MEAL & IM Manager (Re-advert)

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), one of the world’s leading NGOs, with a focus on responding to displacement, have been registered in Bangladesh since 2013. In 2017, in response to the Rohingya influx, DRC launched an integrated program of support to the government in site management, shelter/NFI and protection. In 2018, DRC started implementing aid projects in support of the host communities most affected by the influx of refugees. As a key part of this, DRC opened a main office in Cox’s Bazar, and a support/liaison office in Dhaka.

POSITION PROFILE

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a leading international, non-profit, non-governmental organization with headquarters in Denmark, providing relief, protection and resettlement services to refugees and displaced persons worldwide. Registered in Bangladesh since 2013, in 2017 in response to the Rohingya influx, DRC launched an integrated programme of support to the government in site management, shelter/NFI and protection.

DRC is currently looking for a MEAL and IM manager to work at its office in Cox’s Bazar. This role is a key position providing support to the project implementers and ensuring that quality services and implementation is being delivered by DRC.

This role carries overall responsibility for MEAL and IM within the country programme, including coordinating, implementing, and facilitating roll-out of monitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems, and managing the MEAL and IM team. The postholder is also responsible for having standard operating procedures and frameworks in place for M&E and accountability to beneficiaries. S/He will support capacity development of the programme teams to improve country-wide MEAL and IM systems. In addition, the MEAL and IM Manager is expected to be an active member of the Code of Conduct Reporting Mechanism (CoCRM) Committee.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Management and Supervision

• Lead, manage and be accountable for the MEAL and IM teams (including budget management, people planning, performance management, staff wellbeing, capacity building, decision making) ensuring the proper MEAL/IM strategies and priorities are implemented.
• Oversee the process of non-technical needs assessments, baseline studies and outcome measurement, as required, working closely with managers and/or coordinators to ensure tools are in place according to the minimum standards and AGDM criteria.
• Conduct periodic activity monitoring and field visits to monitor data collection/implementation of activities and services.
• Develop capacities of MEAL and IM staff through training, coaching/mentoring, especially in data collection, monitoring and analysis, data analysis and presentation, reports, and promotion of humanitarian and accountability principles.
• Contribute to the development of M&E and accountability to affected populations (AAP) strategies and tools.
• Lead and facilitate inputs for the development of the country strategy and annual review documents.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

• Continuously review, improve, and develop outcome monitoring data collection tools to ensure a strong evidence base.
• Adhere to DRC’s MEL (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning) and Accountability standards and protocols.
• Provide technical support to programme staff and technical coordinators on data collection and tools for output and activity tracking, and during development of funding proposals, particularly logframes and M&E Plans (MEPs).
• Evaluate, develop, maintain, and improve the functionality of current DRC MEAL and IM systems to support evidence-based programming, measurement of goals and outcomes, decision making and advocacy.
• Coordinate MEAL and IM programme reporting tools and ensure alignment.
• Collate and consolidate DRC Bangladesh-level information relating to reach, coverage, and short-term outcomes to contribute to improved advocacy, communications, and programme learning.
• Facilitate management of external evaluation processes or lead on internal evaluation activities.
• Set up a knowledge management system, collating lessons learnt from programme implementation in collaboration with managers and/or coordinators.
• Liaise with HQ M&E team for technical support/guidance, supporting coordination efforts and global MEAL initiatives.

Accountability

• Strengthen the accountability framework and complaints, feedback, and response mechanisms (CFRMs) in DRC programming and ensure its operation and roll-out.
• Improve existing guidance and frameworks for CFRM procedures, policies, and processes.
• Support development of tools, processes, and systems to improve communication and accountability to beneficiaries.
• Oversee production of regular internal reports on CFRM complaints and response trends.
• Promote understanding of humanitarian principles and accountability to affected populations to all DRC staff.

Information Management

• Ensure DRC systems and databases development are harmonized and continuously improved including Cash for Work database, Activity Info, CFRM systems.
• Implement DRC’s data quality and protection standards/policies in collaboration with teams, Risk & Compliance Specialist.
• Provide technical support on planning, design and monitoring of data collection activities using progress trackers.
• Develop, manage and enhance roadmap for data management/collection including quality assurance and data validation.
• Work closely with the Protection and Advocacy Coordinator to revise and strengthen tools and procedures related to the Protection Information Management (PIM) and ensure that ethical and sound data collection and information management systems are in place for appropriate analysis, reporting, planning, evaluation, and advocacy.

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES

• Significant work and people-management experience in MEAL and IM of humanitarian and/or development programmes, especially in a refugee/host setting.
• Strong understanding of outcome/output monitoring processes and accountability including IM.
• Practical experience in applying CHS principles to programming with ability to set up and/or refine accountability systems.
• Experience in conducting or managing evaluations and external consultants.
• Proven track record in IM systems for programmes, using a selection of tools e.g. Tableau, R, PowerBI and GIS/mapping, and conceptualising/designing systems, software development and customisation.
• Ability to receive and handle confidential and sensitive information (highly approachable, trustworthy, and able to maintain confidentiality).
• Strong analytical skills (quantitative and qualitative information) with excellent skill in MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to listen, communicate and present complex issues in simplified ways which are easily understood.
• Capacity-building and facilitation skills with the ability to transfer knowledge to diverse audiences.
• Goal orientated with the ability to work under pressure, ability to prioritize and commitment to meet deadlines.

Desired Experience

• Solid experience in applying participatory data collection methodologies and experience with research methodologies.
• Professional certification such as PRINCE 2, PMP or other relevant certification.
• Experience in handling or managing complaints related to the Code of Conduct Reporting Mechanism.
• Experience of working with or providing support to partners and/or a partnership model of working.
• Proven ability to draft programme strategies/frameworks and improve learning and knowledge management.
• Previous work experience in South or Southeast Asia, especially Bangladesh or Myanmar.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION

· University degree in Social Sciences, IM, Computer Science, Statistics or equivalent professional qualifications/relevant work experience related to planning, monitoring, and evaluation.

LANGUAGES **

· Full professional proficiency in English both written and verbal.

ALL EMPLOYEES ARE EXPECTED TO DEMONSTRATE DRC 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 DRC’s vision and values.

POSITION DETAILS

• Type of contract: National or Expatriate
• Employment Band: F
• Start date: As soon as possible
• Duty station: Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh
• Closing Date for Application: 16th January 2022