Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) Senior Officer at International Rescue Committee

Job Description

Under the direct supervision of the Re:Build project Manager, and technical supervision of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Coordinator (MEAL), the MEAL Senior Officer shall be responsible for the overall collection, summarizing, compiling and dissemination, storing and timely reporting of all forms of data in the Livelihood program. The MEAL Senior Officer will work closely with all program staff to ensure the quality and consistency of program data collection using mobile toolkits, manage database platform and conduct data analysis to inform program decision making. They will also drive projects’ adaptation and continuous improvement based on the evidence and learning gathered through analyzed data, including client feedback. This role will also provide ongoing technical support in the management of mobile data collection platform (CommCare and PowerBi) and training to the program staff who are conducting mobile data collection, data analysis and client management. They will supervise and head the MEAL department. They shall coordinate with program managers and officers in sharing monitoring and evaluation information/results and support in preparation and dissemination of program reports and program design.

Key Responsibilities

MEAL Technical Oversight

Lead the MEAL system and processes for the IRC Re:Build project in harmony with the MEAL Country and Global Strategy throughout the project cycle which include:

• Use learning, evidence, and data from previous projects to inform project proposal design;
• Develop logical frameworks, MEAL plans, digital data collection tools, processes for online data management;
• Develop and manage information management systems for monitoring and evaluation and generate periodic reports to inform and guide programs;
• Oversee implementation of MEAL systems through regular field monitoring visits and tracking of Key Performance Indicators at the facility and camp level;
• Establish and ensure timely data flow, quality checks, and audits, and updating of data visualization;
• Supervise MEAL field activities;
• Undertake regular analysis of monitoring data and work closely with program coordinators and managers to facilitate decision-making for real-time program adaptation;
• Produce quality reports and updating dashboards with key findings that foster learning and decision-making and share in project cycle management meetings and team meetings;
• Identify, detail, and share lessons learned to improve services and results for our clients.
• Participate actively in the enforcement of Quality Assurance (QA), Quality Control (QC) and Quality Improvement (QI) measures for all field program interventions
• Engage in the design, method, and conduct of surveys such as baseline and end line, and the commission of evaluations in coordination with colleagues and partners;
• Advocate for and support the expansion of standard mobile data technology and online dashboard to enhance timeliness and quality of data collection, analysis and visualization;
• Ensure a high level of communication and close working relationships with the project team, project implementers, and other key stakeholders
• Join and contribute to IRC’s effort in meeting its internal and external accountability commitments through the implementation of sound accountability, client feedback, and response mechanisms.

Data Collection and Analysis

Support data gathering and collection activities, to include:

• Creation of electronic surveys using open-source tools like CommCare.
• Staff training on use of mobile data collection tablets and surveying
• Assisting center staff in approaches to surveying clients at the center and also remotely, providing guidance and feedback on survey data collection.
• Support survey development to respond to program monitoring, reporting and learning needs, monitor the quality of data collection, and provide additional guidance to staff after reviewing collected data.
• Run system-based reports to provide program staff and management with updated program statistics on clients registered and by activity that are disaggregated by sex, age, nationality and location.

Monitoring and Evaluation System management

• Manage the CommCare application used for program data storage and analysis, suggesting needed modifications and updates with the support of the ERD Technical Unit and management
• Train program and center staff on CommCare and entering and using system data
• Troubleshoot any issues with data uploads and synching, and work with program staff to ensure high quality survey data and understanding of data collection procedures.

Leadership and partnership:

• Provide leadership on all technical aspects and actions of MEAL regarding the livelihood project; respond to program needs; foster high standards and practices for quality data, analysis, and reports. Enable accountability to clients, partners, and donors;
• Improve MEAL systems and approaches and foster learning;
• Represent IRC at technical meetings, forums, and other events & build partnership within IRC and other areas of expertise;
• Champion design, access and use of data by leaders and partners for shared learning and evidence-based decision-making;
• Collaborate with MEAL teams within and outside IRC to support harmonization of MEAL systems and approaches, sharing capacity and experiences.

Human Resources:

• Administratively and technically supervise MEAL officers, Assistants and enumerators as appropriate.
• Coordinate, lead, mentor and support a dynamic small to medium team of MEAL staff; foster timely and high-quality achievement, and an inclusive and respectful team climate;
• Promote the growth and development of others in IRC teams and partners in MEAL: Lead and craft high-quality technical training and learning materials for partners, colleagues, and junior staff;
• Participate in the recruitment and onboarding of program MEAL officers, assistants, and (if relevant) external consultants.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in information science, monitoring and evaluation, computer engineering, research, program management, economics or similar field
• At least 5 years of managing data collection and analysis, with experience with or concrete knowledge and experience in statistical analysis and data management software and methodology along with key platforms (CommCare, ONA, Power BI, KOBO and or ODK).
• Computer literacy with possible advanced Ms word, Ms Excel, Ms PowerPoint and Ms access
• Demonstrated experience and capacity in reporting, monitoring and evaluation, and using technology and mobile data collection to improve approaches.
• Experience in humanitarian, non-profit or community engagement sectors preferred.
• Strong ability to work independently, organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills, creativity and flexibility.
• Personal qualities: promotes collaboration and coordination within and across teams, comfortable in a multi-cultural environment, extremely flexible and adaptable, ability to contribute across multiple activities and departments.

Required Experience & Competencies:

• Good knowledge of monitoring and evaluation technologies, techniques, approaches and methodologies in livelihood programs.
• Demonstrated experience and understanding of CommCare and PowerBi.
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines with quality products. Strong communication skills; oral, written and presentation skills.
• Strong management skills(Managing, motivating and developing staff)
• Excellent planning and organizational skills with the ability to appropriately manage and delegate work