Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning and Accountability Assistant (MEAL Assistant) Female Only

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, Learning and Accountability (MEAL) Assistant supports in implementation of all MEAL processes and activities required to improve programme quality over the course of project implementation, to ensure and demonstrate positive impact on beneficiaries’ lives. With guidance from their supervisors, the MEAL Assistance has non-sector-specific, area-level responsibilities, i.e. S/he is responsible to conduct all field monitoring and evaluation activities and requirements for all projects. This includes, among other responsibilities, carrying out all field data collection, monitoring exercises and evaluation plans as instructed by MEAL Team, supporting data analysis and reporting efforts at area level, disseminating monitoring and evaluation findings with MEAL and Programme teams at field and area-level, and ensuring follow up and documentation of action taken. S/he will be responsible for the timely reporting on project results & indicators in programme locations as well as findings of monitoring missions, recommendations and action taken; Finally, s/he will also assist in strengthening DRC Afghanistan accountability mechanisms at area-level in close collaboration with the Complaints Response Mechanism Officer by acting as CRM Area Focal Points..

Responsibilities:

Implementation of MEAL systems for all programmes in Ghazni

• Implement MEAL Plan-compliant MEAL processes for the collection, analysis, and usage of data to measure progress against indicators and promote programmatic learning.
• Plan according to priorities set by the MEAL TL and MEAL Team, including dissemination of work plans and respondent lists in advance
• Work in very close collaboration with Programme teams, following their work plan and adapting MEAL work plan accordingly
• Conduct regular monitoring missions of all project activities present in respective areas, as per MEAL SOPs for each programme
• Conduct all post-monitoring and evaluation data collection as per plan / Scope of Work  
• Prepare and share weekly activity reports with MEAL TL and MEAL Team

Data collection tools development and use

• Lead on translation of necessary documents such as data collection tools and databases
• Lead field testing of questionnaires and provide feedback to MEAL TL and MEAL Team after piloting phase
• Conduct all field data collection, monitoring exercises and evaluation plans through mobile data collection and paper forms

Data management, analysis, and use

• Conduct systematic data quality checks and cleaning procedures before uploading any quantitative data to online server
• Ensure consistent and accurate transfer / upload of data from tablets to servers
• Ensure transparent, accurate and timely entry of data into databases as instructed by MEAL TL and MEAL Team, if paper forms used
• Assist MEAL TL in basic quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• Closely coordinate with relevant programme staff to ensure project-relevant information is shared and used to properly track progress of projects in the appropriate tracker at area- and project-level
• Feed the Programme teams, MEAL TL and MEAL Team with successes observed and challenges encountered in the field, lessons learned and recommendations on best practices to implement in the future in a Monitoring Follow Up report after each monitoring mission
• Collaborate with Programme teams at area-level to ensure actions are taken based on MEAL findings and recommendations, and document such actions in a Process Monitoring Tracker
• Track routine and outcome monitoring activities of projects

Reporting

• Create short memos on quantitative datasets and qualitative transcripts
• Writing of field visit monitoring report after each field visit
• Lead in creating monitoring reports after field visits
• Lead or support on Outcome monitoring reports assigned (e.g. post distribution monitoring report, satisfaction survey, post implementation survey)
• Support MEAL TL in writing lessons learned report

Accountability

• Awareness session of accountability to the beneficiaries
• Collect feedback from the beneficiary
• Closely coordinate with the MEAL TL to ensure relevant programme teams properly implement accountability measures as per DRC standards and in line with the Core Humanitarian Standards
• Follow-up complaints or feedback at the field level
• Act as Complaints Response Mechanism Area Focal Point, including reception and registration of complaints into CRM Database
• As per given task of MEAL TL prepare of Area-level CRM database for consolidation on a weekly basis

Other

• Assist in other tasks as required by the MEAL TL and MEAL Team, including extensive support to all programmes/sectors and other areas whenever deemed necessary.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role you must have:

Experience and technical competencies: 

• Minimum 1 year of relevant experience in MEAL within the humanitarian field
• Experience in mobile data collection tools and using Kobo
• Good level of proficiency in Word, PPT and Windows Excel
• Experience in working in complex and volatile contexts
• Excellent inter-personal, communication and listening skills
• Ability to work with people from various groups and background
• Understanding of and sensitivity to specific needs of most vulnerable populations

Education/qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, humanitarian and/or development studies, sciences, humanitarian and/or development studies, Statistics, Management Information System, Business Administration, M&E or relevant field

Languages:

• Proficiency in English, both written and verbal
• Ability to work in both Dari and Pashto

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.