MEAL Officer (INT10479)

The Role:

Oxfam Syria is looking for MEAL Officer 

JOB PURPOSE:

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer is a position within the MEAL unit under the supervision of the MEAL Advisor. MEAL Officer will support in monitoring and evaluation of Oxfam Syria Country Strategy 2021-24 by leading the projects data-informed strategic planning and decision-making. He/she will work independently and as a member of a team to plan and execute research and evaluation of projects, including collecting, compiling, validating, and analysing data; and designing and producing charts, graphs, briefs, presentations, and reports that describe and interpret findings for project/program progress and outcome and impact monitoring. He/she will be committed to delivering high-impact and actionable learnings and evaluation that informs, guides, and influences practice and policy with innovation, enthusiasm, flexibility, thoughtfulness that contribute to document lessons learned as the projects/programs evolve. He/she will support in designing a MEAL system, conduction evaluations and assessments, work planning, tracking progress of objectives, development of data collection instruments and sampling strategies, onsite research and data collection, documenting best practices, writing/reviewing required reports and liaising with stakeholders on technical matters related to learning and future programming. He/she will be responsible to oversee the community feedback and response mechanism.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Job Responsibility # 1: Designing and management of impact measurement system # Time 30%.

• Support in designing and management of impact measurement system which enhance learning and quality programming with respect to OCS 2021-24 including working to build synergies and aligned MEAL processes across all Hub Offices & Country Program.
• Support in setting up Impacts measurement System incorporating MEAL standards and guidelines including Oxfam Program Quality Standards.
• Develop baseline and end-line assessment tools and methodologies for each program/project, including data collection instruments (e.g. survey questionnaires, focus group discussions, and key-informant interviews), analysis plans and analytical reports.
• Support in identifying and synthesizing good practices and lessons learned
• Support partners in designing of monitoring systems, and that data collection and analysis from field visits are coordinated and standardised across programmes to feed into to programme performance monitoring, with special attention to humanitarian response.
• Design and manage the databases with Information Management Officer to ensures the availability of all required information based on OCS performance indicators.
• Manage the online databases at CO that ensures the availability of all required information based on program/project performance indicators; web-based monitoring will prefer if possible.
• Provide support to the MEAL Advisor and programme teams in project/programme design and proposal development, in line with Oxfam’s programme quality standards – particularly on results frameworks and indicators.
• Work with the programme teams in implementing Learnings into the future programming by ensuring quality and consistency with Oxfam standards.

Job Responsibility # 2: Measuring and reporting the success of Oxfam interventions through reviews, evaluations, and learnings  . # Time 30%

• Design and review MEAL Framework for the Oxfam Country Strategy /OCS/.
• Conduct outcome harvesting to identify, describe, verify, and analyse outcomes at all levels through tracking milestones and evaluating the relationship between the achievements and key program outcomes.
• Support the implementation of Monitoring and Evaluation Plans in partnership with program/project team by regularly tracking progress on all targets and indicators, communicating progress, promoting learning, and advising corrective measures where necessary.
• Drawing on learnings and analysis of key program performance and management indicators, provided professional input to management reports, including relevant sections of the annual and donor’s reports.
• Plan and develop processes for qualitative and quantitative data collection (gender disaggregated), developing tailored monitoring plan, operating database systems and outcome and impact measurement.
• Provide M&E summaries to the program implementation teams to facilitate documentation of best practices and dissemination of lessons learnt, to the key stakeholders and donors.
• Visit field areas to ensure quality and compliance with MEAL system.
• Taking lead in data capture and reporting using monitoring tools to track program indicators as per the performance framework including timely and accurate publication of program achievements
• Plan and coordinate project reviews, evaluations to be conducted internally or externally as required by project M&E plan.
• Conduct quality control tests on all incoming data and supervise data entry and data cleaning/editing processes.
• Coordinate and share learning related to MEAL practices and general best practices and lessons learnt across field offices and Partner team and encourage sharing of monitoring results both between and within sectoral teams.
• Conduct field monitoring and evaluation visit to target project areas to strengthen MEAL process
• Support the MEAL Advisor in the design and management of evaluations, including: the coordination of field-based data collection activities, review of evaluations reports, sharing of evaluation findings and recommendations with intended audiences.
• Collecting best practices, case studies which demonstrate qualitative and quantitative changes over the period.

