Senior MEAL Officer

Programme & Policy

Overview

Lead implementation of MEAL systems while ensuring compliance with standards.

You have:

• Minimum 3 years’ MEAL experience in development, humanitarian context working for non-government organizations or UN agencies.
• Experience and knowledge in MEAL concepts; leading/conducting baselines and evaluations; considerable knowledge of developing/reviewing programme frameworks and log-frames, data collection and storage methodologies, methods, of analysis and interpretation.
• Understanding of both emergency and development contexts, with a preference for experience in both contexts.
• Experience and knowledge of systems for accountability to children and communities, including information sharing, participation of adults and children, and feedback and reporting mechanisms.
• Excellent personal organizational skills including time management and ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Strong team-player with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation developing effective working relationships to deliver outstanding results for children.

The Organization We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard. We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

· No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday · All children learn from a quality basic education and that, · Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children.We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Application Information: Please apply using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document. Please also include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations. A copy of the full role profile can be found at www.savethechildren.net/jobs We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

TITLE: Senior MEAL Officer

TEAM/PROGRAMME: MEAL

LOCATION: Sittwe, Rakhine Area Office

Number of Position: 1

GRADE: NAT 4

CONTRACT LENGTH: Fixed Term

CHILD SAFEGUARDING:

Level 3: the post holder will have contact with children and/or young people either frequently (e.g. once a week or more) or intensively (e.g. four days in one month or more or overnight) because they work country programs; or are visiting country programs; or because they are responsible for implementing the vetting process staff.

ROLE PURPOSE:

The Senior MEAL Officer is a key position within the Area Office. The Senior MEAL Officer is responsible for ensuring that the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) systems are in place as per the Myanmar Country MEAL Framework and donor requirements. The candidate will ensure that there is regional MEAL capacity and resources to implement regional and project level MEAL frameworks. S/he will ensure that effective accountability systems and effective learning and evidence generation as required by CO learning agenda for Rakhine area. S/he will support technical to Rakhine MEAL teams in achieving outcome/impact focused projects, and accountability to beneficiaries in line with Save the Children’s and donor’s policies and practices and will ensure that sufficient capacities in MEAL for programme staff in the region are built.

This will involve managing and motivating a large team as well as building staff capacity to continually improve service delivery. The position requires both technical and MEAL management skills, as well as excellent people skills.

These programs aim at improving the access to quality services for all communities in Rakhine. In addition, the position holder will also have the responsibility to manage performance and develop capacity of the relevant project staffs in MEAL thematic area.

The post holder is a part of the Rakhine Management Team (RMT) and is committed to ensure that the different programmes and support functions are well coordinated and work together for the wellbeing of children in Rakhine.

The Senior MEAL Officer will closely work with partners/external stakeholders for supporting MEAL thematic area interventions. The post holder is expected to dedicate an important amount of her/his time with the team including partners’ team in the areas of intervention, to support and monitor the overall implementation of the projects.

In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Direct Report to: Head of Area Office (Sittwe-based)

Technical Report to: MEAL Manager from Country Office MEAL Team

Staff reporting to this post: 2 MEAL Officer and 1 Accountability Assistant

Budget Responsibilities: NA

Travel: Frequent (over 4 to 6 days per month)

Role Dimensions: The role is expected to foster relations with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders from the assigned area. The role is also expected to engage with internal technical working groups and communities of practice. Interpersonal contact regular and varied, ivolved negotiation, influencing skills, and representation at District/State level and donor / press visits.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY

Lead on implementation of a Comprehensive MEAL System that meets SCI standards at the area office

• Lead and oversee the adaptation and implementation of Area Level MEAL System for humanitarian and development programmes at the area office level and may include local implementation partners as well.

• Support and contribute to the development and implementation of a Country MEAL framework SOPs and tools at the Area office.

• In collaboration with CO MEAL and REL (Research, Evaluation and Learning) Teams; support routine collection, analysis and use of evidence, including disaggregation for gender, disability and the most marginalised and deprived, to document impact, innovate and learn what work for children, and inform management, policy and programme solutions. This includes needs and baseline assessments, feasibility studies, evaluations and research.

