Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Officer (MEAL Officer)

WHO ARE WE?

The Danish Refugee Council 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 fulfillment of the wish to return home. The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

ABOUT THE JOB

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer supports the planning and implementation of all MEAL processes and activities required to improve programme quality of Area Office programmatic activities. S/he works under the direct supervision of area managers with support from sectoral MEAL Specialists depending on the sectors assigned to him/her. S/he will be responsible, in coordination with CO MEL Specialists, on the planning and implementation of all MEAL processes and activities on the sectors assigned to him/her. Further, s/he will be directly responsible for: a) timely reporting on findings of monitoring visits and verifications; b) leading and coordinating data collection (including training and management of enumerators) within the sectors assigned to him/her in coordination with the MEAL team leader and MEL Specialists; c) debriefing and follow-up of action points with sector program staff; d) analysis and reporting of sectoral MEAL data; and  e) follow-up on the IPTT with sector team leaders . S/he will submit daily updates and weekly reports to the area manager and relevant CO MEAL staff in particular MEL Specialists. S/he is also responsible in supporting the strengthening of accountability mechanisms within the sectors assigned to him/her, in close collaboration with the Accountability Officer

Responsibilities:

Implementation of AO MEAL system

• Plan and implement the MEAL framework to adapt the needs of the AO
• Support on the development of project MEAL plans in case of single location projects or when assigned by CO MEAL
• Implement MEAL Plan-compliant MEAL processes for the collection, analysis and usage of data to measure progress against indicators and promote programmatic learning based on the sectors assigned later on
• Plan according to priorities in consultation with area manager and/or Specialists, including dissemination of work plans and MEAL information products
• Conduct routine monitoring of all project activities, within the sectors assigned, present in AO, as per MEAL Framework, SOPs and Scope of Work
• Ensure follow-up and resolution of feedback and actions agreed during debriefing with program
• Support on the implementation of evaluation and learning activities

Data collection tools development and use

• Lead on the planning and/or conducting field data collection and field monitoring exercises of sectors assigned.
• Support in field testing of questionnaires and provide feedback
• Implement verification process with support from or CO MEAL
• Support the development of relevant and quality data collection tools assigned by CO MEAL
• Track routine and outcome monitoring activities within the sectors assigned

Data management, analysis and use

• Collaborate with Information Management Officer to ensure appropriate data management for sectoral AO MEAL data (depending on sectors assigned later), including coding, storage, cleaning and analysis
• Closely coordinate with relevant sectoral programme staff to ensure project-relevant information is shared and used to properly track progress of projects
• Closely coordinate with relevant sectoral programme staff, in coordination with area manager and MEL Specialists and Information Management Officer, to ensure project-relevant information is shared and used to properly track progress of projects (i.e. PDM reports, Distribution monitoring, IPTT)
• Collaborate with sectoral programme teams to ensure the use of MEAL information to influence management decision or improve program quality and implementation
• Support on the presentation of key MEAL findings (internally or externally)

Coordination with program

• Liaise with sectoral program staff, in coordination with area manager, on MEAL activities and findings
• Follow-up trackers tools (i.e. Activity tracker, IPTT) is being used on the sectors assigned
• Conduct regular meetings with relevant sectoral staff, to ensure key findings and critical issues are taken upon

Reporting

• Lead in creating monitoring reports after field visits
• Prepare monthly MEAL report, in coordination with other MEAL staff in area office.
• Lead in writing verification reports
• Lead or support on Outcome monitoring reports assigned (e.g. post distribution monitoring report, satisfaction survey, post implementation survey)
• Lead or support CO MEAL in writing lessons learned report

Management and capacity building

• Lead and responsible for enumerators output during data collection
• Support, CO MEAL staff, in providing training or sessions on MEAL process and tools to MEAL and program staff (both DRC and partners)

Accountability

• Closely coordinate with the Complaints Response Mechanism Officer to ensure relevant programme teams properly implement accountability measures as per DRC standards and in line with the Core Humanitarian Standards
• Follow-up complaints or feedback based on the sectors assigned

Others 

• Assist in other tasks as required by the area manager or CO MEAL staff, including extensive support to other programmes / sectors whenever deemed necessary

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role you must have:

Experience and technical competencies: 

• Minimum 2 years of relevant experience within the humanitarian field
• Demonstrated knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Experience in working in complex and volatile contexts
• Experience in mobile data collection
• Capacity to think critically and analyse quantitative and qualitative data
• Capacity to produce coherent and good quality reports
• Good level of proficiency in Word, PPT and Windows Excel
• Excellent inter-personal, communication and listening skills
• Ability to work with people from various groups and background
• Understanding of and sensitivity to specific needs of most vulnerable populations
• Strong planning and organizational skills

Demonstrated commitment to meet deadlines and high degree of autonomy in his / her work

Female applicants:

• Interested qualified female candidates with a minimum of 4 years of relevant working experience in Human Resources and Administration may be considered for the next stage of the recruitment process.
• Female in DRC who travel for official trips will be allowed to travel with a Moharam and the travel/accommodation cost will be incurred by DRC.
• Female mothers who work for DRC are eligible for Day Care cost for their children up to the age of 6.

Education/qualifications:

• Bachelor Degree in social sciences, humanitarian and/or development studies, or relevant field.

Languages:

• Fluency in English, both written and verbal
• Ability to work in both Dari and/or Pashto

We Offer:

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with DRC salary scale

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on 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.

Applications close 25 July-2021.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply