Over 80 years ago, Albert Einstein helped create the International Rescue Committee. Today, we are a leading humanitarian and development organization working in more than 40 countries and 26 U.S. cities to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future.
Position Summary:
IRC is seeking a MEAL Lead for an FCDO funded 3/4 year project in Pakistan. The Program aims to strengthen Pakistan’s healthcare system to deliver quality services and prevent deaths from communicable diseases and preventable maternal and newborn deaths in Punjab.
The outcomes to be achieved under this program are:
Output 1: Strengthened integrated health security, with a focus on preparing and responding to health emergencies, including pandemics.
Output 2: Enhanced information systems and capacity for evidence-based decision-making to drive health sector performance and accountability.
Output 3: Improved implementation of Universal Health Coverage, with a focus on ending preventable deaths.
The MEAL Lead will be responsible for developing and implementing robust monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems to track progress, measure impact, and promote continuous improvement within the program. Their expertise in data management, evaluation methodologies, and learning frameworks will be essential in ensuring the program’s success.
Job Responsibilities:
1. Design and implement MEAL systems:
• Developing and operationalizing, logical frameworks, M&E/MEAL plans, data collection tools, processes for data management, client feedback approaches, quality checks, audits, and data visualization.
• Collaborate with program stakeholders to ensure MEAL systems align with program objectives, outputs, and outcomes.
• Establish clear processes and protocols for data collection, analysis, and reporting, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and timeliness.
• Promote the use of innovative approaches and technologies for data collection, analysis, and visualization.
2. Monitor program implementation and progress:
• Lead the monitoring of program activities and outputs. Ensuring adherence to timelines, quality standards, and established indicators.
• Regularly collect and analyze data to track program progress. Identify challenges and inform decision-making.
• Conduct field visits and engage with stakeholders to verify data quality and gain insights into program implementation.
3. Conduct evaluations and impact assessments:
• Provide technical leadership for the design, method, and conduct of surveys such as baseline and end-line.
• Manage the commissioning of evaluations and surveys as required in coordination with program coordinators, technical advisors, and external partners as required.
• Lead the implementation of baseline and end-line surveys, studies, and other evaluation activities.
• Producing high-quality data, analysis, reports, presentations, and dashboards of key findings that foster learning and decision-making.
• Contribute to key meetings such as project cycle meetings and strategic senior management team meetings.
4. Promote accountability and learning:
• Shape and implement MEAL systems and approaches that meet IRC standards and practices.
• Meet project and program needs, enable accountability to clients, partners, and donors, and foster program learning.
• Establish mechanisms for community and stakeholder feedback, ensuring their voices are integrated into program decision-making processes.
• Coordinate with the program team to ensure the timely and effective utilization of monitoring data for adaptive management.
• Facilitate learning activities, such as workshops, reflection sessions, and knowledge-sharing platforms, to promote learning and best practices within the program.
• Document and disseminate lessons learned, success stories, and best practices to internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent the IRC on MEAL at internal and external meetings, forums, and other events.
5. Capacity building and coordination:
• Develop, coordinate, and strengthen capacity-sharing partnerships with MEAL counterparts of partner agencies, local organizations and MoH. Organize training on MEAL-related themes.
• Foster a culture of learning and evidence-based decision-making within the program team.
• Coach, mentor and support M&E/MEAL staff, providing vital tools and resources and on-the-job training.
• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including donors, government agencies, and implementing partners, to harmonize MEAL approaches and share learning.
Requirements:
• At least 15 years of experience leading MEAL with at least five years of experience in health programs or projects, preferably in international development contexts.
• Experience designing and delivering MEAL systems for FCDO-funded programs and commercial contracts with payment by results against milestones/deliverables.
• Strong understanding of MEAL principles, tools, and methodologies, including experience with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
• Familiarity with health program monitoring and evaluation frameworks, such as Logical Framework Analysis, Theory of Change, and Results Framework.
• Proficiency in using statistical software and data visualization tools such as Kobo, CommCare, ODK Collect are crucial as well as proficiency with Microsoft Excel; SPSS, Power-BI or other similar software.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and report writing skills.
• Self-motivated with excellent organization, planning, and analytical skills – able to work without close supervision, including prioritizing work and multi-tasking.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience working with government agencies, donors, and other stakeholders in the health sector in Pakistan is desirable.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and build capacity within a team.
• A strong understanding of accountability and proven ability to build Client Feedback Systems is a distinct advantage.
The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.