MEAL Officer At Syria Civil Defense (White Helmets)

ABOUT THE WHITE HELMETS

The white helmets (The Syrian Civil Defense) save people’s lives and enhances the role of civil society organizations. And is committed to neutrality, objectivity, and human values, and declares its non-dependence on any political party or party to the conflicts, where it is committed to serving all the Components of the Syrian people, which is the people and is available to serve.

SCOPE OF WORK

The MEAL Officer will support the effective implementation of monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems across White Helmets programs. Based in Gaziantep, this position will oversee the MEAL team inside Syria, ensuring that robust MEAL processes provide the evidence needed for adaptive program management, learning, and accountability. The Officer will work closely with program teams, information management team, and partners to ensure consistent and high-quality data collection, analysis, and use in decision-making.

TERMS OF REFERENCE

Position Title: MEAL Officer

Line Manager: MEAL Coordinator

Location: Gaziantep, Turkey (with oversight of the MEAL team inside Syria)

Tasks and activities:

. MEAL Tool Development and Data Management

• Develop and roll out MEAL tools and systems for the effective monitoring of program activities and outcomes, including both qualitative and quantitative methods.
• Support the creation and adoption of an integrated database for all projects, ensuring accountability through data integrity, regular updates, and effective collaboration with data processors.
• Collaborate with programme officers in Syria to collect the necessary data to track project results and support programs improvement.
• Review and improve existing data collection tools and incorporate feedback from field teams to ensure continuous enhancement of MEAL processes.
• Maintain and share data on performance indicators with programs managers to support real-time adaptive management.

2. Monitoring, Reporting, and Accountability

• Develop and maintain MEAL plans for all projects, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and organisational objectives.
• Ensure the timely and accurate reporting of MEAL data, including the preparation of regional reports, quarterly and annual internal reports, and other required documentation.
• Conduct regular Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) to ensure data accuracy, consistency, and completeness.
• Monitor programme implementation, providing alerts to programs staff on any potential delays, operational risks, or gaps that require action.
• Review progress reports from partners (local initiatives), ensuring that all data is verified and evidence-based, and provide feedback to improve data quality and reporting.
• Ensure that cross-cutting issues such as gender, age, and disability are effectively addressed in project implementation, promoting inclusivity and accountability in line with White Helmets’ values.

3. Assessments, Surveys, and Evaluation

• Coordinate baseline surveys, mid-term reviews, and end-of-project evaluations to ensure projects meet White Helmets and donor standards.
• Assist in developing Terms of Reference (ToR) for assessments and the recruitment of external consultants for evaluations.
• Lead and/or coordinate all assessments, including KAP surveys, post-intervention evaluations, and Real Time Evaluations for emergency programmes.
• Review survey reports and provide quality assurance to ensure the accuracy and quality of findings.

4. Learning, Accountability, and Capacity Building

• Set up and manage accountability mechanisms to ensure stakeholder feedback is integrated into ongoing programs improvement.
• Share lessons learned and best practices from programs evaluations to promote quality improvement and organisational learning.
• Facilitate participatory learning reviews and after-action reviews with programs teams to foster adaptive management.
• Support the MEAL team in analysing data related to accountability (e.g., Complaints Reporting and Feedback Mechanism) to support programs quality improvement.
• Build the capacity of programs and MEAL staff by providing training on MEAL processes, data management tools, and methodologies to enhance data quality and the use of findings.

5. Team Management

• Support the MEAL team inside Syria, providing guidance, and technical oversight to ensure quality performance.
• Facilitate a culture of accountability and high performance by conducting regular coaching, mentoring, and performance reviews for MEAL staff.
• Ensure that all MEAL staff understand and adhere to humanitarian principles, including data protection, beneficiary rights, and inclusion standards.

Required qualifications: Education, Experience and Competencies:

• Bachelor’s degree and Master’s degree is preferred.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in MEAL roles, with a proven track record of supporting MEAL systems in humanitarian or development contexts.
• Experience in designing and implementing data collection tools and managing MEAL databases.
• Proficiency in data analysis and visualization software, such as SPSS, Stata, Excel, or PowerBI.
• Experience with mobile data collection tools (e.g., Survey CTO, KoBo Toolbox) and conducting data quality assessments.
• Demonstrated capacity to design and conduct qualitative and quantitative evaluations, including baseline surveys and impact assessments.
• Strong analytical, interpersonal, and communication skills, with an ability to work effectively in diverse, multicultural environments.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt to evolving programme needs.
• Fluency in English is required; proficiency in Arabic is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of accountability frameworks, gender sensitivity, and age and disability inclusion principles is an advantage.

Desirable:

• Experience working in Syria or in a similarly complex humanitarian setting.
• Understanding of CHS Accountability Standards and the Code of Conduct for humanitarian organizations