ACBAR

CRS is an international humanitarian and development agency working to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. CRS’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, health, agriculture, education, microfinance and peacebuilding.

CRS has been operating in Afghanistan since 2002 and CRS is currently maintaining staff presence in Kabul, Herat, Ghor and Bamiyan, alongside an expanding scope of partnership implemented programs in Kunar, Samangan, Balkh, with strategic expansion planned further in 2026. CRS Afghanistan focuses on poverty and risk reduction and promoting resilience, human development through implementing livelihoods, education and emergency response.

Lead the design and implementation MEAL activities in conjunction with the program team and MEAL coordinator including system design, tools development, timely collection of quality data, regular monitoring of project interventions using DCED standards for results measurement, and facilitation of participatory reflection on monitoring results and preparation of progress reports. Generate evidence through relevant case/qualitative studies to measure effectiveness of the P2P project. Maintain responsibility for coordinating and implementing P2P MEAL activities across project locations.

Roles and Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the design of the project’s MEAL system to jointly establish a monitoring framework aligned with the project’s theory of change, that incorporates both formal and informal monitoring methods.
• Lead the development of results chains and measurement plans for individual private sector partnerships that align with projects theory of change
• Develop routine monitoring of interventions to track output level achievements and behavior change at the intermediate result level using qualitative and quantitative approaches
• Support and coordinate capacity building and technical support activities to ensure assigned project activities are implemented per project guidelines and standards. Support partners to maintain a simple but robust database for quantitative monitoring data and develop systems for strategically capturing qualitative changes
• Organize quarterly reflection sessions with CRS and partner staff to joint review of monitoring findings and rapid learning to guide adaptive management.
• Conduct Annual Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) to verify data accuracy, reliability, and timeliness and strengthen partner capacity.
• Implement a Developmental Evaluation (DE) in conjunction with partners, that is utilization focused and embedded throughout the pilot to continuously assess the relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, emerging impact, and sustainability of the integrated land–water–market systems model
• Identify key learning questions related to integrated land use, water management, and market systems development, and develop a project learning agenda in collaboration with project team
• Ensure learning properly accompanies project activities throughout the project cycle. Support the development of learning products such as briefs, case studies, and success stories, that can be used in reports, donor briefings, external coordination structures

Key Deliverables

• Robust MEAL system and monitoring framework designed
• Results chains and measurement plans developed for each partnership
• Project monitoring tools developed and used in routine monitoring of interventions
• Quarterly reflection meetings organized, with feedback loops to ensure improvement and adaptation of interventions
• Learning agenda established and learning products developed

• Bachelor's Degree required. Degree in International Relations, Statistics, Data Sciences, or a similar field would be a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience in MEAL, ideally with an international NGO.
• Experience designing MEAL frameworks and tools for markets systems and private sector engagement projects
• Experience using DCED standards for private sector development an advantage

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

The Senior Project Officer MEAL will support the design, training and roll out of MEALs system that is robust and agile for a market systems approach in conjunction with market actors. This role requires the ability to design and apply a MEAL system and tools that are relevant to private sector and sufficiently agile to incorporate changes, learnings and program adaptations in dynamic and rapidly changing crop or service sectors.

 Knowledge

• Understanding of developing and implementing MEAL systems relevant to private sector approaches
• Knowledge of developing result chains and measurement plans that contribute to an overall results framework
• Knowledge on designing and using both qualitative and quantitative monitoring tools to support data collection
• Knowledge of how to integrate learning and reflection and earning into project adaptation
• Strong grasp of Afghanistan’s environmental and socio-economic challenges.

Skills

• Qualitative and quantitative data analysis skills
• Good relationship management skills and the ability to work closely with local partners 
• Strong analytical skills with focus on detail
• Presentation, facilitation, training, mentoring, and coaching skills
• Proactive, resourceful and results-oriented
• Strong communication and report-writing skills.

Abilities

• Ability to apply DCED Standards for Results Measurement
• Ability to use qualitative tools to monitor program implementation. 
• Ability to measure attributable change
• Ability to collaborate across teams and sectors
• Ability to synthesize learning and adapt approaches for greater impact.
• Ability to travel and work in challenging, remote environments.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None
 

Key Working Relationships:  

• Internal: Project Manager/Director, Natural Resources Management Advisor, Inclusive Market Systems Advisor, field teams
• External: Private sector partners, Ministry and Department level technical engagement in Agriculture, Water, Disaster Management, Environment and Rural Development, local technical authorities, research institutions, academia, private sector actors, donors

Required Languages – English (required); Dari and/or Pashto (preferred).

Travel:

• Must be willing and able to travel up to 50% to rural areas.
• Ability to work in rugged terrain and remote communities.

CRS is committed to providing daily allowances for mahrams who accompany female staff on day trips to the field, and per diem and accommodation for mahrams who accompany female staff on work-related trips that require overnight stays.

Agency REDI Competencies (for all CRS Staff):

Agency competencies clarify expected behaviors and attitudes for all staff. When demonstrated, they create an engaging workplace, help staff achieve their best, and help CRS achieve agency goals. 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. 

• Personal Accountability – Consistently takes responsibility for one’s own actions.
• Acts with Integrity - Consistently models values aligned with CRS Guiding Principles and mission. 
• 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.

We welcome as a part of our staff people of all faiths and 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. Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position.

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

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

CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Protection Acknowledgment: CRS prohibits all forms of abuse and exploitation towards children and vulnerable adults. As a professional candidate, you commit to adhering to the Agency’s policy on protection, rights and dignity of children and vulnerable adults and to safeguard them from abuse and exploitation as defined in CRS’ Safeguarding Policy

Applications comprise a one-page cover letter to explain your interest and suitability for the post and your CV. Please do not attach your education documents and work certificates unless requested.

Dear Applicants!

The process of submitting a CV/Application has been changed to the online system. Therefore, interested candidates are encouraged to apply using the link provided below. Applications sent to any other email address or location will not be considered. Please ensure to rename your application file according to your name entered on the first page of the application forms.

Interested candidates can submit their applications by clicking on this link.

Please note that applications received after the closing date (i.e., May 16^th, 2026), will not be given consideration. Only short-listed candidates whose applications respond to the above criteria will be contacted for tests and interviews.

Using above link