The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, IRC offers life-saving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war or disaster. At work today in more than 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, IRC restores safety, dignity, and hope to millions uprooted by conflict or disaster. IRC leads the way from harm to home.
A lead responder in Iraq since 2003, the IRC delivers aid and services that help communities survive, recover, and gain control of their future. The IRC is providing robust programming across five governorates through Women’s Protection and Empowerment, Child Protection and Protection and Rule of Law, Economic Recovery and Development; integrated Early Childhood Development; and Governance and Social Cohesion programming. Our work spans emergency response to long-term programming and stabilization supporting our clients to rebuild their lives.
The IRC’s strategy for Iraq shows our commitment to improving the safety, power, health, education, and economic well-being of people affected by conflict, in Ninewa, Kirkuk, Salaheddine, and Anbar, through direct and local partners modalities and in coordination with the humanitarian community and the Government of Iraq.
JOB OVERVIEW
The MEAL program manager will direct and coordinate all aspects of IRC’s MEAL program, and continually improve the design and delivery of M&E activities. With direct management support from the MEAL Coordinator, the MEAL manager will ensure that the goals and objectives of the projects are met in a timely and effective manner . The MEAL manager will work closely with other sectors’ coordinators and managers to effectively harmonize and integrate the MEAL functions across the different sub-sectors of IRC, bringing them in line to have integrated and high-quality services to clients. The MEAL manager will manage other specific duties & responsibilities including Business Development & Context Analysis/Research, Award Management (PCM, Budget Management, Reporting, and Monitoring), Staff/Talent Management & Performance, External Relationships, Partnerships & Coordination. The MEAL manager will report to the MEAL Coordinator.
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Management and Technical Quality
- Assume primary responsibility for daily project management and implementation of the MEAL program projects in line with the Strategic Action Plan (SAP) in Iraq and ensure compliance with the donor agreement and project proposal, proactively notifying the MEAL Coordinator if issues arise.
- Lead project planning and oversee program implementation and budget expenditures to ensure effective use of resources against planned activities and expected outputs.
- Ensure adequate project monitoring and evaluation systems are in place in coordination with the MEAL team to collect information and consolidate data monthly to demonstrate impact and inform ongoing program design.
- Work collaboratively to integrate the MEAL program with other program sectors where appropriate, particularly with MEAL and MEAL programming.
- Compile and prepare quality monthly and periodic project progress reports, as well as final reports, and feed in other information as required by donors, the Regional Office, and the Technical Unit.
- Ensure the implementation of data quality assurance measures and completion of data audits and checks.
- Support the implementation of internal or external program evaluations, also manage the implementation and reporting of reviews and assessments.
- In coordination with the team and Grants department, follow up and update continuously the projects Dashboards to ensure quality management of the project in terms of identified indicators, targets, and budget.
- Actively support the MEAL staff in implementing and monitoring MEAL interventions in their area of operation.
- Conduct regular field visits to identify gaps and challenges and inform program efficiency and quality.
- Conduct regular communication and meetings with program staff, to ensure the delivery of services in a timely and effective manner.
Business Development & Context Analysis/Research
- Ensure implementation of developed plans for program evolution in collaboration with the MEAL Coordinator with existing donors and new donors
- Follow up and ensure availability of resources for conducting impact evaluations or studies on best practices for program modality evolution in coordination with the MEAL Coordinator.
- Apply a client-centered approach in partnership with local actors to provide systems strengthening, equitable access to services, and policy influence in the MEAL sector.
- Ensure needs assessment, research studies, key data, and desk reviews are in place for advocacy points.
- Manage the technical development of new proposals and initiatives for IRC Iraq in line with the Strategic Action Plan (SAP) and in coordination with MEAL Coordinator.
- Develop budgets for project proposals in conjunction with the MEAL Coordinator, grants, and finance departments, along with budget and project modification activities.
- Support the implementation of assessments and research activities aimed at generating a strong evidence base for IRC programming, as well as to inform IRC advocacy.
- Contribute to the greater sharing and use of data, research and learning within IRC’s program sectors, to ensure interventions are responsive to needs and informed by a sound understanding of the humanitarian context.
Award Management
- Review, monitor and follow up on project work plans, and detailed spending plans including Budget vs. Actual projections according to the budget management SOPs, in coordination with the MEAL Coordinator and relevant departments.