Job Responsibility # 3: Management of Beneficiary Feedback and Accountability System # Time 30%.

• Support in establishing, operationalisation and strengthening up CFRM system incorporating MELSA standards and guidelines including CHS principles.
• Setting up and managing complaint and feedback mechanism for the programme, including tracking of follow-up, ensuring adherence to agreed standards.
• Ensure that accountability indicators and standards are integrated into plans and operations of the project team.
• Provide support and training for other staff, at all levels of the organization, to improve their understanding of the concept of accountability, and how to apply it in their day-to-day work.
• Support Area Managers, Project Advisors and Partner team to roll out participatory methods throughout the project cycle, to ensure that beneficiaries’ participation is meaningful.
• Encourage staff and management to engage in downward accountability, putting the most vulnerable children and adults in the communities where we work at the centre of what we do.
• Provide technical support for program unit to include an accountability mechanism in every proposal.
• Produce clear and quality reports that demonstrate accountability and learning.

Job Responsibility # 4: Support and Capacity Building of Oxfam and partners staff on MEAL mechanism # Time 10%.

• Promote awareness and understanding of quality standards among program staff (including SPHERE standards, Core Humanitarian Standards [CHS] and Oxfam PQ Standards).
• Support and train Oxfam & Partner staff on MEAL research methodologies & tools/databases.
• Conduct CHS, CFRM session for Oxfam & partners staff.
• Plan, Support and facilitate learning sessions at field level.
• Provide support and training for Oxfam and Partner staff, at all levels to improve their understanding of the concept of CHS, MEAL and accountability.
• Provide technical support for program unit to include an accountability mechanism at field level
• Undertake periodic monitoring and technical support visits to partner working areas to assess progress against agreed MEAL system and recommend corrective actions as appropriate.
• Work closely with partner MEAL staff or focal points and provide support as appropriate.
• Provide training to partners on accountability and support them in setting up own mechanisms.
• Any other task (s) assigned by Line manager.

What we are looking for:

We’re looking for a candidate who cares about Oxfam’s mission to end poverty and is personally aligned to our feminist principles and values of empowerment, accountability and inclusion in all you do.

An ideal candidate for the role will also be / have:

Experience, Knowledge & Competencies

Essential

• 2-3 years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning within the development in humanitarian sector i.e. WASH, EFSVL & protection.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems, tools, and methodologies.
• Strong data collection, analysis, and reporting skills, including proficiency in quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Demonstrated proficiency in statistical analysis software, including ability to write complex syntax, and Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, and Survey CTO is required.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex data and generate meaningful reports and recommendations.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks, plans, and tools.
• Proficiency in English and Arabic both verbal and written.

Desirable

• Strong technical competence in research and monitoring and evaluation methods
• Previous experience of working on programmes such as WASH, livelihood, and gender is preferable.
• Familiarity with the Core Humanitarian Standard is an advantage.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
• Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work in challenging and dynamic environments.

We offer:

We offer a competitive salary and a range of additional benefits to staff including flexible working options, generous pension scheme, annual leave, additional leave allowances, company sick pay, life assurance and a range of other benefits. 

From the day you join Oxfam we invite you to stretch and learn in your role. Our wide range of Learning & Development opportunities includes in-house courses, e-learning modules, on-the job learning opportunities, coaching and mentoring, and much more. 

You can read more about all Oxfam has to offer here.

How to apply:

As part of your online application, please upload your up to date CV and Cover Letter explaining your suitability against the essential criteria in the job profile.