VCR MEAL Coordinator, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

Job Description

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Programs and technically supported by the Regional Measurement Action Coordinator, the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) or MEAL Coordinator works in close collaboration with program, grants and support teams to optimize monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning capacities and opportunities of the IRC mission in VCR (Venezuela crisis response) to ensure high-quality programming for the clients we serve and support the global ambitions of IRC Strategy 100, especially the Data Ambition, and the Country Strategic Action Plan.

To this end, the MEAL Coordinator is responsible to ensure that a monitoring, evaluation and accountability and data management system is in place, sufficiently resourced and successfully implemented from collection to visualization. And that MEAL data is contributing to improved learning and program quality. The MEAL Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that MEAL principles are integrated in every step of the project cycle, as per IRC’s corporate guidelines and contributes to the implementation of the Country Strategic Action Plan and Strategy 100. In support of these goals, the coordinator provides vital technical assistance, capacity sharing, individual mentoring, supervision, and training to MEAL staff at IRC and partners.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership and Partnership

- Establish and drive common strategies and approaches to the country’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Accountability processes that reflect and contextualize Strategy 100 and the Country Strategic Action Plan and ensure that the MEAL structure is fit for this purpose. - Lead all aspects of MEAL (including client feedback mechanisms ) functions across multiple sectors and multiple geographical areas/ large portfolio and or complex environment. - Develop, coordinate and strengthen capacity sharing partnerships with MEAL counterparts of partner agencies, local organizations and government. - Represent the IRC on MEAL 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 IRC standards and practices, that meet project and program needs, enable accountability to clients, partners, and donors, and foster program learning. - Reinforce integration of cross-sectoral priorities in MEAL, including gender, protection, safeguarding, disaster risk reduction, Diversity-Equality-Inclusion and Do No Harm.

Technical Oversight

- Provide technical leadership for a strong monitoring system and processes throughout the project cycle from the design, implementation to close-out and learning including: - Using learning and evidence from internal and external sources including previous projects to inform proposal design and Theory of Change. - Developing and operationalizing, logical frameworks, MEAL plans, data collection tools, processes for data management, clients feedback approaches, quality checks and audits, and data visualization. - Developing and advocating for adequate MEAL budget and staffing structure for all projects. - 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. - Provide technical leadership for the design, method, and conduct of surveys such as baseline and endline, and the commission of evaluations and surveys as required in coordination with program coordinators, technical advisors, and external partners where vital; - 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 IRC’s effort 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 IRC teams and partners: Assess proficiencies; develop and lead targeted learning and training strategy. In particular, coach, mentor and support MEAL staff, provide vital tools and resources, as well as on the job training; - Supervise medium to large sized MEAL team across multiple sectors and geographical areas: Set clear performance objectives; manage staff work plans; establish regular performance reviews; champion a positive working environment for professional development; foster 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, TTA’s, consultants and, support their onboarding. - Coordination & Representation - As needed and in coordination with other program sector leads and country program management, represents IRC in inter-agency forums and discussions. - Participate in relevant working groups both within and outside of the UN cluster system, including GIFMM.

Research, Learning and Analysis

- Lead assessments and research aimed at generating a strong evidence base for IRC programming, as well as to inform IRC advocacy. - Support the greater sharing and use of research and learning within IRC’s program sectors, including by contributing to program development and design, to ensure interventions are responsive to needs and informed by a sound understanding of the humanitarian context.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Position Reports to: Deputy Director for Programs

Position directly supervises: MEAL Managers in VCR and Senior Officers.

Internal: All staff and departments within the Country Program (primarily the DDP, Sector Coordinators and Grant teams), Regional Measurement Action Coordinator, Client Responsiveness & Accountability (CRA) Technical Advisor, Grants Coordinator and Managers, HQ/Regional Technical Units (Technical Assistants and M&E specialists), HQ Research Evaluation & Learning Unit

External: Partner, other humanitarian actors, Governments, Clients

Qualifications

- A University degree in a relevant subject area (statistics, monitoring & data management, social science, public health, economic development, or a related field) – a technical degree together with additional relevant work experience may substitute for education; - A minimum 5 years of working experience within Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and learning-related functions; - Leadership experience and proven technical skills in setting up quality M&E/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 are crucial as well as proficiency with Microsoft Excel; SPSS, SATA or other similar software; - Knowledge of Tableau, PowerBi or GIS software are additional assets; - A strong understanding of accountability and proven ability to build Client Feedback Systems is a distinct advantage; - Willingness to travel to various regional and field-level offices - (40%); - Fluency in Spanish and English (written and speaking).

Demonstrated Managerial/Leadership Competencies:

- An appropriate balance of strategic thinking and doing skills - Strong methodical planning and organizational skills - Strong leadership, interpersonal and communications skills - Strong analytical, presentation, and reporting skills - Excellent relationship-building, interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively represent IRC at forums and with donors. - Strong negotiation skills essential with experience in conflict resolution desirable. - Superior oral and written communication skills, with ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and persuasively with senior internal and external stakeholders. - Experience of working successfully with local stakeholders such as local and international NGOs, government, etc. with sensitivity and diplomacy. - Proven ability to design and lead training engagements with staff and partners to enhance skills and adapt to changing program demands. - Mature and structured approach to team management and project delivery. - Positive attitude to work, self-reflective, motivated, inspired, collegial. - Proven ability to work well in and promote teamwork, thrive in a multi-cultural environment, be flexible and handle pressure with professional grace. - Strong commitment to IRC’s mission, purpose and values