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

Contract

This is a DRC - National contract. More about DRC - National contracts.

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.

DRC Syria

DRC has been actively operating in Syria since 2008 mainly supporting refugees. In June 2012, DRC was authorized by the Syrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) to expand its humanitarian efforts and provide assistance to IDPs and the vulnerable resident population countrywide. Since then, DRC activities have been focused on NFI distributions, Shelter, WASH, Protection, Education, Livelihoods and Mine Risk Education in six Governorates (Damascus, Rural Damascus, Dara'a, Aleppo, Hama, and Homs). While Protection/community service activities are provided to beneficiaries throughout our Community Centers.

About the job:

As a MEAL Specialist, you will play a leading role in the development, implementation, and management of the MEAL Strategy and workplan, and contribute to DRC’s accountability commitments, learning needs, and priorities.

You will also support the mainstreaming of MEAL throughout the project cycle, reinforcing quality programme management.

Responsibilities:

MEAL capacities and commitments

• Apply and adapt DRC’s Global MEAL Model to the local circumstances and corresponding programmes in Syria to develop, implement, manage, and learn from MEAL systems.
• Apply DRC guidance for MEAL and division of roles and responsibilities, particularly vis-à-vis programme staff, and foster collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders.
• Identify and plan for the human resources, financial resources, and time needed to carry out MEAL activities in close coordination with Area Management and programme teams.
• Apply DRC guidance with regards to GDPR and data protection, specifically for MEAL-related data. Liaise with relevant internal counterparts responsible for data protection.
• Identify, adapt, and apply accountability and ethical frameworks and principles, including the Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS).
• Contribute to capacity building and provide technical support for programme and field staff to improve field monitoring and strengthen evidence.

Results Monitoring and programme quality support

• Engage in and support quality throughout the project cycle, in line with DRC’s PCM guidance and division of roles and responsibilities.
• Ensure development and adequate maintenance of MEAL plans, indicator tracking tools, and other relevant tools.
• Support Technical Coordinators and Grants personnel in designing Logical Frameworks and MEAL activities at the proposal development stage.
• Design, refine, and deploy data collection in close collaboration with Technical Coordinators, combining quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Maintain and support processes and protocols for data protection, storage, sharing, and security.
• Participate in, and contribute to, Grant Opening, Review, and Close-out meetings in order to highlight cross-project components aimed at replicating good practices and strengthening synergies between projects or programmes.
• Develop appropriate data collection instruments and monitoring, tracking, and reporting systems that generate quality data and promote and ensure use of evidence-based outcome data for decision-making processes.
• In coordination with Technical Coordinators, conduct the analysis of MEAL qualitative and quantitative data, process the data, and produce reports in line with internal information needs and external reporting obligations.

Accountability

• Contribute to the management of DRC’s Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM), in close collaboration with the designated MEAL focal point.
• Build the capacity of staff to plan and implement effective accountability systems for the country programme.
• Ensure actions are followed to up close the feedback loop and ensure all complaints are processed in a timely, safe, and accountable manner.
• Support the PDQM during CHS certification/CHS self-assessment processes, and when needed, liaise with HQ and coordinate with CO management.

Evaluation, analysis and learning

• Contribute (as appropriate) to analysis and evaluations for data-driven evidence and use.
• Plan for and perform quantitative and qualitative data processing, analysis and visualisation adequate for specific audiences and purposes.
• Support utilisation of results for better planning and decision-making; and share knowledge and learning for improved programming within DRC and beyond.
• Translate MEAL findings into organisational learning; plan and implement learning events and design appropriate learning products.
• Regularly present the key MEAL findings and feedback to the programme teams, and when relevant, to the Senior Management Team.

Perform other duties as directed by the PDQM and Consortium MEAL Coordinator.

Experience:

Essential

• Minimum 4 years of relevant work experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning of humanitarian and development programmes.
• Experience working with International/National NGOs, UN agencies in humanitarian settings.
• Strong knowledge and familiarity with Theories of Change and Logical Frameworks, including impact, outcome, and indicator design.
• Advanced understanding of MEAL principles and processes, including data collection, management, analysis, and reporting.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing MEAL Plans and data collection tools, in collaboration with programme teams.
• Proven experience in effectively working with a variety of donor requirements, including but not limited to ECHO, Danida, SDC, Sida, UN agencies.
• Advanced skills in design, implementation, and quality assurance throughout data collection, such as Kobo Toolbox, ODK, and others.
• Demonstrated experience in producing analytical information products from primary and secondary data sources.
• Understanding of mix-methods approach, research methodologies, and the nature and use of evidence.
• Familiarity with CFM, with an ability to handle sensitive issues with discretion and confidentiality.
• Strong understanding of CHS; ability to apply accountability and ethical standards in everyday work.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to collaborate with a diverse range of colleagues and stakeholders.
• Advanced skills in Excel, MS Word, PowerPoint, and Office365.
• Full professional proficiency in both Arabic and English, including translation and report writing skills.

Desirable

• Experience in statistical software, such as SPSS, and visualisation tools, such as PowerBi or Tableau.
• Knowledge of ArcGIS/QGIS, NVivo (or other qualitative analysis software).
• Experience carrying out capacity development initiatives, including trainings.
• Experience working in DRC Core Sectors in Syria (Economic Recovery, Shelter & Settlements, Protection).

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields (international development, social sciences, research, statistics, etc.) + at least 4 years of relevant experience.

Languages

• Arabic (fluent)
• English (fluent)

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ 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.

We offer:

Contract length: Six Months (Extension based on performance and funds)

Level: Non-Management G2

Location: Syria – Damascus (with minimum 30% travel to DRC Area and Field Offices)

Expected Start date: 1 July 2024

Application process

Interested? Then apply for this position here: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Specialist - Application Form (hr-manager.net)

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 24 June 2024

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. DRC reserves the right to conduct tests and interviews before the closing date and can close the advertisement earlier in case of finding a suitable candidate.

Need further information?

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.org