MEAL Officer

Ensure quality implementation of MEAL activities for programs in Gaza and West Bank.

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IRC - The International Rescue Committee

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Overview

Ensure quality implementation of MEAL activities for programs in Gaza and West Bank.

You have:

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field (e.g., Statistics, Data Management, Social Sciences, Public Health, Economic Development). A Master’s degree is an asset.
  • Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in MEAL roles, with demonstrated responsibility for data collection, analysis, and system development across multi-sectoral programs.
  • Prior experience working with NGOs is required; familiarity with interagency coordination mechanisms is desirable.
  • Experience supporting multi-sectoral programs, ideally in one or more of IRC’s core areas in the West Bank (Education, Protection, and/or Health).
  • Strong command of both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methodologies.
  • Proven ability to design and manage functional, user-friendly MEAL systems that support program quality and evidence-based decision-making.
  • Hands-on experience with mobile data collection platforms including KoboToolbox and CommCare; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential.
  • Familiarity with Power BI is a strong advantage.
  • Professional fluency in spoken and written English and Arabic is required.

Job Description

The IRC began planning to reopen an oPt country program in mid-2022 and launched an emergency response in Gaza in October 2023. The organization is currently supporting a network of local partners in both Gaza and the West Bank to sustain critical health, protection, food security, cash, education, and early childhood development interventions.

The IRC is working to scale its emergency response while building a longer-term oPt country program in parallel. This effort is being jointly managed by the Emergencies and Humanitarian Action Unit (EHAU) and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, with a view to eventually transition the country program fully under the MENA region.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEAL) Officer is responsible for ensuring the quality preparation and implementation of IRC’s directly implemented and partner programs across the opt response in both Gaza and the West Bank.

This is an all-round position that plays a key role in the implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities across various sectors. The MEAL Officer leads the review, verification, and reporting of data and provides guidance to partners. The MEAL Officer is also responsible for planning and overseeing the collection of primary data, analyzing and reporting findings, and supervising enumerators during field data collection exercises. Though based in the West Bank, this position also provides remote support to teams in Gaza in collaboration with the Gaza-based MEAL Officer. The MEAL Officer reports to the MEAL Coordinator for the opt response and works in close coordination with the Project Officers, Partnership team, and sectoral Technical Advisors.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Monitoring and Evaluation for IRC direct implementation

Ensure that data is collected, compiled, checked for its quality and completeness in compliance with IRC and donors’ standards for data quality

Develop and/or update M&E Plans, tools, databases, and monthly reporting formats in close collaboration with the MEAL Coordinator and Thematic sector leads.

Update the project Indicator Performance Tracking Table (IPTT) and Project Indicator Dashboard (PID) on a monthly basis.

Develop mobile data collection tools on Commcare and KoBo.

Conduct field or onsite monitoring exercises and produce regular performance and quality monitoring of implemented project(s), share findings/gaps from field monitoring visits with project respective staff and agree and document actions for improvement.

Conduct analysis and reporting of various types of assessments.

Partners MEAL support

Participate in the Partner's Project Capacity Review (PPCR) of potential partners as appropriate and contribute to efforts to collaboratively analyze and manage risks identified.

Work collaboratively to develop and finalize logframes, indicators, and MEAL tools.

Participate in Partnership Project Opening, Review, and Closure Meetings.

Collaborate with partners to ensure completeness, correctness, and accuracy of data.

Work with technical teams to review partner MEAL documents and provide appropriate feedback, along with input into IRC award reports.

Participate in the review of the performance of the partner, of the IRC, and of the partnership, including successes, challenges and lessons learned.

Capacity Sharing

Provide MEAL training and mentoring support to IRC staff and partners.

Other Any other duties assigned by the MEAL Coordinator.

Key working relationships

Position reports to: MEAL Coordinator Opt response

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: Thematic Technical Coordinators, Partnership Coordinator.

External: partners, clients.

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Statistics, Data Management, Social Sciences, Public Health, Economic Development). A Master’s degree is an asset.

Minimum of 3 years of progressive experience in MEAL roles, with demonstrated responsibility for data collection, analysis, and system development across multi-sectoral programs.

Prior experience working with NGOs is required; familiarity with interagency coordination mechanisms is desirable.

Experience supporting multi-sectoral programs, ideally in one or more of IRC’s core areas in the West Bank (Education, Protection, and/or Health).

Technical Skills:

Strong command of both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methodologies.

Proven ability to design and manage functional, user-friendly MEAL systems that support program quality and evidence-based decision-making.

Hands-on experience with mobile data collection platforms including KoboToolbox and CommCare; advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel is essential.

Familiarity with Power BI is a strong advantage.

Excellent data interpretation and reporting skills, with the ability to clearly communicate complex findings to diverse audiences, both verbally and in writing.

Strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet tight deadlines.

Demonstrated ability to lead MEAL initiatives and mentor staff or partners through training and capacity strengthening.

Strong facilitation, communication, and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage a variety of stakeholders, including local partners and community members.

Solid understanding of humanitarian accountability standards (e.g., CHS, Sphere) and experience operationalizing these within program design and implementation.

Languages:

Professional fluency in spoken and written English and Arabic is required.

Qualifications

Potential interview questions

Can you describe your experience with MEAL systems and their impact on program outcomes? This question assesses your understanding of MEAL systems and your direct experience with them. Provide examples of specific systems you've implemented and how they improved program effectiveness.
How do you ensure data quality during collection and analysis? This question seeks to evaluate your approach to maintaining high data standards. Pro members can see the explanation.
Can you share a time you faced a challenge while working with partners in a MEAL context? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What methods do you employ to train staff and partners in MEAL practices? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you prioritize multiple MEAL tasks under tight deadlines? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Describe a situation where your analysis led to a significant program change. What was the outcome? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
How do you engage local partners and community members in the MEAL process? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
What challenges have you faced in mobile data collection, and how did you address them? Pro members can see the explanation. Pro members can see the explanation.
Added 10 months ago - Updated 9 months ago - Source: rescue.org