- Manage and Lead the Project Cycle Meetings (PCM) for assigned projects utilizing the projects’ Dashboards to ensure that technical action points are followed up promptly and bring any over/under expenditure issues to the attention of the SMT, Grants, and Finance teams along with proposed corrective actions.
- Prepare technical internal and external narrative reports within agreed deadlines using IRC and donor formats, and according to the Narrative Reports Writing SOPs.
- Support in updating program-relevant SOPs with reference to the IMPACT framework to ensure guide quality of implementation.
Staff/Talent Management & Performance
- Work with the MEAL Coordinator to build the capacity of team members and identify resources and materials to support and empower the staff in relevant technical and management competencies.
- Provide ongoing mentorship and guidance to direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting annual performance objectives, and providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback.
- Deliver and implement a comprehensive plan for hiring new team members as required including technical capacity-building trainings and orientations.
- As required identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these by the National Staff Employment Policies
- Approve and manage attendance and leave requests to ensure adequate departmental coverage; ensure monthly, accurate timesheet submission and carry out probationary reviews.
- Adhere to and act by the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures and communicates through word and example a high standard of compliance with all applicable policies and regulations.
External Relationships, Partnerships & Coordination
- Ensure close collaboration with IRC’s strategic partnerships and stakeholders in support of the Strategic Action Plan (SAP) in Iraq in terms of collaboration with local partners and systems strengthening.
- Coordinate and participate actively in different forums, meetings, and reviews with IRC partners including the relevant ministries, governmental bodies, civil society, private sector, and academic stakeholders.
- Organize and facilitate field visits for stakeholders interested in IRC’s programming in Iraq.
- Ensure regular communication with the MEAL Coordinator and other departments regarding the project’s progress and processes including finance, grants, and partnerships.
KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Position Reports to MEAL Coordinator
Position directly supervises: MEAL Officers
Key Internal Contacts: IM Manager andother IRC Iraq Programs such as, Women Protection and Empowerment, Economic Recovery and Development, Governance, Partnerships, Grants, Supply Chain, and Finance departments.
JOB REQUIREMENTS
- University degree in social sciences, social studies, social work, program management, or relevant degree.
- Minimum of 5 years of professional experience managing (designing and implementing) MEAL programs in both humanitarian and development contexts, with specific emphasis on M&E and data managements and reporting
- Strong organizational, interpersonal, and team-building skills.
- Strong writing and analytical skills, including MEAL and assessment data framework for use in program decision-making and humanitarian advocacy.
- Experience working with and coordinating with local authorities, donors, UN bodies, NGOs, INGOs, and other stakeholders including grass-root organizations.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Competent in Windows, MS office programs, emails, and relevant MEAL databases.
Demonstrated Managerial/Leadership Competencies:
- Promotes teamwork, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, flexible, and able to handle pressure with professional grace
- Ability to plan, prioritize, coordinate, and manage human resources.
- Demonstrated strong interpersonal and intercultural communication with success working both within a team and independently.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
- Standards of Professional Conduct: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, 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.
- Gender Equality IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including maternity leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
- COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement: Per the Iraqi Ministry of Health COVID-19 guidelines, IRC requires candidates who are selected for positions to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination to enter IRC premises. However, the exemption is only accepted per the Iraqi Health regulation and upon the provision of a negative PCR test.
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.
- Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Notice to all Job Seekers
IRC implements an equal employment opportunity policy, and our recruitment process is based on merit.
Applicants and/or successful interview candidates (both internal and external) are not required to pay any fees at any stage of the recruitment process.
If anyone asks you for any financial or non-financial favors to help you secure a job at IRC, kindly report to iraq.hr@rescue.org.
ملاحظة لكل الباحثين عن وظيفة
تعتمد لجنة الانقاذ الدولية سياسة فرص عمل متساوية وان عملية التوظيف لدينا تعتمد على الجدارة .
لايتوجب على المتقدمين لاي وظيفة او المؤهلين للمقابلات (سواء كانوا موظفيين حالين او متقدمين من خارج المنظمة) دفع اي مبلغ مالي خلال اي مرحلة من مراحل التوظيف.
اذا قام اي شخص بطلب اي خدمة مالية او غير مالية لقاء مساعدتكم في تأمين فرصة عمل داخل المنظمة ،يرجى الابلاغ عن ذلك الى iraq.hr@rescue.org