The Syria crisis is often described as the worst humanitarian catastrophe since the end of the Cold War. Today, 13.4 million people in Syria – more than half of the country’s population – are in need of humanitarian assistance with needs increasingly being exacerbated by economic decline. Of these, 6.8 million are refugees and asylum-seekers who have fled the country. This is no short-term humanitarian episode. The devastating human consequences to huge numbers of people will endure for decades. The destruction of relationships, communities, livelihoods, homes and infrastructure will take years to repair.
IRC is offering a robust humanitarian response to the Syria crisis a rapidly expanding portfolio, supported by more than 1000+ staff in Syria Country Program. IRC is undertaking programs in Syria and the neighboring countries of Turkey, Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan in the fields of health, child protection, early childhood development, education, women’s protection and empowerment, non-food items and food distribution, cash assistance, water and sanitation, protection and rule of law, and livelihood programming. Our work in these challenging settings gives rise to some of the most pressing issues facing contemporary humanitarian action, including questions of access, security, funding and coordination.
Job Overview/Summary:
To ensure high-quality programming for the clients we serve and support the global ambitions of IRC Strategy 100, especially the Data Ambition, and the Country Strategic Action Plan, the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Senior Coordinator will provide the leadership vital to ensure that the IRC Syria country program develops and meets its monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning commitments, as set out IRC’s Strategy 100 and partnerships with donors. Core to this will be providing strategic direction to, and harmonization of, MEAL efforts in Whole of Syria during IRC’s ongoing process of transitioning its Syria operations from multiple management hubs (Turkey, Jordan and Iraq) to a single Syria country program and management structure. The MEAL Senior Coordinator will lead a country program MEAL Unit that gives to evidence-based program design and continuous improvements of program quality based on data, feedback, and learning.
In support of these goals, the senior coordinator provides vital technical assistance, capacity sharing, individual mentoring, supervision and training to M&E/MEAL staff at IRC and partners. The role holder will be part of the extended senior program management team and report to the Program Director for Implementation and Quality. This position is based in Amman, with frequent travel within the region.
Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and Partnership
• Lead all aspects of MEAL (including client feedback mechanisms) functions across multiple sectors and multiple geographical areas/ large portfolio and or complex environment.
• Establish a coherent Syria MEAL system across both Northwest and Northeast Syria, and across both direct implementation and implementation through partners.
• Establish and drive common strategies and approaches to the country’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Accountability processes that reflect and contextualize Strategy 100 and the Country Strategic Action Plan and ensure that the MEAL structure is fit for this purpose.
• Shape and implement MEAL systems and approaches that meet IRC standards and practices, that meet project and program needs, enable accountability to clients, partners, and donors, and foster program learning.
• Oversee Third party Monitoring efforts, including internal efforts to use TPM to supplement IRC’s own data collection efforts.
• Ensure continued functioning of, and improvements to, the regional client feedback and responsiveness mechanism, and adherence to regional standards and expectations.
• Ensure the integration of client feedback and responsiveness tools into IRC’s way of working.
• Oversee improvements to the MEAL team’s ways of working, including by identifying and supporting technological upgrades to data collection, storage, processing, and analysis.
• Champion design, access and use of data by leaders and partners for shared learning and evidence-based decision-making.
• Reinforce integration of cross-sectoral priorities in MEAL, including gender, protection, safeguarding, disaster risk reduction, Diversity-Equality-Inclusion and Do No Harm.
Technical Oversight
• Provide technical leadership for a strong monitoring system and processes throughout the project cycle from the design, implementation to close-out and learning including:
o Using learning and evidence from internal and external sources including previous projects to inform proposal design and Theory of Change;
o Developing and operationalizing, logical frameworks, M&E/MEAL plans, data collection tools, processes for data management, clients feedback approaches, quality checks and audits, and data visualization;
o Developing and advocating for adequate M&E/MEAL budget and staffing structure for all projects;
o Ensuring the program sector teams understand how to and have the tools necessary to analyze MEAL and feedback data in order to learn and inform decision-making, including by maintaining and upgrading IRC’s Program Indicator Dashboard and by producing high-quality data, analysis, reports, presentations, and dashboard of key findings that foster learning and decision-making and share in key meetings such as project cycle meetings and strategic senior management team meetings.
• Provide technical leadership for the design, method, and conduct of surveys such as baseline and endline, and the commission of evaluations and surveys as required in coordination with program coordinators, technical advisors, and external partners where vital.
• Lead and advocate for the expansion of standard mobile data technology and online dashboard to enhance timeliness and quality of data collection, analysis and visualization.
• Provide technical leadership to IRC’s effort in meeting its internal and external accountability commitments through the implementation of sound accountability, client feedback, and response mechanisms.
• Support program sector teams (Early Childhood Development, Integrated Protection, Economic Recovery and Development, and Health), and the Grants Unit in ensuring that MEAL elements support strong proposals for new funding and high-quality reporting on current programs- in line with IRC MEAL tools.
• Develop systems and procedures that measure country program-wide performance and achievements towards outcomes and strategic and organizational commitments.
Coordination & Representation
• Represent the IRC on MEAL at internal and external meetings, forums, and other events;
• Develop, coordinate and strengthen capacity sharing partnerships with MEAL counterparts of partner agencies, local organizations and government;
• Dedicatedly participate in, and give to, coordination meetings and working groups inside and outside of the UN cluster system.
Research, Learning and Analysis
• Lead assessments and research aimed at generating a strong evidence base for IRC programming, as well as to advise IRC advocacy, such as by ensuring that IRC conducts periodic Multi-Sectoral Needs Assessments.
• Work closely with IRC’s advocacy and media teams, and Technical Units, for the launch and dissemination of research reports and findings.
