Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Team Leader

WHO ARE WE?

We Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home. The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956 and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

ABOUT THE JOB

The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL) Team Leader leads and coordinates the planning and implementation of all MEAL processes and activities required to improve programme quality of Area Office programmatic activities across sectors. The MEAL Team Leader is responsible for assessing and measuring quality and accountability of AO’s response in collaboration with CO MEAL.  The MEAL Team Leader is directly responsible for: a) assessment and measurement of impact and quality of projects implemented in the AO; b) establishing learning system to document best/emerging practices and challenges; c) follow-up and closure of feedback receiving in AO or referred by CO; d) leading and coordination data collection within AO; e) data quality checks on enumerators/staff output; f) analysis and reporting; g) follow up with project teams on actions taken  S/he will coordinate with CO staff regarding technical inputs, accountability and data and knowledge management. S/he will be co-responsible for maintaining IPTT along with the sector team leaders within the AO to ensure proper sex-, age, and specific-needs segregated documentation and analysis of beneficiary profiles, with support from the Information Management Officer if needed. S/he is also responsible in supporting the strengthening of accountability mechanisms within the Area Office in close collaboration with the Accountability Officer. 

Responsibilities:

Implementation of AO MEAL system

• Support MEAL Specialists across sectors in designing and periodically reviewing the key MEAL framework to be adapted and implemented in the Area Office (including MEAL plans and tracking tool, tools and methodologies).
• Lead on the development of project MEAL plans (in case of single location project) this includes planning and implementation of MEAL processes for the collection, analysis and usage of data to measure progress against indicators and promote programmatic learning
• Ensure follow-up and resolution of feedback and actions agreed during debriefing with program
• Ensure learning (e.g. review, lessons learnt workshop) is implemented to capture best/emerging practices and challenges
• Lead on verification process (beneficiary and output) in coordination with MEAL Specialists
• Support on the design and implementation on evaluation activities

Data collection tools development and use

• Support the development of relevant and quality data collection tools for quantitative and qualitative research, e.g. baseline /endline surveys, needs assessment questionnaires, PDM tools, FGD and KII guides etc
• Lead on planning and / or conducting field data collection and field monitoring exercises (including routine, process and outcome monitoring)

Data management, analysis and use

• Collaborate with CO Information Management Officer to ensure appropriate data management for all AO MEAL data, including coding, storage, cleaning and analysis
• Assess and review quality of data prior to sharing to CO MEAL staff
• Closely coordinate with relevant programme staff to ensure project-relevant information is shared and used to properly track progress of projects
• Consolidate and analyse trends and key findings of MEL data from AO
• Closely coordinate with relevant programme staff, in coordination with CO MEAL, to ensure project-relevant information is shared and used to properly track progress of projects (i.e. PDM reports, Distribution monitoring, IPTT)
• Collaborate with programme teams to ensure the use of MEAL information to influence management decision or improve program quality and implementation (i.e. action tracker, accountability mechanisms resolution)
• Support on the presentation of key MEAL findings (internally or externally)

Coordination with program

• Liaise with Team Leaders on MEAL planned activities and MEAL findings
• Coordinate and track AO MEAL staff routine and outcome monitoring activities in collaboration with MEAL Specialists
• Ensure tracking tools (e.g. Activity tracker, IPTT) is being used by program team, this includes training on tools
• Conduct bi-monthly meeting with program staff to ensure key findings and critical issues are taken upon

Reporting

• Lead in creating Monthly MEAL report, looking into trends and key findings to be shared AO staff and relevant CO staff
• Support, assess and review quality of reports (process and outcome monitoring) of MEAL staff  prior to review and sign off of CO MEAL staff
• Lead or support in creating lessons learned or evaluation report, if activity is done in AO
• Lead or support on Outcome Monitoring reports (i.e. PDMs, Satisfaction survey) for single location grants or when assigned by MEL Specialist or MEAL Manager

Accountability

• Closely coordinate with the CO Accountability Officer to ensure relevant programme teams properly implement accountability measures as per DRC standards and in line with the Core Humanitarian Standards
• Follow-up key complaints issues with program team leads to facilitate closing the feedback loop

Management and capacity building

• Lead and manage the AO MEAL staff (including people planning, performance, well-being and development)
• Provide mentoring and technical support to AO MEAL staff in data collection, analysis and reporting, with support from CO MEAL if needed
• Ensure effective planning, implementation and tracking of MEAL activities across sectors and projects
• Supervise directly plans and work completion of AO MEAL staff
• Support in monitoring of financial expenditures of AO MEAL activity budget
• Initiate procurements and ensure their execution
• Provide sessions or trainings to staff (MEAL, program or partner) on MEAL, with support from CO MEAL

Others 

• Assist in other tasks as required by the MEAL Manager or MEAL Specialist, including extensive support to other programmes / sectors whenever deemed necessary

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role you must have:

Experience and technical competencies: 

• Minimum of 1-year management experience
• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience within the humanitarian field,
• Minimum 3-year of relevant working experience in M&E design and implementation
• Demonstrated knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods
• Experience in working in complex and volatile contexts
• Experience in managing teams
• Capacity to think critically and analyse quantitative and qualitative data
• Capacity to produce high-quality reports and analysis
• Good level of proficiency in Word, PPT, Windows Excel and SPSS
• Strong inter-personal, communication and leadership skills
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Demonstrated commitment to meet deadlines and high degree of autonomy in his / her work

Education/qualifications:

• Bachelor Degree in social sciences, humanitarian and/or development studies, or relevant field
• Maters, Diplomas or Certification in M&E, IMS, Statistics or related fields an added value

Languages:

• Fluency in English, both written and verbal
• Ability to work in both Dari and/or Pashto

Key stakeholders: (internal and external)

• MEAL Manager, MEL Specialist, Information Management Officer, Accountability Officer, Sector Team Leaders and Officers, Area Managers, national and local authorities, community representatives, community members.

We Offer:

• Contract length: to 31st of December 2024 with the possibility of Extension.
• Band: MG
• Designation of Duty Station: Based in Nangrahar with frequent travel to area offices.
• DRC has Flexible working hours for Females staff as per DRC Policy.
• 13th month’s salary Will be paid by end of each month with salary.
• Top-up credit card as per office regulations.
• 1+1 Health Insurance will be provided by DRC.
• Eid Bonus.
• DRC provide Transport allowance/ Transportation Facilities for female and people with disability.
• DRC Provides kindergarten/ Day Care allowance for max 2 children – Applicable to female mothers.
• Per diem allowance for employee and her Mahram – Applicable for female 
• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the DRC salary scale.

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking the Apply button below.  All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages), Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV-only applications will not be considered.

Note: Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.