The role holder will be responsible for leading the strategic direction and quality assurance of MEAL in the country office. They will design and implement strategy, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and budget for the function, which aim to ensure the Country Office (CO) is meeting and exceeding MEAL minimum standards. In close collaboration with programme leadership, the role leads CO learning agenda and evaluation planning required to feed into programme and strategic decision making at key learning moments.
Responsibilities:
Design, lead, and manage Country Office and program level monitoring and evaluation systems ensuring the learning is integrated, accurate and relevant. Ensure the findings and M&E systems are institutionalized.
Support the design of theories of change, MEAL tools, and indicators with Programme and Advocacy staff; ensure that MEAL plans are developed and implemented including quality assurance of indicator reference sheets, theory of change and log frame.
Lead and facilitate CO-level procedures, policies, and guidance to institutionalise MEAL across the country programme.
Promote MEAL as a strategic country office priority by contributing to country strategy processes and supporting programme specialists and Program Development Managers in using MEAL data throughout the strategy implementation including validation of theory of change and analysis of MEAL data to assess the effectiveness of programmes.
Lead MEAL data collection planning sessions with programme team and support the development of data collection tools, analysis systems and information products including review monitoring reports, facilitate programme teams in reflecting on what the data means for their programmes, and strengthen the quality of monitoring methodologies and approaches for all CCs.
Provide technical support to ensure the quality and reliability of needs assessments, research, studies and regular monitoring.
In close collaboration with CCs/senior programme management, develop learning agenda for the CO and action plan to implement the agenda including facilitating regular learning moments through PCM meetings or similar fora. It could also include learning through evaluations, after-action reviews and lessons learned exercises based on the CO learning agenda and integrate findings across the Project Cycle Management (PCM) phases.
Participate in program design and proposal discussions, including log frame design, and budgeting for M&E during annual budgeting processes.
Ensure the Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM) is functioning and effective across the country operation, and that learning from the CFM is systematically fed into program development and country management decisions.
Ensure the integration of NRC's Safe and Inclusive Protection (SIP) standards into MEAL activities, tools and methodologies.
Carry out any other tasks related to the position or the MEAL function as delegated by the line manager.
Requirements:
Minimum 6 years of MEAL experience, including at least 3 years in a managerial position with an international NGO, preferably in post-conflict or protracted crisis settings, with experience supporting refugee response and displacement affected persons and working in camp or host community environments.
Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Information Systems Management, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.
Strong understanding of MEAL principles and current approaches in relief and development settings, using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
Skilled in data analysis, interpretation of trends, and communication of findings to support evidence-based decision-making.
Experience in mobile and online data collection systems and in data management and analysis platforms.
Experience handling sensitive community feedback in line with data protection principles.
Experience coordinating with the UN system, INGOs, donors, and local authorities at field level.
Technical expertise in programme evaluation methodologies and approaches.
Familiarity with the Syria crisis and refugee response context in the middle east region, including experience in camp or host community environments.
Experience in working with consortiums or local/national partners.
Managing local volunteers or consultants
Experience supporting MEAL for Education, Shelter & Basic Needs and Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA) Core Competencies.
Proficient in facilitating participatory discussions, learning workshops, and capacity-building activities.
Advanced in spoken and written English. Arabic is an added advantage.
