MEL Officer – National Position

Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) is a dynamic, international non-governmental organization. We work with people affected by violent conflicts to enhance their security and dignity through Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP). We work to reduce violence, protect civilians in countries affected by violent conflict and its aftermath, and help transform the world’s response to conflict situations.

OVERVIEW

NP started operating in Iraq in 2017, working to protect people affected by violence, particularly those in critical need of protection in the IDP camps, people returning to contested and high-risk areas, and those located in tense regions near the Syrian and Turkish borders in northern Iraq. Moving ahead, the international and NP’s understanding of contextual dynamics in Iraq has shifted. Currently Iraq is no longer considered to be in an emergency, represented by a push to close IDP camps and a focus on integration of those people who fled violence previously to their areas of origin. Concurrently, global funding streams to support Iraq’s transition from violent conflict to sustainable peace have shifted from a focus on emergency response towards human security, stabilization and development.

JOB SUMMARY

The MEL Officer is responsible for implementing and developing the monitoring, evaluation, learning system across NP in Iraq and supports the Programme Department (PD) by using community-based research methods to inform the department of best practices and lessons learned. The responsibilities of this position include coordinating programme performance and monitoring plans, internal reporting, administration, and information management. The MEL Officer will act as a key focal point in the country programme for the collection and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data at all stages of the programme cycle to inform evidence-based decision-making, support organizational learning, and enhance accountability to donors. A critical part of this role involves conducting impact analysis to assess the broader outcomes of NP interventions on community trust-building and the WPS agenda. The MEL Officer contributes strategic insight that supports the continued relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, and impact of NP programming. The MEL Officer will also be responsible for the design and implementation of evaluations. This includes protocols and study instrument design, training and supervision of data collectors, data analysis, report writing, and dissemination of findings.

 

Note that field visits may require the MEL Officer to stay in NP’s guesthouses for multiple days and overnight. A successful candidate needs to be comfortable doing so. 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Carries responsibility for the design, implementation and review of the NPIQ MEL system, with support from PD.
• Monitors ongoing activities on a weekly basis to ensure project is meeting targets.
• Acts as a central focal point for monitoring and evaluation technical assistance and guidance, ensuring that NPIQ maintains requisite levels of quality throughout programming.
• Supports programme development in the creation of logical frameworks and contributes innovative ideas for program design and implementation on the basis of the information gained from communities through the MEL system.
• Supports the PD team in report writing in terms of impact gathered through quantitative and qualitative data from the MEL system for this purpose.
• Undertakes visits and provides training to program implementation locations to support field staff on MEL systems to support the quality of data collection, evaluation and learning.
• Leads on processes related to external evaluations in collaboration with the programme and PD teams.
• Supports the programme team in developing and improving its country programme and programme design strategies.
• Leads in implementation of Everyday Peace Indicator (EPI) with support from PD, Programmes and GSS.

QUALIFICATIONS

 

Experience:

 

• University degree in quantitative and qualitative research methods, development studies, peace and conflict studies, applied research, or other social sciences field, or equivalent experience.
• At least two years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation, learning, and research, specifically in MEL related to violence prevention, peacebuilding and/or protection work in a (post-) conflict setting.
• Experience in creating logical frameworks for project design.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative data collection as well as participatory monitoring and evaluation methods and system design. Preferred experience with Everyday Peace Indicators (EPI).
• Demonstrable experience in data entry and analysis software. Preferred experience working with visualization software such as Tableau or PowerBI.
• Experience in leading external evaluations. This requires knowledge of OSCE criteria, such as sustainability, effectiveness, efficiency, impact and relevance.
• Preferred experience working in the Federal Iraq context.

 

Skills and Competencies:

 

• Demonstrable familiarity and interest in unarmed civilian protection, peacebuilding, and violence prevention programming or specific experience in the development-peace nexus in the Middle East preferred.
• Commitment to abide by and work in accordance with NP values and principles, including non-partisanship, primacy of local actors and independence.
• Effective communicator (verbally and in writing) capable of acting as a central focal point for MEL guidance across teams.
• Skills in training and mentoring field staff to improve data collection, evaluation, and learning processes.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong attention to detail in reviewing and ensuring the quality of MEL data and processes.
• Strong understanding of linking MEL findings to program design and implementation.
• Proficiency in gathering and interpreting impact data from MEL systems, translating insights to highlight programme success and into actionable recommendations for programme improvement.
• Ability to implement innovative tools like the Everyday Peace Indicators (EPI) to support adaptive programming.
• Fluency/advanced proficiency in English and Arabic.
• Experience with salesforce would be considered

 

Commitment to NP Principles   

 

All NP employees must demonstrate a commitment to NP’s mission and vision. They are expected to work in accordance with the organization’s guiding principles below. These principles and beliefs shall guide our actions and relationships in protecting civilians in violent conflicts through unarmed strategies.

 

• Nonviolence
• Direct action
• Radical connection
• Process-oriented
• Independence
• Nonpartisanship
• Redemption and healing
• Pluriversality
• Accountability

APPLICATION PROCESS

 

• Candidates meeting the above requirements are requested to submit a CV (max. two pages) and cover letter (max. 1 page) through our website https://nonviolentpeaceforce.bamboohr.com/careers/458 detailing their experience and how they qualify for the role. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• The closing date for applications is 21 October 2024
• This position is open for National Candidates
• Candidates may be selected before the closing date; apply early
• As part of the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates may be asked to complete a technical assignment before participating in an interview.

 

SPECIAL NOTICE

 

Nonviolent Peaceforce is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against based on disability.

 

Nonviolent Peaceforce acknowledges the duty of care to safeguard and promote the welfare of employees, contractors, volunteers, interns, communities we work with, and other stakeholders and is committed to ensuring safeguarding practice reflects statutory responsibilities and government guidance and complies with best practices in the Humanitarian and Development sector.NP expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We priorities ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

 

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organization.

 

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. NP also participates in the InterAgency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.

 

NO FEE 

 

We never ask for payment as part of our selection process, and we always contact candidates via our corporate accounts and platforms. If you are approached for payment, this is likely to be fraudulent. Please check whether the role you are interested in is posted here on our website.