MEAL Officer

Description

Please note this is not a full-time staff position. Field Workers will receive training and be called in for daily work on an ad hoc basis. The number of work days per month will vary but is expected to be less than 10 days per month. Field Workers will conduct most of their activities in camp and out-of-camp settings, with some work taking place at the CRS office. Job Title: Field Worker (daily worker) Department: MEAL Band: FW2 Reports To: MEAL SPO Country/Location: Duhok/Erbil About CRS Catholic Relief Services is the official international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States. Catholic Relief Services works to save, protect, and transform lives in need in more than 100 countries, without regard to race, religion or nationality. Catholic Relief Services’ relief and development work is accomplished through programs of emergency response, HIV, health, agriculture, education, microfinance, and peacebuilding. 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 safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. CRS welcomes candidates from the countries and regions in which we work. In the event the successful candidate is an expatriate, the anticipated duration of the assignment is informed by a term limit, based on the type and level of the job and the needs of the agency. CRS is committed to safeguarding program participants, community members, staff and volunteers from all forms of exploitation and abuse. The successful candidate is expected to sign and adhere to CRS’ Code of Conduct. CRS talent acquisition procedures reflect our commitment to safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people – especially children and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse and harm. Disclaimer: This job description is not an exhaustive list of the skill, effort, duties, and responsibilities associated with the position. CRS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Key Tasks and Responsibilities 1- Accountability and Community Feedback: Manage and monitor assigned accountability channels, including the hotline, help desk, and other approved feedback channels. Receive calls and messages from community members in a respectful, neutral, and confidential manner. Clearly explain the purpose of the hotline and the types of support or information available. Accurately document every question, request, suggestion, complaint, or compliment using the approved feedback form or database. Classify and refer feedback to the appropriate staff according to CRS feedback-handling procedures and referral pathways. Follow up on assigned feedback cases and update their status until they are closed. Provide approved responses and information to community members within the agreed timeframe. Immediately escalate urgent, sensitive, safeguarding, protection, fraud, or staff-conduct complaints through the designated confidential channels. Maintain confidentiality and ensure that personal and sensitive information is shared only with authorized staff. Inform communities about their rights, eligibility criteria, selection processes, available services, and feedback channels. Clearly communicate that CRS assistance is free of charge. Prepare regular summaries of feedback received, response status, recurring issues, and cases requiring follow-up, without exposing confidential information. 2- Data Collection and Entry Conduct quantitative data collection, including: Baseline and endline surveys Post-distribution monitoring Technical and needs assessments Participant registration and verification Attendance monitoring Pre- and post-assessments Participant evaluations and exit interviews Support qualitative data collection, including: Focus group discussions Key informant interviews Community consultations Open-ended and qualitative surveys Enter data accurately using approved digital platforms, tablets, databases, or paper-based tools. Review completed forms before submission and correct errors or missing information when appropriate. Conduct daily data-quality checks and immediately report inconsistencies, duplicate records, or technical problems. Obtain informed consent and explain the purpose of data collection before beginning interviews. Protect participants’ privacy and securely handle all paper and electronic records. The MEAL Field Worker is expected to: Document all received feedback accurately and on time. Maintain professional and respectful communication with community members. Avoid making promises or sharing unapproved information. Follow established referral and escalation procedures. Maintain confidentiality and comply with CRS data-protection and safeguarding requirements. Meet agreed deadlines for submitting data, feedback records, and field reports. Immediately disclose any conflict of interest or suspected misconduct. Remain accountable for all devices, documents, and materials assigned during fieldwork. Background, Experience and Requirements Education High school certificate or equivalent, College diploma or university degree, preferably in social sciences, statistics, information technology, community development, or a related field. Experience Previous experience in community engagement, hotline management, help-desk support, data collection, surveys, or humanitarian programming is preferred. FW3 candidates should preferably have experience supervising field teams or checking data quality. Language Skills Fluency in Arabic is required. Good spoken English is preferred. Knowledge of other relevant local languages is an advantage. Computer Skills Good ability to use Word, Excel, internet-based platforms, tablets, databases, and digital data-collection applications. Personal Skills Strong active-listening and communication skills. Ability to handle complaints calmly, respectfully, and without judgment. High level of integrity, discretion, and respect for confidentiality. Good observation and attention to detail. Ability to accurately document information. Ability to interact effectively with people from diverse backgrounds. Proactive, results-oriented, and service-oriented. Ability to work under pressure and manage difficult or emotional conversations. Cultural awareness and sensitivity. Willingness and ability to travel to field locations as required. Agency-Wide Competencies Trusting Relationships Professional Growth Partnership Accountability 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.