MEAL Officer

Overall purpose of the role: 
The MEAL Officer will be responsible for conducting Monitoring & Evaluation activities as per the work plan. This role has program focus and ensures compliance with DRC MEAL procedures and guidelines within the program locations. The role contributes to program quality assurance and data management, which are translated into action plans and day-to-day tasks. The role provides MEAL technical support and/or guidance to field operations.  The role will be responsible for ensuring effective MEAL systems and tools are in place, and are adopted by field teams, partners and other implementing agencies. The incumbent will work closely with Project Manager, MEAL Coordinator, all the DRC program staff, & staff from partner agencies.

Responsibilities: 
R1. Designing, planning & implementation of strategies for data collection & storage, analysis & sharing:

• Responsible for all projects database. She/he will work in designing databases on project activities/beneficiaries and assist in updating regularly the database according to the project requirements.
• Support project staff and partners in planning for and executing MEAL activities, including, data collection methodology and tools and data management, analysis and use.
• Support and contribute to the development and implementation of MEAL systems for DRC and partners, including SOPs, guidance and tools.
• In collaboration with the MEAL Coordinator make recommendations about the methods the projects should use to collect, analyze and manage data to improve data quality and the efficiency of data systems.
• Support DRC local partners in all MEAL requirements including capacity building, assessments, and reporting
• Ensure accurate data entry of new information into the beneficiary database and regularly update, maintain existing database system records
• Strengthen and maintain networks with other partners by attending relevant M&E working group meetings to help analyze trends, findings and best practices.
• Ensure all project data (Distribution data, persons reached in various activities among others) is AGD (Age, Gender and Diversity) disaggregated.
• Support in conducting assessments and community visits as needed, facilitate focus groups and other qualitative data collection exercises.
• Conduct all field data collection through mobile data collection for quantitative data and paper forms for qualitative data. – ensure tablets and phones to be used for assessments are charged before commencement of assessment exercises.
• Conduct data analysis and providing inputs, information and statistics for monthly, quarterly, annual and other reports for the project.

R2. Design and Implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning Plans:

• Participate in the baseline, mid-term and end of term evaluations of program activities
• In coordination with PM and MEAL coordinator, guide and cooperate with advisors/consultant who are contracted to implement specific surveys, assessments and studies required for evaluating outcomes and impact.
• Under the direction of the MEAL Coordinator, support research and study activities on M&E related issues.
• Conduct community visits, focus group discussions with beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries to receive feedback on project activities.
• Maintain the Complains and feedback received and ensure a timely and appropriate follow-up or referral if needed.

R3. Report Writing & Documentation:

• Coordinate and quality assure MEAL activities and processes within the ECHO HIP consortium
• Build capacity of partners in the consortium on MEAL
• Ensure the Indicator performance tracking tool is updated monthly for all projects by the project team and partners.
• Compile and submitting relevant project reports to the project manager.
• Prepare sector’s operation plans/work plans & reviews
• Maintain a clear and transparent filing system.
• Documentation and dissemination of lessons learned from monitoring data, grant closure reviews, evaluations and project studies.
• Undertake any other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the project manager.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum of 4 years of work experience within the field of monitoring and evaluation;
• Working knowledge in Turkana and Garissa County or ASAL areas
• Working experience in the field of Economic Recovery/Self- reliance, Protection, SGBV, Social Work, Child Protection preferred.
• Experience in working with protection information management systems.
• Experience in participatory assessments and community-based monitoring approaches;
• Clear understanding of Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS);
• Experience with capacity building of staff, and in convening and facilitating trainings and workshops
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office Word, Excel Power Point, and other Statistical software
• Excellent analytical and report writing skills (English)
• Time management and organizational skills.
• Previous work experience in hardship areas or emergency setting.
• Female candidates are encouraged to apply

Education: 

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics/Information management Sciences, MEAL or related field
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.

DRC’s Core competencies: 
All DRC roles require the post-holder to master the below DRC’s 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 Uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Conditions:  
Contract duration: 10-months contract with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council terms of employment for National staff.
Employment Category: Band H2
Reporting to: Project Manager
Direct reports: Data Clerks and Enumerators
Availability: May 2024
Location:  Kakuma (position is entitled to RnR and accommodation)
Key stakeholders:
Internal:  Programme teams and MEAL unit members
External: INGOs/NGOs, National and Local government authorities

General
Commitments: 
DRC has a Humanitarian Accountability Framework, outlining its global accountability commitments. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of this framework (http://www.drc.dk/HAF.4265.0.html)

Application Process:
Qualified candidates are invited to submit their applications, which should include a 1-page cover letter clearly stating their motivation, and qualifications and a CV. Applications should include contact details of three professional referees who have supervised the candidate in the last five years. One referee must be the applicant’s most recent manager. Only applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications will be considered.  
We only accept applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies. Applications should be sent no later than: 24th April 2024.

Gender Equality: 
DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels.  In light of this, female candidates and those from minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.