Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) Officer

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) Officer

About DRC
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian, non-governmental and non-profit organization, founded in 1956, that works in more than 35 countries around the world. DRC is one of the largest protection actors in Kenya, actively coordinating and advocating for improving the protective environment for refugees and host communities. DRC implements Protection monitoring, Child Protection and GBV prevention and response programmes in its areas of operation to address protection issues faced by displaced and non-displaced at-risk groups and individuals. The programme also aims to identify and build synergies with DRC´s Economic Recovery sector to facilitate durable solutions and Humanitarian Disarmament & Peace Building activities to enhance to respond to the needs of communities affected by acute crisis as well as those in protracted displacement situations.

Overall purpose of the role:
The position holder will lead and support Mandera field office MEAL (monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning) activities and contribute to DRC’s strategy, accountability commitments, learning needs and priorities in the area of responsibility. The holder of the position will support effective implementation of the MEAL learning work and organizational standards to ensure compliance. S/he will support in mainstreaming MEAL throughout the programme cycle management, reinforce quality programming conversation and management in the area of responsibility. The role will also support the Mandera field office adherence to DRC’s data protection policy

Duties & Responsibilities:
MEAL capacities and commitments

• Implement DRC guidelines for MEAL as per the workstream RASCI (Responsible, Accountable, Supportive, Consulted, and Informed) matrix; vis-à-vis programme staff, fostering collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders within the area of responsibility.
• Apply and adapt DRC MEAL model, the relevant building blocks, guidance to the local circumstances and corresponding projects, in the area of responsibility.
• Apply DRC’s guidance with regards to GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in the area of responsibility, specifically for MEAL related data.
• Liaise with relevant internal counterparts responsible for data protection.
• Support in capacity building support for programme/sectors and field staff to improve the field monitoring and any other MEAL needs.
• Apply accountability, ethical frameworks and principles, including CHS (Core Humanitarian Standard); in line with DRC’s guidelines in the area of responsibility.

Results monitoring and programme quality support

• Support in quality monitoring of projects throughout the project cycle, in line with DRC’s guidelines and division of labour, accommodating external requirements and internal evidence needs. Specifically, support development and implementation of MEAL plans, indicator tracking and other relevant tools in the area of responsibility.
• Participate in and contribute to (as appropriate) project kick-off, review and close-out meetings, in order to highlight cross-project components aimed at replicating good practices and strengthening synergies between projects.
• Support in the implementation, data collection for results frameworks and monitoring processes and tools at the right level.
• Support and carry our field level data collection and field monitoring.
• Apply ethical principles in field work; including DRC Code of Conduct and in line with Protection referral protocols and SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures).
• Implement protocols for data protection, storage, sharing, and security in the area of responsibility.
• Support in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, in line with internal and external reporting obligations.
• Support the Project Manager, project teams and grants management in line with the MEAL plans.
• Stay abreast with developments in the field of monitoring and evaluation; including emerging trends, tools, and approaches, while integrating them as appropriate.

Accountability

• Support in implementation of the different mechanisms for community engagement and feedback in MEAL in the area of responsibility.
• Support the implementation of DRC’s Community Feedback Mechanism.
• Register and follow up with complaints as assigned by the MEAL Coordinator and process complaints in a timely, safe and accountable manner.

Evaluation, analysis and learning

• Support in data gathering as appropriate.
• Support in sharing MEAL findings, feedback and learning.
• Regularly present the key MEAL findings and feedback to the supervisor, and field level area management for further development.
• Participate in and assist in the internal or external evaluation processes as required.
• Support in interpretation, analysis and communication of the MEAL findings externally, in the area of responsibility.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum of 4 years’ experience in leading and managing monitoring and evaluation work in an international NGO, civil society’ or other relevant agency.
• Comprehension of protection and livelihoods programming including financial inclusion is an added advantage.
• Understanding of qualitative and quantitative methods; use of findings/evidence, including participatory methodologies.
• Good understanding of Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS) and ability to apply accountability and ethical standards in every day work.
• Understanding of and ability to work with data collection software, preferably Kobo Toolkbox and other as relevant tools.
• Good skills in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Office365.
• Experience in the use of GBVIMS (Gender-Based Violence Information Management System) or CPIMS (Child Protection Information Management System) will be an added advantage.
• Experience working in multi-sectoral interventions and ability to engage with partners is required.
• Strong planning, organization and problem-solving skills with ability to work both independently and within a team in a demanding work environment is desired.
• Good analytical and strategic planning skills including ability to think critically.
• A demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with county/national governments, donors, partners, local organizations, and other stakeholders.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.

Education:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Social Work, Development Studies, Monitoring & Evaluation or other related social sciences and training in Monitoring and Evaluation; or Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics / Information Management Sciences.
• Fluency in written and spoken English is essential.
• Knowledge of the local language (Somali) is a plus.

Language:

• English
• Swahili
• Somali (a plus)

Key stakeholders: Internal & External

• Programme Management Unit, MEAL Coordinator, implementing field teams, senior management team and support service team.
• Technical M&E Working Group(s), local community, county and national government authorities, relevant NGOs/CBOs and humanitarian agencies, including DRC partners and donors as appropriate

About you:
In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’s 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: You act in line with our vision and values.

Conditions

• Contract: One-year contract with possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance. Salary and other conditions are offered in accordance with DRC’s Terms of Employment.
• Availability: July 2024
• Duty station: Mandera base office, Mandera

Application and CV:
Only motivated applications that address the stipulated duties and meet the required qualifications, sent together with a CV, will be considered. DRC only accepts applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.ngo under Vacancies. Please remember to upload both a letter of application and your CV and do not attach any written recommendations. Please submit your application and CV in English no later than 28th June 2024

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels. In light of this, Female candidates and those from minority groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Equal Opportunities: DRC is an equal opportunity employer. We value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethnic origin, color, race, marital status or other protected characteristics.
DRC’s capacity to ensure the protection of and assistance to refugees, IDP’s and other persons of concern depends on the ability of our staff to uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment. DRC conducts thorough and comprehensive background checks as part of the recruitment process. Visit drc.ngo to read more about what we do to secure robust safeguarding mechanisms.
If you have questions or are facing problems with the online application process, please visit drc.ngo/jobsupport.

Department: , Nairobi

Location: Mandera

Application deadline: 28 Jun 2024