VPRU MEAL Specialist at International Rescue Committee

Job Overview: 

• The Violence Prevention and Response Technical Unit (VPRU) provides dynamic support to IRC’s country offices on protection programming—including direct technical assistance to country program staff—ensuring innovation, promotion of standards, and improvements for all protection programming implemented by the organization. This includes work across the streams of women’s protection and empowerment (WPE), child protection (CP), and protection rule of law (PRoL), as well as cross-cutting/integrated protection approaches.
• The primary role of the VPRU Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Specialist is to independently manage and implement MEAL systems for a portfolio of protection technical projects. In addition to supporting VPRU-led projects in carrying out routine MEAL, the Specialist will also contribute to wider VPRU learning strategies, guidance, and activities.
• This position will work closely with the VPRU MEAL, project, and country teams to support MEAL strengthening and promote consistency across data management and use for ongoing VPRU programming.

Major Responsibilities:

Provide Ongoing Direct Technical Support to VPRU Projects (primary role)

• Lead and manage MEAL activities for a concrete portfolio of VPRU-led grants, while working closely with VPRU technical advisors (TAs), specialists, and specific country program staff. Examples of VPRU-led grants may include but not limited to (may be subject to change):
  • Responsive Information Services in Emergencies (RISE); TRANSFORM; Irish Aid Strategic Partnership on Gender-Based Violence (GBV); and Foundations Project
• Work and think independently on key tasks, including (i) development and use of overarching project learning plans and approaches, (ii) data collection and management, data analysis/visualization, and data interpretation and use; and (iii) project-level adaptations and reflection
• Provide ongoing training and capacity building in MEAL core competencies, tools, and techniques to VPRU TAs/Specialists, country program staff, and partners (as needed)
• Adapt and refine MEAL approaches and resources based on country program and VPRU feedback

Support Broader Learning Strategies, Guidance, and Resources for VPRU

• Provide ad hoc support to other VPRU team members for discrete MEAL-related tasks, as feasible and needed
• Support development and implementation of intervention-specific data toolkits and learning agendas (as appropriate)
• Support the creation of core MEAL guidance and resources for VPRU teams
• Own and contribute to components of VPRU MEAL’s strategic workplan
• Actively contribute to MEAL technical sections of business development
• Represent VPRU MEAL on external meetings, working groups, and other platforms (as appropriate)
• Contribute to VPRU’s anti-racism commitments

Job Requirements:

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Strong experience with both data collection and data analysis skills for multiple MEAL methods required, including mobile data collection and strong Excel analysis skills
• Experience with qualitative data collection and management, qualitative data analysis, and/or mixed methods process or developmental evaluations (or similar learning exercises)
• Ability to generate high quality MEAL deliverables that demonstrate attention to detail, strong understanding of best data practices, and are appropriate for the end user(s)
• Strong organizational skills and ability to balance multiple priorities across a diverse portfolio
• Some experience with protection-specific MEAL (may be replaced with related sector/humanitarian MEAL experience combined with a demonstrated knowledge of protection-specific considerations)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as an ability to be clear and concise in all communications
• Strong interpersonal skills: able to successfully listen to, collaborate with, facilitate discussion among, and build trust with people from diverse nationalities and backgrounds
• Excellent writing and editing skills for proposal and technical resource development
• Flexible work demeanor: the ability to work well both in a dynamic, globally diverse team and independently
• Proven dedication to anti-racism and equity work

Preferred experience & skills:

• Degree in social sciences, humanitarian assistance, or other related field strongly preferred; a concentration in monitoring & evaluation will be an asset
• Experience with ODK-based mobile data collection applications (CommCare, Kobo, Ona, etc.) strongly preferred
• Experience with additional analysis software (e.g. PowerBI, Dedoose, NVIVO) strongly preferred
• Experience working in partnership with local or national-level organizations desirable
• Fluency in English is required, other IRC languages, such as French, Spanish and/or Arabic language skills will be an asset