MEAL Officer–ECW (Contingent recruitment based on anticipated Funding) At ZOA

Job Title: MEAL Officer- ECW (Contingent recruitment based on anticipated funding)

Reporting to: Program Manager- West Nile

Purpose of the position

The MEAL Officer is responsible for the monitoring and reporting of the output, outcome and impact indicators as defined in Education projects MEAL Frameworks.

The MEAL officer will identify gaps in information and organise collection of the data for indicators at project level, ensuring that data collection (both in terms of process and content) facilitates accountability and learning as described in the Knowledge Management and MEAL Plans. The MEAL activities shall result in timely tracking and documentation of project activities, quality data collection and processing in support of project reporting, increased project accountability to different stakeholders and uphold learning within the project and the organisation.

The MEAL officer will support the one projects UGD 2303 – the Education Cannot Wait (ECW) project which will be implemented in Imvepi Refugee settlement in Terego and Bidibidi settlements in Yumbe district

Place in organisation

The MEAL Officer will be employed by ZOA Uganda and is line managed by the Programme Manager West Nile Programme. The MEAL Officer will be supported by the Programme Manager (for technical support and quality aspects), and Project Manager Education based in West Nile region.

He/She closely coordinates with the POs, as well as ZOA staff working on other Education projects in West Nile. The MEAL Officer will coordinate with other MEAL colleagues, including the MEAL Advisor (Programme Quality team, Kampala) for technical support and oversight.

Responsibilities

• The MEAL Officer works with the Programme Manager, West Nile Programme as MEAL focal point in West Programme and shall create and operate a functional monitoring and evaluation system at programme level with support from MEAL Advisor based at the country office. The MEAL framework gathers performance data at output, outcome and impact level based on objectives and indicators contained in the UGD2303 log frames/MEAL frameworks.
• Work with Project officers to ensure the collection of relevant and appropriate data for Knowledge Management and Learning.
• Lead and facilitate local analysis and interpretation of MEAL information as an input to regular narrative reports covering progress of the two projects. The actual project reporting is done by Project Managers of all projects.
• Promote the utilization of the collected data at project and programme level for adjustments in planning and implementation in order to promote adaptive project programming.
• Facilitate capacity building for PMs and POs to enable them to monitor and evaluate their own efforts, gather and analyse relevant data and produce required progress reports.
• Assist the Project Manager in the strategic use of data and information to improve impact of the two projects and overall West Nile programme.
• Organise joint project monitoring with other stakeholders and project teams.
• With support from PGM share field findings with the PMs and POs and other stakeholders
• Take a lead in analysing and interpreting of MEAL information; discuss MEAL related issues with the ZOA team and with stakeholders;
• Coordinate internal and external evaluations (including baseline) at programme level, in close collaboration with the MEAL Advisor at the Country office.
• Perform other duties assigned by the MEAL Advisor at Country office in consultation with PGM, West Nile programme.

Characteristics of role

The MEAL Officer will be based in Arua West Nile Programme and shall regularly visit all sub-counties within the West Nile programme area/the project locations up to 50% field time to provide real time monitoring.

The MEAL Officer may also visit other ZOA programme offices and Country Office for learning purposes and or interaction with other MEAL officers and the MEAL Advisor within the organisation for information sharing, training etc.

The role is 1.0 FTE (40 hrs/ week). Working hours are outlined in the ZOA Uganda Conditions of Service. Some flexibility on working hours may be required, e.g. for travel at weekends, or during reporting times.

Requirements

Knowledge & Experience:

• Degree or Diploma in Development Studies, Social sciences, Education, statistics, economics or other related relevant field;
• Background in education and/or Monitoring and Evaluation;
• At least 2 – 3 years of successful experience in a similar position implementing related projects;
• Experience in education projects and ASER/EGMA/EGRA tools and INEE standards is an added advantage;
• Understanding of the local context, culture, and language(s) in West Nile
• Excellent spoken and written command of English.

Skills:

• Excellent facilitation, communication skills and writing ability;
• Innovative, creative and enthusiastic;
• Provides regular feedback, acknowledges success and the need for improvement with Supervisees;
• Result oriented and possession of learning power.
• Good computer skills: Ms Excel and Ms Word;
• Self-motivator, able to take initiatives with limited supervision;
• Ability to drive a motorcycle with valid driving/riding license is a MUST.

Attitude/behaviour:

• High level of personal integrity;
• Flexibility and adaptability;
• Interpersonal and cross-cultural sensitivity;
• Able to work under pressures and meet deadlines;
• Able to work in a sometimes fluid and innovative environment;
• Commitment to ZOA’s mission, vision and values (see https://www.zoa-international.com/corporate-identity)