Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist At Danish Refugee Council

We are looking for a highly qualified, self-motivated Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist who is able to support MEAL activities and work with diverse teams of both national and international staff.

Background

DRC ‘s 2025 Strategy, focusses on intensifying its fight against systemic inequality and structural discrimination of conflict- and displacement-affected persons by redoubling its focus on the two breakthroughs that guide its work. DRC is focusing on increased protection and enhanced inclusion to be at the centre of all strategic decisions and tactical implementations.

Danish Refugee Council (DRC) has been operational in South Sudan since 2005, working with the overall aim of achieving durable solutions for displaced populations DRC primarily operates across Upper Nile and Unity states, both of which are heavily affected by conflict and experience high numbers of internally displaced populations as well as refugees in need of humanitarian assistance. DRC has operational bases in Maban, Malakal and Kodok in Upper Nile and in Bentiu, Mayom, Kodok and Ajuong Thok in Unity state, supported by a country-office in Juba.

DRC has a multi-sectorial mobile response team based in Juba able to rapidly respond to new and urgent humanitarian situations countrywide at short notice to conduct assessments and responses. DRC also has a Humanitarian Disarmament and Peacebuilding sector which operates across various locations in the country.

Purpose of the post

The MEAL Specialist will have overall responsibility for planning, management and execution of all surveys, assessments and lessons learned processes for the Country Operation. This will entail ensuring that all planned surveys, assessments, evaluations, and research across DRC programmes are carried out and completed in a timely manner whilst ensuring that the information collected is used in future program design and decision-making. All deliverables will need to adhere to internal and external quality standards and compliance requirements

Responsibilities

Survey and evaluation

  • Lead and support the MEAL Officers when conducting baseline and endline surveys, evaluations, post distribution monitoring (PDMs), post construction surveys, beneficiary intentions and satisfaction surveys, and other related assessments in all relevant locations
  • Provide leadership and guidance in survey and assessment processes, ensuring the full participation of all DRC programme sectors from planning stage through data collection to report writing process, and drawing of conclusions and recommendations
  • Develop survey and assessment data collection guidelines, provide training to internal MEAL staff, partners’ staff and enumerators
  • Collect and analyse outcomes data and evaluation results to develop reports and key recommendations
  • Ensure the quality of assessment reports, proper dissemination of information and usage for decision making
  • Carry out data analysis for surveys and evaluations using data analysis software such as SPSS, MS Excel and produce surveys/ evaluation reports, including Factsheets.
  • Develop one-pagers on key findings and recommendations with action plan from the results of surveys and assessment activities

Development of data collection tools and methodologies

  • Develop ToRs, appropriate data collection methodologies and tools in coordination with technical coordinators, project managers and team leaders including coding and uploading questionnaires into KoBo Toolbox, etc.
  • Ensure that all the designed tools, methodologies and other MEAL activities are in line with DRC global, regional and country level strategies as well as cluster guidelines and other humanitarian standards such as CHS and Sphere etc.
  • Ensure that high-quality data collection and analyses are undertaken in a timely manner, whilst considering to the ongoing issues around access and security which may affect particular locations
  • Ensuring transparent, accurate and timely collection of data by administrating surveys, conducting focus groups discussions and other contextually appropriate participatory information collection
  • Cross check the accuracy of data entry with data management officer, and support MEAL officers and assistant in data cleaning
  • Responsible for drafting initial reports from data collected by the MEAL officers/assistants, program teams or secondary sources with the guidance of MEAL Manager.
  • Conceptualize infographics, flash presentations or other information outputs for the country programme and partners
  • Organize and maintain GIS data in accordance with the data management protocols

Programme Support & Capacity Building

  • Contribute to developing and/or adapting country MEAL strategy including developing structures, processes and procedures to ensure effective and efficient MEAL of the DRC’s ongoing programs.
  • In coordination with the sector Technical Coordinators, project managers and the MEAL Manager, ensure that each project/grant has a survey and assessment plan in place and included in all proposals and implementation plans.
  • Assisting the MEAL Manager in developing MEAL plans for the ongoing/new projects and developing work plans for the different field sites on implementation of the MEAL activities
  • Plan regular visits to area offices and operational bases to assess the local context, learn about program strategies and where needed provide support to the implementation teams.
  • Provide input to donor proposals and reports as required and ensure that data is correctly presented in such documents, incorporating lessons learned and findings from previous surveys
  • Facilitate the recruitment of appropriate survey teams in each field location, in coordination with the relevant MEAL Officer, HR focal point and Area Manager
  • Conduct capacity building trainings for MEAL staff and enumerators on the data collection methodologies and tools to ensure accurate data collection
  • Support on knowledge sharing and capacity building of non-MEAL staff
  • Ensure to maintain up-to-date knowledge of the contextual shifts in the operating environment

