MEAL Officer

MEAL Officer

Position Title

MEAL Officer

Supervised by
MEAL Team Leader

Reporting to
MEAL Team Leader

Duty Station
MMC, Borno State

Area of Operation
Nigeria

Employment Period
1 Year with possibility of extension.

Type of Contract (Expat/National/Trainee)
National

Salary & Benefits
NM - H

Introduction
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 fulfillment 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. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profitmaking, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Background
Danish Refugee Council (DRC), and its safety unit, has had an operational presence in Nigeria since 2015. DRC Nigeria is the largest DRC country mission in the West Africa region and one of the largest DRC country missions globally. Currently, DRC delivers life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable, conflict-affected populations including internally displaced persons, returnees, and host communities in the areas of armed violence reduction, humanitarian mine action, livelihoods, nutrition and food security, protection, shelter, and non-food items (NFI) and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in 30+ Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in northeast Nigeria.

Purpose
The MEAL Officer is to ensure that all DRC projects and programs are effectively monitored, evaluated, and continuously improved. He should track progress, assess program impact, and ensure accountability to stakeholders by establishing feedback mechanisms. The role involves data collection, analysis, reporting, and the implementation of feedback and learning mechanisms to ensure accountability to stakeholders, including beneficiaries and donors. Overall, the MEAL Officer would play a crucial role in assisting the MEAL Team Leader, driven by evidence and feedback. To this end, the MEAL officer will liaise with DRC staff across departments to ensure compliance with DRC MEAL SOPs during programming as directed by the MEAL Team Leader. Additionally, he is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing the monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning activities within the DRC implementation area.

Duties and Responsibilities:
General Programming & Operations

• Collect, clean, manage, and analyze data related to project activities, using appropriate methods such as surveys, Household Survey, Baseline, PDM, MSNA, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs).
• Ensure data quality and integrity through regular field visits and validation checks.
• Design and conduct evaluations, including baseline, midline, and endline assessments.
• Analyze evaluation results to assess the effectiveness and impact of programs.
• Generate insights and recommendations for program improvement and share with the MEAL Team Leader.
• Establish and manage feedback and complaints mechanisms to ensure that beneficiaries and stakeholders can easily provide input.
• Monitor and respond to feedback and complaints in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Ensure that accountability standards, such as the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), are integrated into project implementation.
• Capture and document lessons learned, best practices, and success stories from projects and share with the MEAL Team Leader.
• Assist the MEAL Team Leader in Facilitate learning sessions and workshops to share insights with the team and stakeholders.
• Promote a culture of learning within the organization to drive continuous improvement.
• Prepare detailed reports on monitoring, evaluation, and accountability activities, including data analysis, findings, and recommendations.
• Assist the MEAL Team Leader in donor reports and proposals by providing relevant MEAL data and insights.
• Ensure timely submission of all MEAL reports to relevant stakeholders.
• Provide training and support to project staff on MEAL tools, processes, and best practices.
• Build the capacity of partners and local stakeholders in MEAL-related activities.

Coordination and representation

• Work closely with program teams to integrate MEAL activities into project design and implementation.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as finance and logistics, to ensure that MEAL activities are well-coordinated.
• Represent the organization in MEAL-related internal and external meetings, workshops, and networks.
• Ensure integration and support of MEAL activities with other DRC sectors.
• Coordinate with MEAL/AAP counterparts in other locations in the implementation of commonly funded projects.
• Ensure good representation and reputation of the MEAL sector at all levels.

Project Development:

• Assist in developing project plans and budgets for funding
• Assist in the development of the projects’ MEAL tools
• Assist in the management of MEAL activities
• Ensure Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning for all Projects in the field level.
• Ensure quality control during the implementation of all activities in accordance with Sphere and National standards.
• Assist the MEAL Team Leader in preparing MEAL/AAP weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to relevant authorities as per need.

Logistics / Finance:

• Support the line Manager to monitor financial commitments and expenditures against budgets and provide timely feedback on budget follow-ups.
• Support in initiating procurements and ensure their execution.
• Contribute to grants management of all MEAL projects through management of day-to-day project expenditures with line manager.
• Assist the MEAL Team Leader in developing a procurement plan at the start of the project cycle to forecast procurement needs.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Support the MEAL Team Leader in developing and implementing the project monitoring and evaluation plan, and timely submission of reports and other document requirements.
• Provide weekly feedback on project implementation modality, assist in achieving maximum efficiency in project delivery, and inform the development/update of DRC’s MEAL strategy in Nigeria.
• Support in developing appropriate MEAL tools and ensure their implementation.
• The responsibilities listed in the JD are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role.
• Assist the MEAL Team Leader in Developing and implement monitoring tools and frameworks to track project progress and outcomes.

