The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Team leader leads the implementation of MEAL processes and activities required to improve program quality. The MEAL team leader is responsible for field monitoring and program data collection exercises required to measure indicators in the Logical Frameworks. S/he plays a key role in ensuring that the learning system helps Program teams to make iterative improvements contributing toward program quality. This includes, among other responsibilities measuring progress against indicators, carrying out field data collection, leading assessments, monitoring, or evaluating as agreed with the Country MEAL Manager. S/he Supports data analysis and reporting across projects, disseminating findings, and ensuring follow-up and documentation of actions taken. Finally, s/he assists in strengthening Feedback, Complaints, and Response Mechanism (FCRM) at the field level in close collaboration with the program teams.

Responsibilities 1. Meal Systems Strengthening in consultation with the Country MEAL Manager:

Based on the project proposals, implementation plan, and donor reporting requirements, support the MEAL Manager in the development and implementation of the MEAL systems for capturing and documenting information on project activities, beneficiaries, outputs, outcomes, and impacts.
Support the effective roll-out of MEAL data collection and reporting systems at the base level through training, site visits, manuals, and other technical support as needed.
Support the design of data collection tools, templates, questionnaires, and forms, and upload them to electronic platforms such as; ONA, ODK, Kobo toolbox, Commcare, etc.
Conduct training of MEAL staff on identified capacity needs and provide ongoing mentoring support in consultation with the MEAL Manager.
Work with program teams to ensure that all information and data are collected, documented, and collated in an accurate and timely manner.
Contribute to regular reviews of the MEAL system itself, making improvements as needed and recommended, in consultation with technical managers MEAL Manager, staff, and partners

2. Monitoring and Reporting:

Support the MEAL Manager to ensure that planned MEAL activities are carried out in a timely cost-effective, and adhere to best practices and standard operating procedures.
Ensure that the project Indicator Tracking Tables (PITT) are regularly updated every month and that Base-level data is available on a monthly, quarterly, and annual basis for reporting.
Design and supervise program (assessments: baselines, Midlines, PDMs, and Endline) evaluations.
Support quantitative and qualitative data analysis and reporting across different projects implemented in the country office.
Train program and MEAL staff in data analysis and triangulation.
Regularly undertake program field monitoring visits to program areas of operation.

3. Research and Evaluation:

Support project review and evaluation activities as required. This includes working with the independent Evaluation Team to coordinate mid-term and final evaluations and supporting donor and external reviews as required
Coordinate with the donor-contracted Evaluation Team for conducting activities at the base and community level.
Support Third Party Monitoring activities (where necessary)

4. Accountability:

Ensure the beneficiary accountability mechanism is functional and addresses beneficiary complaints in a timely manner. Ensure program managers are aware of delays in acting on any complaints or information requests
Train beneficiaries, community stakeholders, and program participants on the DRC complaint response mechanism to promote downward accountability.
Support the creation of a system for ensuring that information obtained is shared with communities, women, and stakeholders through a regular feedback mechanism.

5. Staff Management:

Provide technical and programmatic leadership to MEAL Officers and Assistants.
Set performance objectives and annual appraisal for MEAL unit staff.
Supervise the MEAL staff (MEAL Officers and Assistants).

6. Knowledge Management & Learning:

In consultation with the country MEAL Manager, and technical managers, facilitate and compile case studies, stories of change and lessons learned reports on a regular basis to share wider program and inform improvements in quality and delivery
Ensure key base-level lessons and challenges are documented and shared with staff and partners to help consolidate lessons learned for future proposal development and implementation of best practices.

Experience and technical competencies:

Bachelor's Degree in Statistics, Monitoring, and Evaluation, Social Sciences, Humanitarian and/or Development Studies, or relevant field.
4 years of direct experience in monitoring and evaluation related to one or more of these fields: Protection, WASH, Shelter, Food Security, DRR, Livelihoods Community Liaison, and Peace Building initiatives.
Strong analytical skills and an understanding of a range of methods for monitoring, evaluation, and assessment to promote evidence-based learning.
Demonstrated ability and understanding to design, and manage assessments and techniques such as focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and observations to name a few.
Advanced skills in data analysis using: Advanced Excel, SPSS, R, Stata, etc
Sound strategic thinking and planning skills, including the ability to think creatively and innovate and set priorities and evaluate progress.
Commitment to team working and understanding of how to contribute. Ability to build support from staff across teams and across members, and to build the capacity of others.

Education: