Regional Senior MEAL Specialist (Ukraine Response) At Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) is currently seeking a talented professional for the role of a Regional Senior MEAL Specialist for Europe/Middle East, initially focusing on the Ukraine crisis response. The Regional Senior MEAL Specialist reports to the Associate Director, Operations and Strategy for Central and Eastern Europe/ Commonwealth of Independent States (CEE/CIS). The Senior MEAL Specialist will adapt and implement monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) guidelines and tools throughout the operations in CEE/CIS and provides support with organizational MEAL and related standards. The purpose of the position is to support the improvement of program and project efficiency and effectiveness, decision making and learning during the project life cycle through MEAL. In carrying out their work, this position interacts with national organizations, area office and headquarters staff, partner organizations and contracted subject matter experts (SMEs).

This position will be based in Bratislava, Slovakia or Warsaw, Poland, involves up to 30% travel and is anticipated to last for two years.

ABOUT HABITAT’S RESPONSE TO THE UKRAINE CRISIS:

As millions of refugees flee violence in Ukraine, Habitat for Humanity is on the ground in four neighboring countries – Poland, Romania, Hungary and Slovakia – helping meet the shelter needs of displaced families. We are supporting refugees on the move, supplying them with emergency travel kits and hotel vouchers. Habitat is also working on mid- and long-term accommodations for refugees, by subsidizing rentals, refurbishing communal spaces that can act as shelter and supporting mid-term hosting arrangements with families who have opened up their homes. We also plan to lend our housing and construction expertise to partners who repurpose so-called empty spaces – such as unused schools and factories – to serve as shelter for refugees.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Planning and Coordination

Adapt and continue to develop MEAL methodology, approaches, and tools, and provide support and guidance to Europe/Middle East area office and national organization staff to ensure their proper use.
In collaboration with program/project teams supports the development of area office, national organization, and project capacity to ensure that MEAL standards and good practices are properly integrated in all phases of the project life cycle.
Provides support to national organizations and projects to ensure that they meet HFHI MEAL standards and good MEAL practices.
Technical support for MEAL policy, standards, procedures and tools implementation.
Participate in program/project design and proposal writing in the areas of theory of change, log frame design, MEAL plan and budget development.
Advise and support program/project teams on quality data gathering and analysis to facilitate informed program and project design.
Provide research, planning and evaluation guidance and tools for the implementation of new/pilot housing programs, and assist national organizations in research and analysis for the development of new programs.
Support program/project teams to set up accountability mechanisms to beneficiaries and community members. Review the responsive use of accountability mechanisms, data, and responses.
Support and follow up on research, evaluations and learning events to document lessons learned and best practices from interventions. Prepare or review terms of reference for external evaluators and coordinate collaboration.

Knowledge management, reporting and learning

Support national organizations in the use of HFHI metrics tools and data reporting, review project data collection and reporting (Global Metrics Tool and related) for data quality and make recommendations for improvement.
Oversee the implementation of data management tools for process and quality improvement.
Conduct analysis of project and program results to support evidence-based program decision making and program quality improvement, using appropriate software.
Ensure that analysis of evaluation findings and recommendations feedback into improved program quality, evidenced in subsequent program designs.

Capacity development

Coordinate national organization capacity assessments and review of MEAL systems to identify process, systems and capacity gaps.
Support national organizations in the development of MEAL process, system and capacity building plan.
In line with global MEAL plan, support capacity development of national organization staff in the area of MEAL.
Develop materials and facilitate learning events that build capacity through MEAL and project management.

Collaboration

Participate in HFHI relevant communities of practice and collaborate with counterparts within HFHI network.
Be an active member of Habitat’s global MEAL Leadership Team. Represent the knowledge, skills, and experience that you bring to Habitat and that you gain through your work at Habitat to expand the global MEAL Leadership Team’s awareness, capabilities, and pooled resources.
Support the integration of HFHI’s theory of change and MEAL processes.
Establish an external network of organizations and individual experts for joint projects and contractual work.

REQUIREMENTS:

Bachelor’s degree in a related field, especially in the social sciences, social work, or program evaluation areas.
Specialization and/or professional certification in monitoring and evaluation.
5+ years of experience in a similar position, preferably with a development organization.
In-depth knowledge and experience in monitoring and evaluation, accountability, learning, research and evaluation methodologies, standards, and practices (preferably in relation to human / social development or housing and human settlement).
Understanding of contemporary trends and innovations in MEAL.
Demonstrated experience with qualitative and quantitative data analysis and statistics.
Proficient user of Microsoft Office Suite; familiarity with statistical packages, qualitative data analysis software and IT applications to support MEAL and knowledge management.
Fluency in English, written and spoken.
Project management experience.
Adult training and facilitation skills.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively within a multi-cultural team.
Maturity to work independently with little supervision.
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
Good organizational skills including accuracy, consistency, and attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Active support of HFHI values & commitments:
Humility – We are part of something bigger than ourselves.
Courage – We do what’s right, even when it is difficult or unpopular.
Accountability – We take personal responsibility for Habitat’s mission.
Safeguarding: HFHI requires that all employees take seriously their ethical responsibilities to safeguarding our intended beneficiaries, their communities, and all those with whom we work. Managers at all levels have responsibilities to support and develop systems that create and maintain an environment that prevents harassment, sexual exploitation and abuse, safeguards the rights of beneficiaries and community members (especially children), and promotes the implementation of Habitat for Humanity’s code of conduct.