Country MEAL Officer

Working Environment

Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is a faith based International NGO that has been working in Iraq for the past eight years. Our mission is to accompany, serve and advocate on behalf of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons. JRS Iraq belongs to JRS Middle East and North Africa Regional Office coordinating the work in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Iraq. In 2022, nine people are working in the CO and JRS Iraq runs programmes mostly in Qaraqosh  and Sharya for an approximate total of 150 staff members.

General Purpose of The Position: 

The Country M&E Officer is responsible for implementing and maintaining the country monitoring and evaluation (M&E) methodologies. The Country M&E Officer will oversee project M&E plans in Iraq, including the design and roll-out of data collection tools, staff training, data analysis and contribute to the production of reports within Iraq. S/he will supervise the accuracy of data compiled for project reports.

The objective is to ensure that data on programme beneficiaries, processes, progress and performance are effectively collected, entered, analysed and documented, in such a way as to inform timely decision-making and the adoption of sound corrective measures.

He/She needs to work and collaborate closely with Information Management Officer, Country Programme Officer and the Project Directors. In addition, he works with and Assistant Country Director, Country Director, Project Directors, and Regional Programmes and MEAL Officers.

Main Responsibilities of the Position

A) Implementation and Supervision of MEAL Activities

1. In collaboration with the Regional M&E Officer and project teams, prepare the M&E Plan for ongoing projects and new projects, including timeframe of activities, data collection methodology, tools to be used and expected delivery;
2. Monitor the implementation of on-going and new projects and assure their adherence to the agreed processes and procedures: in collaboration with the project team, ensure the follow-up of projects indicators by sampling,collecting and analysing data, guaranteeing quality data and reviewing reports;
3. Develop MEAL tools and procedures to ensure quality tracking of project output and outcomes, including tools to assess impact of activities and beneficiary satisfaction (e.g. survey questionnaires, focus group discussions, key informant interviews and analysis plans); Support all project teams in conducting monitoring and evaluation assessment and baselines;
4. Ensure that regular surveys are conducted to have an overview of the humanitarian context evolution and vulnerability of the populations affected;
5. Ensure and support implementation of accountability systems (complaints desk…);
6. Visit the projects regularly (at least once a month) and encourage learning based on best practices, lessons learned, and feedback captured from beneficiaries to guide the design and implementation of JRS projects.
7. Develop M&E training for the staff.

 

B) Report-Proposal Process

1. In collaboration and coordination with the Projects Directors, the Information Management Officer and the Country Programme Office ensure the follow-up of reporting priorities according to the timeframe as planned with the Regional Programmes and MEAL Officers;
2. In collaboration with the Projects Directors, ensure that the reports are accurate, with appropriate data to measure the indicators and the quality of JRS intervention;
3. Develop and adapt weekly, monthly and quarterly quantitative and qualitative reporting tools and provide support to field-based staff in their use;
4. Act as focal point for Activity Info and other quantitative donor reporting on country level; respond to queries on number of beneficiaries reached and other quantitative indicators;
5. In collaboration with the Project Directors, Information Management Officer, Country Programme Officer, Assistant Country Director and Country Director  and other departments, contribute to the project proposal writing process, especially while writing output and outcome project’s indicators, and monitoring plans, and validate it with the Regional Programmes Officer and Regional MEAL Officer.

C) Support Programming Work of JRS at the Country Level

1. Keep track of projects undertaken in the country;
2. Coordinate with the Country Director and the Regional Programmes Officers to plan for JRS projects in Iraq, especially regarding needs assessments. Suggest new initiatives to the Country Director based on these assessments;
3. Collaborate in programme/project proposals, aligned with JRS Standards; ensuring that relevant information from secondary data, assessments, monitoring, evaluations and lessons learned are integrated in the proposals. Ensure that community inputs are considered in the project design process;
4. Support Project Directors and the Regional Office in project writing according to JRS standards and guidelines;
5. Ensure the accuracy of data in monthly, six-month and annual reports received from the Projects for submission to the Country Director, with the support of the Regional Office.

D) Skill building for Staff

1. In coordination with the Regional MEALOfficer and Programmes Officer, train project staff for M&E and programming skills;
2. Conduct start-up orientation and training workshops for relevant staff.

 

E) Collaboration with Country/Regional Team

1. Works closely with other staff in the Country Office to fulfil key functions and to ensure successful operations;
2. Attends regular team meetings, planning meetings, and workshops as required;
3. Maintains frequent contact with the Regional MEAL Officer for support and sharing of any updates.

Availability

Undertakes any other duties as assigned by the Country Director that are within the ambit of the position.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• At least 3 years of relevant working experience in the area of MEAL Project Management or working in humanitarian field;
• Strong motivation to serve internally displaced persons and returnees according to the values and self-understanding of JRS;
• Knowledge of project cycle management and sphere standards;
• Deep understanding of project details and donor requirements;
• Experience in developing assessment tools (e.g. questionnaires, focus group discussions);
• Experience and knowledge in developing and managing databases;
• Demonstrated experience and capacity in conducting field-level data collection, data entry, and data analysis;
• Proficiency in MS Office suite (especially, Excel, Word, Access, and PowerPoint) required. SPSS an asset. Visio and MS project extra;
• Excellent English, with good command of spoken Arabic, English and Kurdish Kurmanji
• Ability to write clear and well-argued reports;
• Critical thinking, strong analytical skills and objective judgments;
• Good interpersonal and communication skills;
• Good sense of teamwork;
• Ability to work effectively under pressure;
• Demonstrate knowledge of Middle East conflicts and humanitarian context;
• Commitment to high level of confidentiality with sensitive information.

Suitably qualified candidates are to submit their CV accompanied by a cover letter explaining why they are suitable for this position and how they can contribute to the mission of the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) in this position. Both the CV and the cover letter should be in English.

Applications are to be sent by email to the Human Resources Officer irq.hr@jrs.net marked MEAL Officer in the subject line.

CVs not accompanied by a motivation letter or without the title of the position in the subject line will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be called for an interview.