Experience and technical competencies:
Essential:

• Minimum of 2-3 years of previous experience with implementing monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning and AAP of humanitarian programs.
• Use of ODK and Kobo-Collect Toolbox Software of data collection
• Knowledge of MEAL and AAP Approaches and SHERE Standard
• Solid background on computer skills and competency in MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Excel, and SPSS as a minimum.

Desirable:

• The position may require frequent travel to project sites in remote and sometimes challenging environments.
• The role may involve working outside of regular office hours to meet deadlines or during emergency responses.
• Excellent facilitation skills and a strong understanding of how to collect feedback safely and accurately from all members of a community regardless of their age, gender, or other diversity factors.
• Experience working in emergency response with INGOs, preferably in a humanitarian context.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Fluency in local spoken languages (Hausa, etc).

Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)

• Bachelor’s degree in social science, business, development, or any related field.
• Excellent communication, presentation, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

We offer.

• Contract length: 1 year with the possibility of extension.
• Level: NM - H, Step 1
• Start date: October 2024

General Regulations:

• The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality, and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework
• Employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization.
• Employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period.
• Employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization.
• Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request.

Application Process

• All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.
• DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, colour, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.
• DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process.
• Applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.
• Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.

However, all applicants shall take into consideration that DRC cannot offer an international work contract to a citizen of the country of assignment (in this specific case, Nigeria)
Deadline: Applications close on the 1st of October 2024 at midnight (GMT).

Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis due to the urgency, therefore a candidate who closely meets the requirements may be selected before the above deadline.

• Only short-listed applicants will be invited for written tests and oral interviews.
• For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult: www.drc.dk

Position Title

MEAL Officer

Supervised by
MEAL Team Leader

Reporting to
MEAL Team Leader

Duty Station
MMC, Borno State

Area of Operation
Nigeria

Employment Period
1 Year with possibility of extension.

Type of Contract (Expat/National/Trainee)
National

Salary & Benefits
NM - H

Introduction
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 fulfillment 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. Based in Copenhagen (Denmark) and present in forty countries, the Danish Refugee Council is a non-profitmaking, politically independent, non-governmental and non-denominational relief organization.

Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

Background
Danish Refugee Council (DRC), and its safety unit, has had an operational presence in Nigeria since 2015. DRC Nigeria is the largest DRC country mission in the West Africa region and one of the largest DRC country missions globally. Currently, DRC delivers life-saving assistance and protection to vulnerable, conflict-affected populations including internally displaced persons, returnees, and host communities in the areas of armed violence reduction, humanitarian mine action, livelihoods, nutrition and food security, protection, shelter, and non-food items (NFI) and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) in 30+ Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Borno, Adamawa and Yobe states in northeast Nigeria.

Purpose
The MEAL Officer is to ensure that all DRC projects and programs are effectively monitored, evaluated, and continuously improved. He should track progress, assess program impact, and ensure accountability to stakeholders by establishing feedback mechanisms. The role involves data collection, analysis, reporting, and the implementation of feedback and learning mechanisms to ensure accountability to stakeholders, including beneficiaries and donors. Overall, the MEAL Officer would play a crucial role in assisting the MEAL Team Leader, driven by evidence and feedback. To this end, the MEAL officer will liaise with DRC staff across departments to ensure compliance with DRC MEAL SOPs during programming as directed by the MEAL Team Leader. Additionally, he is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing the monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning activities within the DRC implementation area.

Duties and Responsibilities:
General Programming & Operations

• Collect, clean, manage, and analyze data related to project activities, using appropriate methods such as surveys, Household Survey, Baseline, PDM, MSNA, focus group discussions (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs).
• Ensure data quality and integrity through regular field visits and validation checks.
• Design and conduct evaluations, including baseline, midline, and endline assessments.
• Analyze evaluation results to assess the effectiveness and impact of programs.
• Generate insights and recommendations for program improvement and share with the MEAL Team Leader.
• Establish and manage feedback and complaints mechanisms to ensure that beneficiaries and stakeholders can easily provide input.
• Monitor and respond to feedback and complaints in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Ensure that accountability standards, such as the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), are integrated into project implementation.
• Capture and document lessons learned, best practices, and success stories from projects and share with the MEAL Team Leader.
• Assist the MEAL Team Leader in Facilitate learning sessions and workshops to share insights with the team and stakeholders.
• Promote a culture of learning within the organization to drive continuous improvement.
• Prepare detailed reports on monitoring, evaluation, and accountability activities, including data analysis, findings, and recommendations.
• Assist the MEAL Team Leader in donor reports and proposals by providing relevant MEAL data and insights.
• Ensure timely submission of all MEAL reports to relevant stakeholders.
• Provide training and support to project staff on MEAL tools, processes, and best practices.
• Build the capacity of partners and local stakeholders in MEAL-related activities.

