MEAL Specialist

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfilment of the wish to return home.

The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.

All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation

The MEAL Specialist based in Amman will support the development and management of the MEAL strategy by coordinating the MEAL activities and analyze the data gathered as well as advise the program and technical managers on the program quality shortcomings. The MEAL Specialist will act as a MEAL focal point for the predefined grants and foster constructive relationships with the different stakeholders in the area of responsibility in addition to support the mainstreaming of MEAL throughout the Program Cycle Management (PCM) and reinforce quality program management.

About the job

The individual will report directly to MEAL Manager. Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

Planning and implementation:

• With the support of the MEAL Manager, contribute to logframe/indicator development, narrative descriptions of M&E activities, MEAL budget line estimations, during the proposal development process.
• Contribute to the continuous updating of MEAL standard operating procedures, and proactively identify opportunities to improve MEAL systems and processes.
• Develop M&E plans and workplans including mixed-methods and participatory approaches and indicator performance tracking tools to monitor results; and where relevant, draft a continency remote MEAL management plan.
• Participate in and contribute to (as appropriate) project Kick-off meetings, Quarterly Review meetings and Close-out meetings in order to highlight cross-project components aimed at replicating good practices and strengthening synergies between projects or programs. Also, organize MEAL kick off meetings for field staff.
• In close collaboration with the technical unit, design assessment/monitoring and evaluation tools (focus group discussions, key informant interviews, household/individual surveys, post-distribution monitoring, participatory M&E activities, observational monitoring, etc.) and methodologies for activities including the needs assessment.
• Contribute to coding of data collection tools into xls forms for Kobo and other mobile data collection platforms.
• Identify and plan for the human resources, financial resources, and time needed to carry out MEAL activities in the area of responsibility in line with DRC guidance.
• Coordinate and oversee data collection for assessments and monitoring and evaluation exercises, including information gathering, sample definition, logistical support, liaising with and overseeing data collection teams.
• Responsibly track M&E field activity budget lines with oversight from the MEAL Manager to ensure proper, timely spending on funds on monitoring and evaluation needs.
• Coordinate and oversee the analysis and reporting of MEAL qualitative and quantitative data collected in line with internal information needs and external reporting obligations.
• Ensure data cleaning and data quality for assessment, monitoring, and evaluation data.
• Conduct analysis, quantitative and qualitative, for program reports, ad hoc requests, evaluations, etc.
• Produce reports (narrative and visual) with the findings of MEAL activities and assessments.
• Provide narrative inputs for donor and other external and internal reports summarizing achievements of MEAL activities.
• Liaise with program staff and the protection and economic recovery unit to ensure close coordination and information sharing is maintained and information needs are being met.
• Carry out the quality assurance checks against reported program implementation which should be carried out at least once per year per project.

Evaluation, analysis and learning

• Contribute (as appropriate) to analysis, evaluation, and research for data-driven evidence and use in the area of responsibility.
• Support utilization of results for better planning and decision making; and share knowledge and learning for improved programming within DRC and beyond, within the area of responsibility.
• Translate MEAL findings into organizational learning; plan and implement learning events and design appropriate learning products.
• Participate in program review meetings and feed into to institutional learning by contributing best practices and lessons learned from ongoing M&E activities.
• Support the MEAL Manager to implement evaluations in compliance with DRC evaluation policy, from development of ToRs, to advising management on approval of final report, to dissemination of evaluation.
• Perform analysis, interpretation and communication of the MEAL findings.

Capacity Building and Technical Management

• Maintain weekly work plans for M&E field teams and ensure quality and efficient work in line with DRC’s standards.
• Hold weekly coordination meetings with MEAL field teams.
• In coordination with the MEAL Manager and Area Managers, plan, prepare and implement staff development trainings as necessary and oversee field M&E team performance evaluations routinely.
• Support in the recruitment process of new MEAL staff in the relevant bases.
• Promote a culture of learning through on-the-job training of national M&E field assistants and officers.
• Build the capacity of all relevant team members to develop, maintain and contribute to M&E learning, including through regular reflection and analysis of project monitoring data.
• Responsible for building the capacity of partner staff based on clear capacity building plans, jointly created with partners and the Partnerships Coordinator.
• Perform other duties as directed by the MEAL Manager.

About you

Required / Desirable

• University degree (Masters preferred) in relevant discipline (statistics, quantitative/qualitative data analysis, IT, social sciences, management, etc.).
• Demonstrated technical M&E skills and command of methodologies, including working with large data sets and statistical analysis.
• A minimum of 5 years in monitoring and evaluation with NGOs, preferably in a humanitarian context, 2 of which in a senior MEAL position.
• Knowledge of data collection protocols to ensure accurate data collection and verification.
• Strong knowledge of mobile data collection techniques and tools.
• Solid understanding of robust qualitative and quantitative data collection.
• Proven capacity to supervise, train and capacity build staff.
• Strong organization skills with the ability to plan, perform, prioritize multiple tasks under tight deadlines in a dynamic environment and monitor own work plan and those under her/ his supervision.
• Proven experience in a technical capacity involving conducting evaluations, assessments, or research and drafting technical reports.
• Experience conducting interviews and focus group discussions with diverse cohorts of populations.
• Fluency in Arabic.
• Excellent command of English, written and spoken.

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies: 

Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process. 

Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback. 

Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation. 

Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly. 

Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

Designation of Duty Station: Amman

Start date: ASAP

Application process

All applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English. Applications sent by email will not be considered.

Closing date for applications: 27 January 2024

If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport.

For further information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult our website drc.ngo.