• Ensure that MEAL is effectively integrated into programme design and contributes to programme objectives by proactively supporting needs assessments, documentation and sharing of lessons learned and situational analysis to the programme design focal points for new programs within the catchment of the area office.

• Ensure that KPIs related to MEAL activities are regularly met through project level robust systems for tracking, reporting and following up improvement actions.

• Support program staff and MEAL staff in planning for and executing MEAL, including data collection methodology and tools and data management, analysis and use for qualitative and quantitative data.

• Ensure that verifiable, quantitative data is routinely collected and analysed across all operational sectors and shared with relevant stakeholders to inform program design and review.

• Ensure that child participation and child safeguarding is integrated into design and delivery at the area level interventions.

• Support the program staff in planning for and executing MEAL, including data collection methodology, tools and data management, analysis and use.

• Strengthen partner MEAL system and enhance capacity of partners in the area.

• Set up MEAL system in the emergency context and represent Area MEAL focal as part of Save the Children MEAL Team.

Management Information System

• Manage the MIS system at the Area office level and ensure quality data is collected and published on time.

• Make sure to have update data on PRIME for the projects in the area and manage MEAL tracking tools (Accountability Tracker; Quality Benchmark, Action Tracker; Indicator Performance Tracking Tool dashboard; Area Evaluation and Research Tracker, Evaluation, and research tool).

• Support in the compilation and analysis of quantitative and qualitative programme data and contribute to subsequent reporting of field office monthly MEAL reports, flagging MEAL status updates, successes and lessons learned from the MEAL tracking tools.

• Ensuring Data Management systems rely on quality data and information for decision making to ECMT/CMT in the area and in Yangon.

• Ensure the program team reflected based on monitoring data and analysis to adjust decision making and planning and document the evidence.

Internal/External Reporting

• Ensure accurate data collection and processing for all regular reporting including internal reports such as the Programme Quality KPIs, categorised emergency sit reps and “Total Reach”.

• Support MEAL aspects of donor reporting, including review of baseline, mid-term, end line or any other donor/project specific studies.

• Ensure and be accountable for data quality (Accuracy, Reliability, Precision, Completeness, Timeliness, Integrity, Confidentiality) that all data are verified wit available evidence before submission to higher level.

• Respond to any internal or SC member request for specific information including production of geographic, thematic or programme-specific data from the area office.

• Ensure that area-wide MEAL mechanisms are in place and regularly updated for each project including MEAL technical reports and MEAL tracking tools that identify necessary future actions.

• Ensure data quality and accuracy including for external reporting as needed.

• Regular communication with Donor (eg. LSK LIFT project) in terms of MEAL as well as internal report to members.

Accountability systems set up and strengthening

• Support the accountability team with support from Yangon MEAL to ensure locally appropriate financially viable, and effective complaints and feedback mechanisms are established to ensure accountability to affected communities, children, donors and other stakeholders in line with the Myanmar Country Office Accountability strategy.

• Support Accountability team to ensure relevant tools and support are in plcase to enable collection, documentation and analysis of feedback from stakeholders.

• Liaise with Senior Accountability Coordinator to ensure donor requirements are met at project/programme level and relevant technical trainings are provided; information sharing plan and participation strength are in place; that are relevant, appropriate and respectful to the children and communities.

• Support MEAL Teams, Program Teams and the Infrastructure specialist in promoting and ensuring children’s voices are captured during MEAL activities.

• Ensure that implementation Partners have feedback and reporting mechanisms, and these mechanisms are function.

• Regularly monitor accountability mechanism and share key findings and analysis with the key program staff and teams.

Partnership Relations

• Coordination & Collaboration with HOA, APM/Awards & Finance Manager and relative Program Leads for assessment process and partnership communications.

• Supports in partnership identification/mapping and assessment; builds and maintains relationships with local partners through coordination with HOA/SPM and Awards & Finance Manager.

• Coordinate with HOA/APM/PM in capacity building of partner in terms of MEAL thematic area, monitoring to partner sites together with related program leads and support units.

