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Req. No.: I 08 120
Job Background/Summary:
One of CRS' strategic objectives, as defined by its Emergency Strategy, is to become a more innovative and effective emergency prevention, preparedness and response organization. To this end, the Emergency Operations Department (EOPs) provides leadership and responsive support for systemic improvements in CRS emergency programming. EOPs strengthens CRS' impact through high quality, innovative programs; improved technical and management capacity at the field level; and active engagement in global efforts to promote excellence and learning in humanitarian response. EOPs has technical staff on the Emergency Response Team (ERT) based in Nairobi and at Headquarters in Baltimore, Maryland who support emergency program planning, rapid response, and capacity strengthening of staff and partners worldwide.
The Technical Advisor - Emergency M&E & (monitoring and evaluation) Learning will promote excellence in emergency preparedness and response and disaster risk reduction by developing the agency's M&E and learning resources & networks and by providing technical assistance to CRS field staff and partners.
Job Responsibilities:
1. Provide technical assistance to CRS staff and partners in emergency program design, monitoring, and evaluation:
- Support emergency field teams to conduct comprehensive rapid assessments on humanitarian conditions of affected populations
- Assist field teams to design program plans and proposals for disaster risk reduction, emergency relief, recovery and rehabilitation phases with solid M&E and learning components appropriate to local conditions, resources, customs and cultural norms.
- Promote systems to ensure that men, women and children affected by an emergency are involved in planning, implementing and reviewing CRS' emergency response.
- Provide technical assistance to improve on-going emergency programs leading real-time evaluations and monitoring of longer term initiatives.
2. Develop and implement comprehensive capacity building strategy for M&E and Learning in emergencies by:
- Providing ongoing technical assistance to CRS country programs through initiatives to strengthen country program and counterpart staff knowledge and skills relating to emergency program design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Identifying ways to build on the initial success of the CRS/ECB2 Standing Team; contribute to the Gates funded Emergency Capacity Building program Phase 2.
- Actively supporting on-the-job training, exchange and TDY opportunities for country program and counterpart staff.
- Assisting other EOPs staff and sectors with the development of indicators and monitoring/evaluation activities.
3. Institutionalize M&E and Learning in CRS' emergency operations by:
- Ensuring relevant M&E and Learning information and tools are accessible to country program and counterpart staff.
- Acting as the key field link for a system to collect, analyze and disseminate lessons learned from CRS/Caritas and external agencies.
- Collaborating with other agencies, including (as appropriate) existing 'Quality and Accountability (Q&A) Initiatives' (e.g. ALNAP, HAP-I, Sphere, etc) to share M&E and Learning resources, experiences and lessons.
- Developing orientation and guidance materials and skills building processes for M&E & learning in emergencies (after action reviews, real time evaluations, assessment strategies etc) with the Systems and Learning team & PQ/MQ colleagues. Provide technical assistance and accompany emergency teams in the field as they make these standard operating procedures.
- Assisting with a meta-evaluation and analysis of CRS lessons learned around the globe, identify flagship programs and lead development of case studies
- Participating in program evaluations, strategic program planning (SPP) initiatives and peer accountability reviews.
Key Working Relationships:
Internal: E-Ops Department Director, Systems and Learning Unit Manager, RTAs for Emergencies, OSD, PQSD, M&E / Learning staff, Human Resources and CRS Country Programs
External: Local and international NGOs involved in emergency support; Caritas and other partners; Donors; IWG/ECB Advisors; Q&A Initiative Staff; research institutions and private sector companies, as appropriate.
Qualifications:
1. Masters' Degree or equivalent experience in international development or related field.
2. At least 5 years combined experience in emergency programming and M&E
3. Demonstrated knowledge of best practices for M&E and partnership in emergency programs.
4. Familiarity with current approaches and guidelines for impact measurement and accountability in emergency programs.
5. Broad-based experience leading proposal development and evaluation processes, including writing.
6. Demonstrated qualities of oral and written communication skills, cultural sensitivity; ability to work in teams, good judgment, and commitment to Agency mission.
7. Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge through coaching, mentoring, formal and informal training.
8. Knowledge of security protocols & management of emergency programs in insecure environments
9. Ability to maintain performance expectations and strong working relationships in diverse situations.
10. Proficiency in English-speaking and writing; professional proficiency in one of CRS' other 'main' languages (French, Spanish or Portuguese) would be an advantage.
Physical Requirements: Willingness to travel and serve wherever agency needs dictate. This position requires at least 35% travel.