• Contribute to the advocacy efforts of IRC Syria and the Middle East Region through analysis of the policy environment and trends, staff briefings, and external representation in relevant discussions.
• Support the greater sharing and use of research and learning within IRC’s program sectors, including by contributing to program development and design, to ensure interventions are responsive to needs and advised by a sound understanding of the humanitarian context in Syria.
Staff Performance Management, Learning & Development
• Hire, supervise, and build the capacity of team members in relevant technical and management competencies.
• Develop and implement remote management capacity building approaches to build the strengths the teams teams in Syria.
• Coach, train, supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting annual performance objectives, providing regular and timely positive and constructive performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Approve and manage time, attendance and leave requests to ensure adequate departmental coverage; ensure monthly, accurate timesheet submission and carry out probationary reviews.
• Hold high-quality meetings with each direct report on a regular and predictable basis, minimally on a monthly basis.
• Provide a measurable development plan including on-the-job learning with the aim of strengthening technical capacity, exchanging knowledge within the team and providing guidance on career paths.
• As required, identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with the National Staff Employment Policies.
• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions.
• Promote and monitor staff care and well-being. Model healthy work-life balance practices. Support appropriate interventions in response to identified staff care needs of both national and international staff.
• Look for opportunities to support staff in their career growth, where appropriate. As part of succession plan and nationalization goals, identify, train and develop capability and capacity of national staff to successfully transition role and responsibilities, by the end of assignment.
Required Experience/qualification/Skills:
Education:
BA/BS Degree in international development, social sciences, or a related field; MA/MS a plus.
Work Experience:
• At least 7 years of experience within the international development / humanitarian sector, several of which was at senior management level (some international experience preferred).
• Minimum of 6 years’ specific experience in monitoring and evaluation of multi-sectoral programming in emergency.
• Experience with setting up and handling client feedback mechanisms.
• Experience with multi-sectoral and multi-donor funded programs.
• Previous experience with remote management (preferred).
• Prior experience working in remote-management situations preferred, particularly in supporting partners.
Proven Technical Skills:
• Establish and drive common strategies and approaches to the country’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Accountability processes that reflect and contextualize Strategy 100 and the Country Strategic Action Plan and ensure that the MEAL structure is fit for this purpose.
• Excellent technical understanding of contemporary MEAL methods and practices, with hands-on experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
• Strong program/technical and budget management skills, planning, reporting, monitoring and evaluation skills.
• Proven ability to transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through training, mentoring, and other formal and non-formal methods together with strong oral communication skills, presentation and reporting skills.
• INGO experience required; experience working with the interagency coordination mechanisms desirable.
• Comprehensive knowledge of humanitarian accountability principles and their translation into practice.
• Experience with multi-sectoral and multi-donor funded programs.
• Strong technical and operational knowledge of humanitarian programming in a remote context.
Demonstrated Managerial/Leadership Competencies:
• An appropriate balance of critical thinking and doing skills.
• Strong methodical planning and organizational skills.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and communications skills.
• Strong analytical, presentation, and reporting skills.
• Excellent relationship-building, interpersonal skills and the ability to optimally represent IRC at forums and with donors.
• Strong negotiation skills essential with experience in conflict resolution desirable.
• Superior oral and written communication skills, with ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and persuasively with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience of working successfully with local stakeholders such as local and international NGOs, government, etc. with sensitivity and diplomacy.
• Confirmed ability to design and lead training engagements with staff and partners to enhance skills and adapt to changing program demands.
• Mature and structured approach to team management and project delivery.
• Positive attitude to work, self-reflective, motivated, inspired, collegial.
• Empathy and ability to listen.
• Confirmed ability to work well in and promote partnership, thrive in a multi-cultural environment, be flexible and handle pressure with professional grace.
• Strong commitment to IRC’s mission, purpose and values.
Languages:
• Professional fluency in spoken and written English is required.
• Familiarity with Arabic is highly desirable.
Computer/Other Tech Requirements:
Proficiency and experience with mobile data collection such as Kobo, CommCare, ODK Collect are crucial as well as proficiency with Microsoft Excel; SPSS, SATA or other similar software;
• Knowledge of Tableau, Power BI or GIS software are additional assets
• Experience with statistical and data management software.
Key Working Relationships:
Position Reports to: Program Director for Quality and Implementation (PDQI)
Position directly supervises: M&E, IM and Accountability Managers
Key Internal Contacts: All staff and departments within the Syria Country Program (primarily the PDQI and Program, Partnerships and Grant teams), Regional M&E unit, HQ/Regional Technical Units (Technical Assistants and M&E, Client Responsiveness specialists), HQ Research Evaluation & Learning Unit (Airbel).
Key External Contacts: Partner organizations, other humanitarian actors
Professional Standards: IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, IRC operates and carries out policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Respect at Work Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
Returning National Candidates: We strongly encourage national or returning national candidates to apply for this position. If you are a citizen of the Country in which this position is based and are currently located outside of your home country and possess over two years of international work experience, the Middle East Region has introduced an attractive remuneration package. The package includes competitive compensation, return flight to post, shipping allowance, temporary housing and a relocation allowance. Certain restrictions may apply. IRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff in our programs.
Accountability to Clients: IRC staff must adhere to the commitment of contributing to the sustainability and development of its (CR) Client Responsiveness Mechanisms, preserving the culture of prioritizing the needs of our clients and affected communities by systematically listening to their perspectives and using their feedback to make programmatic decisions and give them greater influence over program design and delivery.
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 parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.
Diversity and Inclusion: at IRC MENA, we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. Organizations that are diverse in age, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, physical or mental ability, ethnicity, nationality, and perspective are validated to be better organizations. More importantly, creating a safe workspace environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best is the right thing to do. So, bring your whole self to work.
How to apply
https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/34970?c=rescue