Coordination and representation

• Work closely with program teams to integrate MEAL activities into project design and implementation.
• Collaborate with other departments, such as finance and logistics, to ensure that MEAL activities are well-coordinated.
• Represent the organization in MEAL-related internal and external meetings, workshops, and networks.
• Ensure integration and support of MEAL activities with other DRC sectors.
• Coordinate with MEAL/AAP counterparts in other locations in the implementation of commonly funded projects.
• Ensure good representation and reputation of the MEAL sector at all levels.

Project Development:

• Assist in developing project plans and budgets for funding
• Assist in the development of the projects’ MEAL tools
• Assist in the management of MEAL activities
• Ensure Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning for all Projects in the field level.
• Ensure quality control during the implementation of all activities in accordance with Sphere and National standards.
• Assist the MEAL Team Leader in preparing MEAL/AAP weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to relevant authorities as per need.

Logistics / Finance:

• Support the line Manager to monitor financial commitments and expenditures against budgets and provide timely feedback on budget follow-ups.
• Support in initiating procurements and ensure their execution.
• Contribute to grants management of all MEAL projects through management of day-to-day project expenditures with line manager.
• Assist the MEAL Team Leader in developing a procurement plan at the start of the project cycle to forecast procurement needs.

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Support the MEAL Team Leader in developing and implementing the project monitoring and evaluation plan, and timely submission of reports and other document requirements.
• Provide weekly feedback on project implementation modality, assist in achieving maximum efficiency in project delivery, and inform the development/update of DRC’s MEAL strategy in Nigeria.
• Support in developing appropriate MEAL tools and ensure their implementation.
• The responsibilities listed in the JD are not exhaustive and may be readjusted according to operational needs but will remain in line with the overall purpose of the role.
• Assist the MEAL Team Leader in Developing and implement monitoring tools and frameworks to track project progress and outcomes.

Experience and technical competencies:
Essential:

• Minimum of 2-3 years of previous experience with implementing monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning and AAP of humanitarian programs.
• Use of ODK and Kobo-Collect Toolbox Software of data collection
• Knowledge of MEAL and AAP Approaches and SHERE Standard
• Solid background on computer skills and competency in MS Word, MS PowerPoint, Excel, and SPSS as a minimum.

Desirable:

• The position may require frequent travel to project sites in remote and sometimes challenging environments.
• The role may involve working outside of regular office hours to meet deadlines or during emergency responses.
• Excellent facilitation skills and a strong understanding of how to collect feedback safely and accurately from all members of a community regardless of their age, gender, or other diversity factors.
• Experience working in emergency response with INGOs, preferably in a humanitarian context.
• Fluency in written and spoken English. Fluency in local spoken languages (Hausa, etc).

Education: (include certificates, licenses etc.)

• Bachelor’s degree in social science, business, development, or any related field.
• Excellent communication, presentation, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

We offer.

• Contract length: 1 year with the possibility of extension.
• Level: NM - H, Step 1
• Start date: October 2024

General Regulations:

• The employee shall follow DRC instructions on safety, confidentiality, and ethical guidelines, including the Code of Conduct and the Humanitarian Accountability Framework
• Employee should not engage in any other paid activity during the DRC contract period without prior authorization.
• Employee should not engage in any activity that could harm DRC or the implementation of any project during the DRC contract period.
• Employee should not give interviews to the media or publish project-related photos or other material without prior authorization.
• Employee shall return all borrowed equipment for the project to DRC after the end of the contract period or upon request.

Application Process

• All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in English.
• DRC provides equal opportunity in employment and prohibits discrimination in employment on the basis of race, sex, colour, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.
• DRC encourages all applicants to apply and does not practice any discrimination in any recruitment process.
• Applications submitted after the closing date will not be considered.
• Due to the urgency of the position, DRC has the right to recruit a candidate who matches the required profile before the above deadline.

However, all applicants shall take into consideration that DRC cannot offer an international work contract to a citizen of the country of assignment (in this specific case, Nigeria)
Deadline: Applications close on the 1st of October 2024 at midnight (GMT).

Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis due to the urgency, therefore a candidate who closely meets the requirements may be selected before the above deadline.

• Only short-listed applicants will be invited for written tests and oral interviews.
• For general information about the Danish Refugee Council, please consult: www.drc.dk

Department: Borgergade 10, 3.sal , København K

Location: Maiduguri, Borno State

Application deadline: 01 Oct 2024