DanChurchAid (DCA) is looking for a Head of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)

Are you looking for an opportunity to be part of dedicated team of humanitarian professionals in one of the world’s most challenging contexts? Can you set-up and lead the to-be established MEAL unit with a strong focus on embedding the Accountability into the entire organization? Then you might be our new Head of MEAL in DR Congo.

In DR Congo we have implemented humanitarian projects since 2004. DCA aims to protect vulnerable communities in DR Congo, and to contribute to improve stability and social cohesion by addressing and mitigating the consequences of conflict and displacement. We clear explosive remnants of war, and assist communities affected by conflict and displacement by addressing protection and other essential needs. At the center of our work is our belief that local communities are the best agents of change.

The Head of MEAL oversees and coordinates MEAL processes organization-wide and is acting as the primary accountability and complaint focal point. Supporting the Country Director, this position assists in investigations and responses to feedback and complaints. Guided by DCA’s global MEAL framework, the Head of MEAL develops and implements a MEAL strategy integrated with project cycle management.

This role is key in enhancing program quality and innovation by refining monitoring, evaluation, and learning methods and embedding lessons learned into program design to boost organizational effectiveness and transparency.

Technical Aspects of the Position:

• Develop and lead the MEAL strategy to align with organizational goals, embedding MEAL in proposals with adequate budgeting and staffing
• Oversee M&E plans, ensuring accurate progress tracking and compliance with reporting requirements
• Refine M&E tools to measure impact, conduct system reviews, and support staff in assessments and research
• Act as the Accountability and Complaint Handling focal point, ensuring feedback is analyzed and addressed promptly
• Support investigation processes at the country level
• Periodically report to the DCA complaints and accountability advisor in the HQ about DCA and DCA´s partner organizations’ cases
• Assure that complaints policies are shared with the DCA´s partner organizations and that the partners have complaints mechanisms accessible and known by everyone
• Oversee the management of MEAL data systems, ensuring that data is collected, stored, and analyzed in a secure and efficient manner
• Develop MEAL reporting templates and guidelines to ensure consistency and compliance with organizational and donor requirements

Learning and Capacity Building

• Foster learning and knowledge-sharing, integrating lessons into program design
• Document and disseminate key lessons for broader organizational use and advocacy
• Provide ongoing technical support and capacity building for program staff and partners in MEAL processes and best practices; Train and mentor MEAL staff at partners’ level per requested, fostering a culture of learning and accountability within the organization

Collaboration and Coordination

• Coordinate MEAL across programs and projects to ensure alignment with organizational priorities to integrate MEAL into program planning, implementation, and reporting and share key results as needed
• Support the program team in engaging with external evaluators to ensure quality baseline, mid-term, and final evaluations
• Represent the country program in MEAL and research forums, technical working groups, and partner meetings
• Work with the HQ Strategic Quality Management Unit to implement guidelines, policies, and tools at the country level

We Expect the Following Qualifications From You

• Master’s degree in social sciences, development studies, statistics, or a related field
• At least 5 years of MEAL experience in development or humanitarian sectors, ideally at a program or organizational level
• Strong expertise in MEAL methodologies, tools, and best practices
• Proven experience in developing MEAL strategies and coordinating MEAL systems across multiple projects or programs
• Extensive experience in team leadership and MEAL capacity building, including developing training materials and providing coaching and mentoring
• Demonstrated ability to act as an accountability focal point
• Proficiency in M&E software/tools (e.g., SPSS, Stata, Power BI) is an advantage
• Commitment to the organization’s values, with a high standard of integrity, accountability, transparency, and a commitment to continuous learning
• Fluent in both written and spoken French and English

DanChurchAid Offers

• 12-month international staff contract (renewable based on funding etc.)
• A competitive salary package to be negotiated based on experience level, starting around DKK 49.498,00 per month
• 30 days of paid annual leave
• A generous R&R package
• Insurance as per industry standards
• An interesting and challenging experience addressing humanitarian needs
• A dynamic, flexible and respectful working environment that will give you the freedom to work and support to succeed

Deadline for Submission is 12th of December 2024
Please note that only applications through our recruitment system will be taken into consideration. Questions regarding the position can be directed to TARPOUGA Zakaria via e-mail: [email protected] .

We expect to carry out interviews in the week from 16th to 20th of December 2024.
Expected start date 1st of February 2025.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, abilities, or ethnic affiliation are encouraged to apply for the vacancy. DCA conducts an anti-terror check as part of the recruitment process. It is a prerequisite that you can pass this check and maintain this status throughout your employment with us. Everyone applying for a job with DCA must be ready to comply with our Code of Conduct, Staff Policy on Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment and our Child Safeguarding Policy.

Department: CO DR Congo

Deadline: 12 December 2024

Location: Goma