Monitoring Evaluation Learning and Accountability (MEAL) Manager Full-Time

The Action Contre La Faim is hiring a Monitoring Evaluation Learning and Accountability (MEAL) Manager.

Specific Objectives (Not Complete)

The MEAL Manager will be responsible for effective management and implementation of monitoring and evaluation component of all programs and projects, both new and established, providing accountability and ensuring efficiency in project deliverables. The MEAL Manager will plan for baseline, midline and end line surveys, post distribution monitoring surveys and others surveys. S/he will also perform continuous activity monitoring to identify bottlenecks, lessons and opportunities for programming. The MEAL manager will support project managers for reporting and contributes to the learning process. Lastly, the MEAL Manager will support proper and adequate resource management for the MEAL field team.

The MEAL Manager is responsible for:

Mission 1: Ensure the definition and development of a MEAL system in close collaboration with the Program Managers, the Field Coordinator and the MEAL HoD

• Collaborate with Program Managers and MEAL officers to ensure the development of high quality MEAL plans for each project implemented by the base; including logical frameworks, indicators measurement plan and work plans (timeline and budget);
• Adapt or develop specific planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting tools to ensure consistency and quality of data collection;
• Ensure that the MEAL system is developed in such a way that it contributes to decision making and strategic planning, and meets accountability requirements;
• Lead the development of monitoring and evaluation systems with MEAL HoD based on Action Contre la Faim’s MEAL department and donor guidelines to ensure that monitoring data is credible, reliable, timely, and cost-effective;
• Define harmonized frameworks, methodologies, questionnaires, and other tools to assess the quality of ongoing projects;
• Design and implement a Complaint Feedback Mechanism (CFM) at base and project level with the support of the MEAL HoD.

Mission 2: Coordinate and support the MEAL officers and Assistants with the implementation of MEAL activities, under the supervision of the MEAL HoD

Awareness, Training, and Supervision:

• Prepare and train staffs, in collaboration with program managers, on monitoring, evaluation and accountability concepts and tools;
• Disseminate among all staff a culture of high standards of accountability, discipline, and professionalism, including Action Against Hunger’s code of conduct, mandate, and charter; Action Against Hunger risk management policies on whistleblowing, workplace harassment, conflict of interest, and child protection;
• Responsible for the recruitment, training and supervision of MEAL staffs and animators according to MEAL Action Against Hunger minimum standards and Action Against Hunger policies;
• Analyze the results of MEAL activities, propose relevant recommendations in close collaboration with program managers and field coordinator and follow up on them.

Monitoring:

• Coordinate and participate in monitoring activities conducted by the MEAL officers  according to the program’s MEAL Plan, including design of the Terms of Reference, data collection tools, data analysis and writing of monitoring activities reports;
• Ensure the dissemination of results and recommendations (in close collaboration with the Program Manager for the recommendations component) through reports, as well as through participation in regular meetings with the program team and coordination;
• Ensure the integration of activity results and MEAL analysis in the monthly activity follow up (including sitrep and APRs); pay particular attention to:
  • Tracking recommendations and issues, ensuring that they are incorporated into the relevant section;
  • Providing sufficient details to demonstrate whether the indicators are on track to meet targets, and;
  • Analyses of all key indicators specific to Action Against Hunger and the specific MEAL Plan for each project.

Evaluation

• Coordinate and oversee evaluations according to the MEAL Plan, ensuring that they are timely, useful, and ethical, following the criteria and standards defined in the Action Against Hunger MEAL guidelines. This includes the management of program surveys (e.g., baseline/endline studies), follow-up, mid-term and final project evaluations, using a range of quantitative and qualitative methods and various participatory methodologies for performance monitoring;
• Disseminate evaluation results to all relevant stakeholders and organize reflection/learning workshops with the support of field coordination and the participation of program managers;
• Provide high quality reports;
• Participate in report writing (internal and external);
• Collaborate with technical coordinators in the design of Terms of Reference for external project evaluations and provide support during these evaluation exercises.

Mission 3: Development and implementation of systems, processes, and tools to strengthen accountability and learning within programs in close collaboration with the Program Managers, the Field Coordinator and the MEAL HoD.

• Implement and follow up the feedback and complaint mechanism (FCM) accessible to beneficiaries and local partners;
• With the support of the Field Coordinator and Program Managers and depending on the level of sensitivity of the complaint ensure that corrective actions are taken based on the FCM and that a feedback is provided within an acceptable timeframe;
• Ensure the production and dissemination of capitalization and lessons learned documents, including case studies, that highlight the project’s successes, failures, good practices, and innovations;
• Organize regular learning workshops to discuss evaluation findings with program teams and coordination;
• Organize regular forums (workshops, specific meetings, etc.) for sharing and exchanging relevant information with beneficiaries and other stakeholders (local authorities);
• Ensure that MEAL lessons learned support the improvement of the design and implementation of future programs, through active participation in the drafting of project proposals and in the implementation of various workshops (country strategy, project kick-off, etc.);
• Participate in the construction of logical frameworks for new proposals; ensure that indicators are SMART and respond to output, outcome, and impact.

Mission 4: Management of the MEAL team

• The recruitment of MEAL staffs (officers and assistants);
• The day-to-day management of the MEAL Officers and Assistants (guidance, follow-up, motivation);
• Provide technical training to the team and contributors;
• Evaluate the performance and develop the skills of his/her team members.

Skills Required

Diploma/ Level of education

• Degree in statistics, demography, public health, or international development preferred;
• At least 4 years of experience in MEAL;
• Knowledge of key evaluation methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies;
• Experience in planning and managing surveys, developing and refining data collection tools, and with data quality assessments and oversight;
• Good IT skills (Kobo, ODK, Excel forms);
• Knowledge of nutrition/health, wash and food security would be a plus;
• Willing to travel extensively in the field;
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced environment, set priorities, and meet deadlines;
• Be able to work under pressure and in a changing environment;
• Good ability to organize, conduct and analyses surveys on the needs of displaced persons;
• Good organizational and operational capacity; Monitoring and evaluation skills; Interpersonal skills;
• Fluency in Portuguese, English appreciated, local languages mandatory;
• Precision and rigour in work;
• Good analytical skills, good communication skills.

Benefits

• Remuneration: 2,071,824.00 Mtn (Gross Monthly Income) and 13th Month paid in December (prorata depending on the starting date)
• Benefits: Health insurance including partner and children (providing certificates); 2 days per month paid leaves; relocation package.

How to Apply

• File composition: CV, Letter of Motivation, NUIT, BI, certificates

To be sent to: Specify the title of the position in the email. Please note that incomplete applications will not be considered. Procedure: Selected candidates will be contacted by telephone for a technical test. The dossiers received will not be returned. Any application submitted after this deadline will not be considered.

Contract duration: 5 months (renewed based on budget availability)

Receiving base: Mueda

Availability: ASAP

Special conditions: Advance level of english