Monitoring Evolution, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer

Background/IRC Summary:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people to survive and rebuild their lives. Founded in 1933 at the request of Albert Einstein, the IRC offers lifesaving care and life-changing assistance to refugees forced to flee from war and disaster. At work today in over 40 countries and 22 U.S. cities, we restore dignity and hope to millions who are uprooted and struggling to endure. The IRC leads the way from harm to home.

IRC has been working in Pakistan for approximately 40 years, managing and delivering large, complex programs to meet the needs of health, education, safeguarding, environmental health and livelihoods for displaced, poor and disaster-affected communities. With the support of the federal and provincial governments and generous donors like FCDO, ECHO, USAID, GAC and Australian Aid Agencies the IRC is currently implementing projects across the country.

Job Overview/Summary:  

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is set to implement a project funded by the European Union. This project's primary objective is to bolster local civil society and community-based organizations, enhancing their capabilities in the nutrition sector within districts Kashmore, Ghotki, Sukkur, Khairpur, and Noshero feroz in Sindh. The MEAL Officer will assist in the implementation of MEAL activities, including data collection, analysis, reporting, and learning processes. They will work closely with project partners to ensure high-quality data collection, adherence to project standards, and facilitate learning and knowledge sharing. Major Responsibilities:

in coordination with Project Management and the MEAL Manager, the MEAL Officer will establish and run an efficient MEAL system for the project.

Monitoring and Evaluation Support:

• Assist in implementing project monitoring and evaluation activities per the MEAL framework.
• Extend needful support to project teams and partners to track the progress of the project activities in line with the agreed output and outcome level performance indicators and beneficiary numbers using standardized formats and systems to establish/maintain data storage and dissemination systems.
• Support in developing and implementing data collection tools, data management systems, and data quality assurance measures.
• Conduct regular site field visits to monitor project activities, collect data, and ensure compliance with project guidelines.

Data Collection and Analysis:

• Support in the collection of quantitative and qualitative data, including surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and observations.
• Assist in data entry, cleaning, and analysis using appropriate software and tools.
• Collaborate with project partners to ensure timely and accurate reporting of data and indicators.

Accountability Mechanisms:

• Contribute to establishing and maintaining accountability mechanisms for project beneficiaries, including feedback and complaint mechanisms.
• Assist in addressing beneficiary feedback and complaints promptly and appropriately.
• Support in the documentation and analysis of beneficiary feedback to inform project improvements.

Learning and Knowledge Management:

• Support learning processes and knowledge sharing among project partners, stakeholders, and beneficiaries.
• Assist in organizing and facilitating learning events, workshops, and trainings to enhance partners' understanding of MEAL concepts.
• Contribute to documenting and disseminating lessons learned, best practices, and success stories.

Capacity Building and Technical Support:

• Provide technical support and capacity building to project partners on data collection methodologies, tools, and quality assurance.
• Assist in training partners on basic data management and analysis techniques.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive environment for partners to implement MEAL activities effectively.

Reporting and Documentation:

• Assist in the preparation of regular project reports, progress updates, and other relevant documentation.
• Ensure accurate and timely data collection, analysis, and reporting for project monitoring and evaluation purposes.
• Contribute to the maintenance of project documentation and knowledge management systems.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to MEAL Manager-

Coordination: Project lead, Project team, Partners MEAL

Job Requirements: a) Education:

• Master’s degree, preference will be given to candidates with degrees in Social Sciences, Education, Economics, Statistics, and Computer Sciences.

b) Work Experience:

• At least two to three years of rich experience in supporting MEAL activities in development or nutrition projects, preferably in a community-based setting.
• Confirmed skills in collecting, analyzing and reporting quantitative and qualitative data and analytical reports.

c) Proven Skills and Proficiencies:

• Familiarity with data collection methodologies, quantitative and qualitative data analysis techniques, and data management tools.
• Good knowledge of monitoring and evaluation concepts and practices.
• Proficiency in using data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, Commcare, Excel) and data visualization tools.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills with the ability to work in a dynamic environment.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with partners, stakeholders, and project beneficiaries.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel to project sites and work in remote and challenging environments.

Bottom of Form Language Skills: English, Urdu + Sindhi

Others:

The IRC Core Values and Commitments.

• The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons.
• IRC is committed to ensuring that IRC staff is suitable to work with children and have the knowledge s/he needs to uphold and abide by the IRC’s Child Safeguarding Policy.
• Level of interaction with children: Less contact with children
• IRC ensures that its staff must actively practice the roles and responsibilities related to client responsiveness and accountability to people in affected communities and must have competencies to solicit and listens to feedback and other’s perspectives, responds to feedback with maturity and sensitivity and takes appropriate decisions and makes changes to behavior or actions in response to feedback.
• IRC recognizes that gender equality is fundamental to the achievement of our organizational mission. As such, IRC is committed to the promotion of gender equality in all aspects of our operations and programs. Our organizational policies, procedures and actions demonstrate this commitment.

Women, transgender candidates and differently abled persons are highly encouraged to apply.