Re-advertisement- Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Specialist (Surveys and Assessments)

Contract

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

DRC is recruiting for a highly qualified Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Specialist (MEAL) to support with the planning, management and execution of all surveys and assessments for the Country Operation.

Background

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is operational in South Sudan since 2005, working with the overall aim of achieving durable solutions for displaced populations. The Humanitarian and Disarmament activities started in 2006.

Danish Refugee Council main programme objectives (2020-2025) in South Sudan are:

1. To save lives and alleviate suffering among displaced people and their hosts
2. To reduce displacement related risks and support and facilitate solutions
3. To promote peaceful, inclusive and resilient societies and address root causes to displacement

DRC primarily operates across Upper Nile and Unity states and other parts of the country, both of which are heavily affected by conflict and experience high numbers of internally displaced populations as well as refugees in need of humanitarian assistance. DRC has operational bases in Maban, Malakal, Kodok and Aburoc in Upper Nile, in Bentiu, Mayom, Kodok, Central Equatoria (Magwi and Ngulere), Ajuong Thok in Unity state, and the Mobile Response Team and all are supported by a country-office in Juba.

DRC recently developed important multi-sectorial mobile response teams based in Juba able to rapidly respond to new and urgent humanitarian situations countrywide at short notice to conduct assessments and responses

Overall Purpose of the role

The MEAL Specialist will have overall responsibility for planning, management and execution of all surveys and assessments for the Country Operation. This will entail, among others ensuring that all planned surveys, assessments, evaluations, and research across DRC programmes are carried out and completed in a timely manner while strictly adhering to all internal and external quality standards and compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

Quantitative & qualitative surveys

• Take the lead on conducting Baseline, Endline Evaluations, Post Distribution Monitoring (PDMs), Post construction Surveys, beneficiary Satisfaction Surveys, Post Implementation Monitoring and other related household, FGD, KII qualitative and quantitative assessments in all relevant locations and modified as per agreement with the MEAL Manager
• Provide leadership and guidance in survey and assessment process, ensuring the full participation of all DRC programme sectors from planning through data collection to reporting and drawing of conclusions and recommendations.
• Support the organisation and implementation of training for qualitative data collection (including, but not limited to, focus group discussions and key informant interviews)
• Facilitate the recruitment and training of appropriate survey teams in each field location, training of teams and team supervisors, with the field MEAL Officer.
• Carry out data analysis for surveys and assessments using data analysis software and produce draft assessment reports. Collate all feedback from programme staff and make edits in collaboration with the MEAL Manager.
• As requested, conduct a ‘lessons learnt’ assessment and ‘recommendations development’ workshop following each assessment documenting key areas for improvement / amendment at the next assessment, ensure findings are used to improve the process of the next survey and create recommendations for programmes.

Development of data collection tools and methodologies

• Working closely with MEAL Manager, technical Coordinators, Programme Managers and Area managers to design appropriate data collection tools and methodologies including ToRs, questionnaires, data entry tools, coding and upload in Kobo, etc.
• Ensure that all the designed tools, methodologies and other MEAL activities are in line with DRC global and country level strategies, cluster’s guidelines and other humanitarian standards such as CHS and Sphere etc.
• Ensure that high-quality data collection and analysis are undertaken in a timely manner having consideration to the ongoing issues around access and security which may be affecting particular locations.
• Ensuring transparent, accurate and timely collection of data by administrating surveys, conducting focus groups of other participatory information collection tools as well as collecting secondary data.
• Cross check the accuracy of data entry with the field MEAL officers and help them in data cleaning.
• Responsible to draft initial reports on the field collected data by the field MEAL teams, Program teams or secondary sources, under the supervision and guidance of MEAL Manager.
• Responsible for timely sharing initial findings of the monitoring reports with program team with the authorization of MEAL Manager.

Management & Support

• Where possible carryout field visits of the implementation sites to assess the local context, to learn about program and implementation strategies and where needed, provide support to the field teams.
• In conjunction with the Programme managers and the MEAL Manager, ensure that each project/grant has a survey and assessment plan in place and included in all proposals and implementation plans.
• Draw up annual survey and assessment plans with budgets and update the monthly Assessment Tracker.
• Provide input to donor proposals and reports as required and ensure that data is correctly presented in such documents and accurately reflects the situation on the ground.
• Conduct capacity building trainings (where needed) for the hired MEAL Officers and data collectors, as well before launching any exercise train field MEAL officers and enumerators on the data collection methodologies and tools to ensure accurate data collection

Accountability, Learning and project quality

• Ensure that project activities are designed to promote feedback and response mechanisms and include systems to effectively manage complaints.
• Support the development and implementation of DRC complaint feedback mechanism, including review of the existing tools and produce monthly and quarterly reports
• Support in the development and operationalization of a knowledge management and learning strategy for collecting, analyzing and summarizing knowledge and learning, and ensuring the integration of knowledge and learning into ongoing and future programming.
• Support MEAL and programme teams to better document and integrate knowledge and learning in their daily activities through support in the development of appropriate tools, guidance notes and of work, education and integration towards a sustainable future.
• Organize and facilitate internal and external learning events and participate in the development of MEAL plans, as well as project kick-off, review and closure meetings.
• To carry-out any other duties and/or responsibilities assigned by immediate supervisor within the scope of organizational priority

Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• A minimum of 3 years of direct, “hands-on” working experience in conducting surveys, assessments, research, statistical data analysis, monitoring and evaluation of emergency or resilience programmes in conflict or post conflict setting or similar context.
• University degree in related fields relevant to MEAL i.e. statistics, economics, research or related studies.
• Master’s degree is desirable.
• Experience in data collection tool through ODK –KoBo toolbox system to design and convert the data collection tools in to ODK is desirable.
• Experience in data management using Office, Excel, EPI-Info, PowerBI, SPSS and/or STATA is an asset. This will include hands-on experience in data capturing and analysis and reporting of indicator data as well as supervising data collection.
• Excellent interpersonal skills both verbal and written communications skills as well as strong team working skills
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in an effective, pro-active and timely manner.
• Proficiency in reading, writing and understanding in English is essential.

Moreover, we also expect the following:

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate each of DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results through the Regional team both to position DRC and ensure excellence in all deliverable.
• Collaborating: You lead regional initiatives and processes by involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen to other stakeholders and staff; and you communicate concisely and persuasively.
• Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values.

Desirable qualifications

• An understanding of the South Sudan context.
• Self-motivated and able to work with a minimum of guidance and supervision;
• Experience working in security-sensitive environments and enforcement of team security protocols is an asset.

Conditions

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to www.drc.dk under Vacancies. This position will be placed at Employment Band – G (Non -Management).

Application process

​Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on the APPLY BUTTON

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English. CV only applications will not be considered.

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

• Applications close 9th March, 2022.

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In the light of this, women are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.

Equal opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employee. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, colour, race, marital status or other protected characteristics

Female candidates and those from minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

​Need further information?

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