Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Coordinator (Cambodia)

Background:
DCA established its first office in Cambodia in 1997 after having supported partners since its inception in 1979. Currently, DCA's global strategy focuses on three areas: 'Fight Extreme Inequality' supporting active citizenship and human rights work, 'Save lives' focused on flood and drought humanitarian response, and 'Build Resilient Communities' boosting right to food, sustainable livelihoods, and agroecological food system. DCA approach is working through implementing partners, both NGOs and line Ministries. Up to 2024 DCA Cambodia is cooperating with more than 20 partners to implement various projects.

Job summary:
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Coordinator is responsible for overseeing and coordinating MEAL processes across the organization, serving as the primary Accountability focal point. This role ensures that effective systems and processes are in place to monitor and evaluate the progress and impact of programs and projects, aligning with the organization’s accountability and learning objectives. The MEAL Coordinator plays a pivotal role in integrating lessons learned into program design and implementation, contributing to the overall effectiveness and transparency of the organization.

This job description does not entails acting in a senior position when required. Regardless of the content of this job description the employee is expected to participate in any task necessary for the organization delegated by the manager at all times.

Main Responsibilities:

• MEAL Strategy and Systems Coordination: Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive MEAL framework that supports the organization’s strategic objectives; coordinate the implementation of MEAL processes across all programs, ensuring consistency and alignment with organizational priorities; Serve as the Accountability focal point, ensuring that systems and processes are in place to meet the organization’s accountability standards and objectives.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Oversee the design and execution of monitoring and evaluation plans for all projects, ensuring accurate tracking of progress against objectives; Develop and refine M&E tools and methodologies, ensuring they effectively measure program impact and outcomes; Conduct regular reviews and assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of MEAL systems and recommend improvements.
• Accountability: As an Accountability focal point, develop the mechanisms of providing feedback by beneficiaries and stakeholders on program activities. The feedback is received, analyzed, and acted upon in a timely manner.
• Learning: Facilitate a culture of learning and knowledge sharing within the organization, and support the integration of lessons learned into program design and implementation
• Coordination and Engagement: Collaborate with program managers/coordinators and partners to ensure that MEAL activities are integrated into program/project planning, implementation, and reporting process; Coordinate with the Communication Officer to disseminate key results and findings when needed; Support the program team in working with external evaluators and consultants to ensure high-quality baseline, mid-term, and final evaluations of programs and projects; Collaborate with the HQ Strategic Quality Management Unit to ensure that guidelines, policies, and tools are effectively translated and implemented at the country office level.
• Capacity Building: 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.
• Data Management: Oversee the management of MEAL data systems, ensuring that data is collected, stored, and analyzed in a secure and efficient manner. Lead efforts to ensure data quality and integrity, implementing quality assurance processes across all programs.
• Reporting: Develop MEAL reporting templates and guidelines to ensure consistency and compliance with organizational and donor requirements; Prepare internal reports for senior management and program teams, highlighting key performance metrics, trends, and recommendations; Co-Facilitate internal review meetings to discuss and update the Annual Plan, Annual Reports, Country Result Frameworks; and Theory of Changes (ToC).

Minimum Qualifications Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, development studies, statistics, or a related field. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• A minimum of 5 years of experience in a MEAL role within the development or humanitarian sectors, preferably at the program or organizational level.
• Strong understanding of M&E methodologies, systems, tools, and best practices.
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating MEAL processes and systems across multiple projects or programs.
• Proven ability to serve as a focal point for accountability, ensuring that feedback and learning are effectively integrated into program design and implementation.
• Excellent communication, report-writing, and analytical skills.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in M&E software and tools, such as SPSS, Stata, or Power BI, is an asset.
• Commitment to the values and mission of the organization, with a strong focus on accountability, transparency, and continuous learning.

Work related travels are expected in this position.

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 Cambodia

Deadline: 16 September 2024

Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia