Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) Team Leader

Work Station: Lashio, Northern Shan State

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council / Danish Demining Group (DRC/DDG) assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home.

In Myanmar, DRC has been present since 2009, and since June 2012 broadened its presence via the Danish Demining Group (DDG) - DRC’s division for Mine Action.

DRC/DDG is currently engaged in responses in Rakhine, Kachin, Kayah and Northern Shan states. Our response targets displaced and displacement affected communities and other vulnerable communities in some of the most deprived areas of Myanmar. Key activities include protection (including Child Protection, GBV and Protection Monitoring), CCCM, WASH, Livelihoods, shelter and mine action.

DRC/DDG Myanmar currently employs over 400 staff and operates from six operational offices. Our main office is in Yangon; our main donors in Myanmar include ECHO, OFDA, UNICEF, UNHCR, DANIDA, SDC, DFAT, LIFT, USAID, DFID, EC and private donors.

About the job

The growing complexity of the DRC/DDG operating environment in Myanmar makes the cross-functional Programme Quality tasks increasingly important to be able to ensure the quality of our programming, upholding accountability to all our stakeholders especially to the people we reach as well as documenting lessons learned and using them to improve our programmes. 

Reporting to the MEAL Manager, the overall objective of the MEAL Team Leader will be to:

• Support the development of a MEAL framework and protocols for each technical sector in line with the country strategy
• Ensure harmonized and standardized systems and procedures across different areas of intervention and states
• Improve the capacity of MEAL Team, manage staff and resources.

Geographic scope: Area (Northern Shan State)

This role has an area focus and ensures compliance to DRC procedures and guidelines within the area. The role contributes to the development of area strategies, which are translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks. The role provides support and/or technical guidance to base operations.

Specific duties and responsibilities

The duties include, but are not limited to the following:

Monitoring, Evaluation

• Being responsible for assisting the program teams in developing strong indicators and logical frameworks as well as MEAL plans for new projects
• Support the Project Managers with the active implementation of their MEAL plans, ensure MEAL plans are updated timely and MEAL findings are in place for all donor reports.
• Ensure the development of appropriate monitoring, tracking and reporting systems, tools and templates that enhance monitoring of program outputs and quality, generate quality evidence on program outcome and promote and ensure use of data for decision-making processes;
• Develop and improve systems that strengthen DRC’ ability to analyze, improve, and represent impact internally and externally and most of all to communities themselves;
• Design and manage evaluations in compliance with DRC evaluation policy, from development of ToR, to advising management on approval of final report, to dissemination of evaluation;
• Regularly present key MEAL findings to the Senior Management Team for further development
• Conduct field visits for data validation, monitoring the quality and completeness of methodologies used
• Act as focal point for all MEAL related issues between DRC and implementing partners.

Accountability

• In collaboration with MEAL Team in Yangon, develop and continuously update accountability strategy and lead in the implementation of program wide feedback and complaint mechanisms;
• Ensure that DRC’s team members are supporting all efforts towards accountability, specifically to beneficiaries and in line with international standards, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of DRC projects;

Learning and project quality

• Contribute to organizational learning through supporting specific analysis, lessons learned, reports and events (kick off meetings, close out meetings, review meetings)
• Support project teams to collect and document good practices, lessons learned and feedback based on established MEAL plans.

Capacity building

• Provide timely and high-quality advice to program managers as required;
• Capacity build, train and support sectors and field staff to improve the field monitoring or any other MEAL needs;
• Proactively support and advice on recruitment and induction of MEAL and relevant program and project staff
• Manage and build the capacity of the MEAL team

About you

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC/DDG’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with our vision and values. 

Essential skills and experience

• Bachelors degree in development economics, statistics, research methods, or a similar field.
• Master’s degree in the relevant field is an added advantage.
• At least three to five years of technical experience in MEAL.
• Proven experience in effectively working with a variety of donors’ requirements including DANIDA, ECHO, GIZ, OFDA and UN agencies
• Experience in participatory assessment and community-based monitoring approaches
• Excellent writing, analytical and strategic thinking skills, with proven ability to create and utilize MEAL findings in organizational planning;
• Strong technical competence and experience in quantitative and qualitative M&E methods, data analysis, reporting and understanding of contemporary trends and innovations in M&E including demonstrated use of ICT
• Experience with capacity building of staff, and in convening and facilitating trainings and workshops
• Ability to plan workload, prioritize, commit to meet deadlines and demonstrate accountability for outputs with minimal direct supervision.
• Full professional proficiency in English including excellent analytical and report writing skills

Competency profile

• Ability to work closely with a diverse team of individuals in a highly intense and fluid work environment
• Capacity to spark innovative approaches and to inspire groups to collaborate closely to ensure quality MEAL support
• Ability to navigate complex situations with diplomacy
• Ability to manage ambiguity, frustration and stress in self and others
• Confident and decisive leadership
• Desire and ability to learn and grow, both personally and professionally.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, meet deadlines and work independently and cooperatively with team members is required

We offer

DRC/DDG will offer the successful applicant a 12-month contract, renewable dependent on both funding and performance.

Application process

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the apply button. 

All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV only applications will not be considered.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please contact job@drc.dk

Applications close November 30, 2019.

Please note that the applications will be reviewed on a continuous basis as they come in, meaning a candidate may be identified before closing date of applications

This Vacancy opening is for Myanmar Nationals only