Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Advisor

Job Description

The International Rescue Committee’s mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded over 80 years ago, the IRC is a leading humanitarian and development organization with presence in more than 40 countries. Across contexts, the IRC is committed to delivering innovative, high-impact programs tailored to the needs of communities affected by crisis.

The IRC began working in Niger in 2013, responding to the Malian refugee crisis in the Tahoua region. Since then, the IRC has expanded its programs to address the evolving needs of vulnerable populations affected by conflicts and natural disasters, including in Tillabery, Diffa, and Agadez regions. The IRC’s programming started in the Protection, Environmental Health, Health and Nutrition, and Economic Recovery and Development (ERD) sectors, before expanding into Education, Rapid Response Mechanisms (RRM) and assistance to returning migrants.

Scope of work

The IRC seeks a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Advisor, for an anticipated five-year USAID Non-Formal Education activity in Niger. This $20-25 million activity will target out-of-school adolescents and youth, particularly young women, girls and those affected by conflict and crisis, who do not have access to safe, equitable and contextually relevant learning opportunities needed to strengthen their resilience and contribute to their communities. The project will strengthen foundational skills in literacy, numeracy, social emotional learning (SEL)/soft skills, build resilience capacities and assets, and strengthen pathways between non-formal to formal education by working closely with parents, caregivers and community leaders.

The MEAL Advisor will be responsible for developing and implementing the project’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning strategy, in accordance with IRC, USAID, and international best practices. S/he will work closely with the Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, technical staff, technical and local partners to ensure that relevant data is collected, analyzed, and used to inform management and design decision, and to provide project updates, as required.

Recruitment is contingent upon successful award of the project, and selection of final applicant is subject to USAID approval.

Job responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Partnership

• Develop, manage and implement a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning strategy for the project, including a system across all project components that leverages qualitative and quantitative methods, and draws from a variety of data sources to measure progress and evaluate impact, as well as support collaboration, learning, and adaptation.

• Participate and provide input to project strategy, including necessary adjustments or refinements to the project workplan.

• Develop, coordinate and strengthen capacity sharing partnerships with MEAL counterparts of partner agencies, technical partners, local organizations and Government entities.

• Represent the project on MEAL aspects at internal and external meetings, forums, and other events.

• Champion design, access and use of data by leaders and partners for shared learning and evidence-based decision-making.

• Shape and implement MEAL systems and approaches that meet USAID and IRC’s standards and practices, project and program needs, enable accountability to clients, partners, and donors, and foster program learning.

• Promote technological and social innovation in MEAL.

• Reinforce integration of cross-sectoral priorities in MEAL, including gender, protection, safeguarding, disaster risk reduction, Gender Equality - Diversity – Inclusion, and Do No Harm.

• Develop and ensure compliance with procedures for collection and reporting of program performance data to provide quality and timely data.

Technical Oversight

• Provide technical leadership for an efficient monitoring system and reliable processes throughout the project cycle from the design, implementation to close-out and learning including:

o Using learning and evidence from internal and external sources including previous projects to inform proposal design and Theory of Change.

o Developing and operationalizing, logical framework, MEAL plan, data collection tools, processes for data management, consolidation and back-up, clients feedback approaches, quality checks and audits, and data visualization.

o Conduct regular visits to project sites to provide on-site technical assistance, ensure proper monitoring of project activities and efficient implementation of project tools.

o Develop and advocate for adequate MEAL budget and staffing structure for the project.

o Producing high-quality data, analysis, reports, presentations, and dashboard of key findings that foster learning and decision-making and share in key meetings such as project cycle meetings and strategic senior management team meetings.

o Communicate information obtained through MEAL activities to program staff, and external stakeholders, including USAID, to enable informed decision making.

• Provide technical leadership for the design, method, and conduct of surveys such as baseline, midline and endline, and the commission of evaluations and surveys as required in coordination with program management, technical advisors, and consortium partners when needed.

• Lead and advocate for the expansion of standard mobile data technology and online dashboard to enhance timeliness and quality of data collection, analysis and visualization.

• Provide technical leadership to project efforts in meeting its internal and external accountability commitments through the implementation of sound accountability, client feedback, and response mechanisms.

Human Resources

• Promote the growth and development of others in the project team and partners by assessing proficiencies, developing and leading targeted learning and training strategy, providing coaching, mentoring and supporting M&E and MEAL staff, providing vital tools and resources, as well as on the job training.

• Supervise medium to large sized MEAL team across multiple sectors and geographical areas by setting clear performance objectives, managing staff work plans, establishing regular performance reviews, championing a positive working environment for professional development, fostering an inclusive and respectful team climate, where all staff are valued and respected and can contribute to their maximum potential.

• Lead the recruitment of country MEAL staff, temporary seconded staff, consultants and, support their onboarding.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (PhD or MA) from an accredited university in Social sciences, International development, Evaluation research, Statistics, or a related discipline required; equivalent experience may be substituted for graduate degree.

• Minimum of seven years of experience in MEAL experience on multi-million-dollar humanitarian or development projects in crisis-affected contexts, preferably for USAID.

• Experience with USAID’s collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) approach preferred.

• Significant previous experience working in conflict or crisis situations, preferably in West Africa and/or Niger.

• Leadership experience and proven technical skills in setting up quality M&E and MEAL system that leads to evidence-based decision-making for multi-sectorial and multi-donor funded programs.

• Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through training, mentoring, and other formal and non-formal methods together with strong presentation and reporting skills.

• Strong management and social skills and proven track record to work with diverse groups of people in a multicultural environment.

• Self-motivated with excellent organization, planning, and analytical skills - able to work without close supervision, including prioritizing work and multi-tasking.

• Proficiency and experience with mobile data collection such as Kobo, CommCare, ODK Collect as well as proficiency with Microsoft Excel, SPSS, STATA or other similar software.

• Knowledge of Tableau, PowerBi or GIS software are additional assets.

• Strong understanding of accountability and proven ability to build Client Feedback Systems is a distinct advantage.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with a wide network of partners and stakeholders.

• Experience working to incorporate issues of Government accountability, transparency, and equity in Education programs, including gender equality, diversity, and disability inclusion.

• Capacity to work well under pressure, and the ability to communicate appropriately and effectively cross‐culturally is critical.

• The candidate must be fluent in English and French.

The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

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