• Support field teams in identifying and supporting civil society partners including partner assessment/risk analysis, MEAL system strengthening, capacity building, regular mentoring and coaching of partner MEAL staff.

BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice)

Accountability:

• Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values

• Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.

Ambition:

• Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves and their team, takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages their team to do the same

• Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others

• Future orientated, thinks strategically and on a global scale.

Collaboration:

• Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, Members and external partners and supporters

• Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength

• Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.

Creativity:

• Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions

• Willing to take disciplined risks.

Integrity:

• Honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of integrity

• Always acts in the best interests of children

PERSON SPECIFICATION

QUALIFICATIONS

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Essential

• Minimum 3 years’ MEAL experience in development, humanitarian context working for non-government organizations or UN agencies.

• Experience and knowledge in MEAL concepts; leading/conducting baselines and evaluations; considerable knowledge of developing/reviewing programme frameworks and log-frames, data collection and storage methodologies, methods, of analysis and interpretation.

• Understanding of both emergency and development contexts, with a preference for experience in both contexts.

• Experience and knowledge of systems for accountability to children and communities, including information sharing, participation of adults and children, and feedback and reporting mechanisms. Ability to prepare and facilitate technical MEAL trainings and workshops across countries in the region (including remotely). Strong experience working with communities in participatory activities.

• Experience in programme implementation and/or one or more of Save the Children programming technical areas

• Experience in working with beneficiaries, collecting data and implementing or supporting accountability.

• Excellent personal organizational skills including time management and ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.

• Ability and willingness to be flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes insecure contexts, including flexibility to work with with incoming emergency response teams.

• Good people management skills/experience and proven ability to create an environment which encourages team-working and motivates a team across various geographical areas.

• Strong team-player with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation developing effective working relationships to deliver outstanding results for children.

• Proficiency in relevant data collection and analysis software.

• Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s aims, values, and principles.

• Willingness and capability to comply with all relevant Save the Children policies and procedures with respect to health and safety, security, equal opportunities and other relevant policies, including the Child Safeguarding Policy.

• Proficient in English and Communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience or knowledge of working and living in relevant region/context.

• Experience of promoting quality and impact through at least one crosscutting area: gender equality and inclusion, adaptive and safer programming; child rights; disability; migration and displacement.

• Experience and knowledge of Save the Children’s structure, mandate and child focus.

• Demonstrable MEAL experiences in different projects and program from different donors funding

• Experience in conducting assessments/Evaluations and an understanding of MEAL systems

• Proven capacity to supervise, train, and coach staff

• Demonstrate ability at report writing and excellent communication skills

• Computer literacy with data analysis skills

General:

• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation developing effective working relationships to deliver outstanding results for children

• Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s aims, values and principles.

• Willingness and capability to comply with all relevant Save the Children policies and procedures with respect to health and safety, security, equal opportunities and other relevant policies, including the Child Safeguarding Policy

Additional job responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.

Equal Opportunities

The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures.

Child Safeguarding:

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

All staff has an obligation and a responsibility to:

• Ensure they fully understand the provisions of the Child Safeguarding Policy, the Code of Conduct and Local/Country Procedures.

• Conduct themselves in accordance with the rules of the Child Safeguarding Policy, in their personal and professional lives – which includes reporting suspicions of child abuse.

• Ensure the way they are carrying out their work is not putting children at risk (or further risk) – this means constantly scrutinizing their work through a child safeguarding lens and talking to children about possible design/implementation “flaws”.

• Promote the message of child safeguarding to colleagues in other organizations and government ministries, children in their own and beneficiary families, and community members in general.

• Be vigilant about observing possible child abuse/harm in their personal and professional lives.

All managers have the above responsibilities as well as ensuring

• Their staff are doing the above.

• That child safeguarding is integrated and given a “voice” in all management processes including recruitment, induction, performance management, team meetings, annual planning processes, field level monitoring, etc.

Safeguarding our Staff:

The post holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI anti-harassment policy.

Health and Safety

The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with SCI Health and Safety policies and procedures.

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Potential interview questions

Added 1 month ago - Updated 1 month ago - Source: savethechildren.net