Required: Must be willing to travel up to 50% of time

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Strong team player, with significant experience working in collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
• Observation, active listening and analysis skills with ability to make sound judgment.
• Strong interpersonal-communication and relationship management skills, seen in the ability to work closely with local partners, county governments and community members.
• Attention to details, accuracy and timeliness in executing assigned responsibilities.
• Strong critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.
• Proven leadership competencies and experience, including the ability to take initiative.
• Proactive, results-oriented and service-oriented.
• Strong facilitation, presentation, training and mentoring skills and experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Professional training on accountability, protection and learning.
• Experience designing and implementing accountability and learning systems for county governments.
• Experience in participatory action planning and community engagement a strong advantage.
• Experience and skills in multi-stakeholder processes, partner relationship management and development project support is a plus.
• Experience in using data analysis software (e.g. SPSS, STATA, EpiInfo or Nutrisurvey).
• Experience in using mobile-data collection and management software (e.g. ODK, Commcare, Iform builder, Kobo) an advantage.

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.

• Integrity
• Continuous Improvement & Innovation
• Builds Relationships
• Develops Talent
• Strategic Mindset
• Accountability & Stewardship

Supervisory Responsibilities: None. Might periodically supervise external enumerators

Key Working Relationships:

Internal: Senior Project Officer (Accountability and Learning), Other MILE MEAL and technical staff

External: Community members, partner staff, county government staff, other local stakeholders, MEAL staff from other peer agencies

Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

****Our Catholic identity is at the heart of our mission and operations. Catholic Relief Services carries out the commitment of the Bishops of the United States to assist the poor and vulnerable overseas. 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 protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation.*