Coordination

  • Provide information as required to the respective technical clusters and donors in relation to humanitarian data and be proactive in alerting the country team and external partners to any humanitarian data which is of concern.
  • Responsible for timely sharing of initial findings of the monitoring reports with program team in close coordination with the MEAL Manager
  • Build strong relationship with Grants department, Technical Coordinators and Project Managers to ensure strengthened collaboration and increased engagement between MEAL and other programmes staff
  • Build or contribute to community of practice with other MEAL counterparts from other DRC offices and/or MEAL counterparts from other agencies
  • Coordinate with grants during proposal development processes to build MEAL plan and logframe, as well as actively contributing to project kick-off, review and closure meetings.

Accountability, Learning and Project Quality

  • Provide inputs to program for comprehensive knowledge management including result tracking, documentation of case studies/ human interest stories and lessons learned and sharing with all the relevant bodies for incorporation in future project designs
  • Support the development and implementation of DRC complaint feedback mechanism, including review of the existing tools and producing monthly and quarterly reports
  • Ensure that all project activities are designed to promote community feedback and response mechanisms and include systems to effectively manage complaints.
  • Support MEAL and programme teams to better document and integrate knowledge and learning into their daily activities through support in the development of appropriate tools and guidance
  • Support teams to collect success stories and best practices, and to contribute to knowledge sharing
  • Organize and facilitate internal and external learning events
  • Carry-out any other duties and/or responsibilities as needed.

About You

  • University degree in statistics, economics, M&E, research or related studies
  • A minimum of 3 years of direct, “hands-on” working experience in conducting surveys, assessments, research, statistical data analysis, monitoring and evaluation of emergency or resilience programmes in conflict or post conflict setting or similar context.
  • University degree in related fields relevant to MEAL i.e. statistics, economics, research or related studies.
  • Master’s degree is desirable.
  • Experience in data collection tool through ODK –KoBo toolbox system to design and convert the data collection tools in to ODK is desirable.
  • Experience in data management using Office, Excel, EPI-Info, PowerBI, SPSS and/or STATA is an asset. This will include hands-on experience in data capturing and analysis and reporting of indicator data as well as supervising data collection.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills both verbal and written communications skills as well as strong team working skills
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks in an effective, pro-active and timely manner.
  • Proficiency in reading, writing and understanding in English is essential.
  • Proficiency in the local languages (Arabic) would be an advantage
  • FEMALE CANDIDATES STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Key stakeholders

  • MEAL Manager/MEAL team, Head of Programme, Technical Coordinators, Grants team
  • Area Manager, MEAL Officers/Assistants, Project Managers etc

Commitments

DRC adheres to the Core Humanitarian Standards. All staff are required to contribute to the achievement of these standards

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate each of DRC’ five core competencies:

  • Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results through the Regional team both to position DRC and ensure excellence in all deliverable.
  • Collaborating: You lead regional initiatives and processes by involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.
  • Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
  • Communicating: You listen to other stakeholders and staff; and you communicate concisely and persuasively.
  • Demonstrating integrity: You act in line with DRC’s vision and values.

Conditions

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for Expatriates; please refer to www.drc.dk under Vacancies. This position will be placed at Employment Band – G2 (Non Management).

How to apply

Application process

​Interested? Then apply for this position by clicking on APPLY BUTTON :

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English. CV only applications will not be considered.

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please contact www. drc.ngo/jobsupport

  • Applications close 25th October, 2022.

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In the light of this, women are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap*.***

Equal opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employee. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, colour, race, marital status or other protected characteristics

  • ​ FEMALE CANDIDATES STRONGLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY

Need further information?

​For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website www.drc.ngo

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