Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Coordinator

A lead responder in Iraq since 2003, the IRC is providing robust programming across 5 governorates through women’s protection and empowerment, child protection, protection and rule of law, cash and livelihood, and integrated early childhood development programming. Our work spans the spectrum from emergency response to long-term programming supporting our clients to rebuild their lives.

Scope of work

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Coordinator will provide the leadership necessary to ensure that the IRC Iraq program develops and meets its monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning commitments, as set out IRC’s Strategy and partnerships with donors. Core to this will be providing strategic direction to, and harmonization of MEAL efforts in the Iraq country program. The MEAL Coordinator will lead the MEAL Unit, which comprises of an M&E team and a Feedback, Accountability and Response Mechanisms (FARM) team, contributing to evidence-based program design, accountability to clients and continuous improvements of program quality based on data and learning. The MEAL Coordinator will be responsible, in coordination with program teams, for developing and implementing an internal capacity-building strategy including training and mentoring M&E and FARM staff and promoting a culture of peer-learning. This position supervises M&E, FARM, and Technology for Programs and Information Management staff, and reports to the Deputy Director for Programs (DDP).

Responsibilities

1. Program Management, Technical Quality, and Strategy

• Provide strategic direction for the development and optimization of MEAL systems and resources, organizational structures and their interaction with MEAL, and the development and roll-out of new MEAL-related initiatives

• Establish/ maintain a coherent Iraq MEAL system (approaches, procedures, structures), encompassing both programs implemented by IRC, as well as programs implemented in partnership with partners

• Provide technical assistance and quality assurance to MEAL Unit managers and officers in their support of sector programs in project and program monitoring initiatives (including but not limited to the design of M&E plans, data collection tools, data management and analysis), to ensure programs are properly supported by the MEAL Unit

• Ensure continued functioning of, use of and improvements to, the beneficiary feedback and response mechanism, and adherence to regional standards and expectations

• Ensure continued generation of accurate information about beneficiary reach

• Ensure the use of innovative and technology-driven appropriate MEAL systems and tools

• Develop systems and procedures that measure country program-wide performance and achievements towards outcomes (using the Outcomes & Evidence Framework core indicators and other methods as appropriate) and strategic and organizational commitments

• In close collaboration with the grants department and program teams, develop and execute a coherent strategy and plan for strengthening MEAL capacities of implementing partner organizations, as relevant, incorporating technical assistance into the design stages of program logframes, indicators, and measurement methodologies, plans and tools

• Lead on planning and managing internal or external program evaluations, impact studies and case studies

• Recruit, support and oversee the technical quality of work by MEAL unit team members supporting the unit’s and program teams’ implementation of MEAL systems

• Ensure that program teams have planned and clear M&E calendars, drawing links and efficiency gains between them

2. Program Design

• Provide MEAL technical assistance to program teams and inputs into the design stages of program proposals and budgets

• Lead the development and review of proposal logframes, indicators, and measurement methodologies, plans and tools

• Identify lessons learned and best practices from previous programs and work with program teams to maximize their incorporation into the design of new projects/programs

• Ensure consistency of indicators across all parts of the programs as appropriate, maintaining a bank of program indicators

3. Information and Communications Technology

• Plan and work on transitioning all IMS functions under one centralized structure

• Act as the Iraq country program focal point for organization-wide or cross-sectoral M&E-related data management, consolidation/aggregation or reporting requirements

• Work with ICT-specialized staff in the country and regional offices to make good strategic choices for the prioritization and use of technology for M&E purposes

• Support the MEAL Unit to work with program teams to develop strong data generation, management and utilization systems

• Support MEAL and program teams in effectively sharing M&E resources for learning, knowledge management and communication, across programs and locations

4. Capacity Building and Mentoring

• Provide a measurable development plan including on-the-job learning with the aim of strengthening technical capacity, exchanging knowledge within the team and providing guidance on career paths

• Coach, train, and mentor staff with the aim of strengthening their technical capacity, exchanging knowledge within the team and providing professional development guidance

• In close collaboration with the grants department, develop and execute a coherent strategy and plan for strengthening MEAL capacities of implementing partner organizations

5. Staff Management & Development

• Deliver and execute a plan to hire, train and build the capacity of staff

• Maintain open and professional relations with team members, promoting a strong team spirit and providing oversight and guidance to enable staff to successfully perform in their positions

• Hold high-quality meetings with each direct report on a regular and predictable basis

• Supervise and mentor direct-report staff, including communicating clear expectations, setting performance objectives, providing regular and timely performance feedback, and providing documented semi-annual performance reviews

• Promote and monitor staff care and well-being; approve and manage all leave requests to ensure adequate coverage

• If/as required identify staff performance issues and work with Human Resources to document and address these in accordance with Staff Employment Policies

• Adhere to and act in accordance with the IRC Global HR Policies and Procedures

6. Coordination and Representation

• Actively contribute and liaise with regional and global counterparts to continuously learn and keep up with M&E best practices and share learning with team accordingly

• Serve as Country Focal point for regional M&E initiatives

• Maintain working relationships with M&E counterparts in other relevant international and local NGOs in Iraq as relevant.

• As needed and in coordination with other program sector leads and country program management, represent IRC in inter-agency forums and discussions

Key working relationships

Line management: Deputy Director for Programs

Direct reports: Senior MEAL Manager, FARM Manager

Internal: senior management team members, grants staff, program coordinators, field coordinators, regional Measurement Coordinator, regional ICT4P coordinator

External Donors, government, other INGOs, local NGOs and other partners

Requirements

• BA/BS Degree in international development, social sciences, statistics or a related field; MA/MS a plus

• Minimum of 5 years professional experience in monitoring and evaluation of multi-sectoral programming in post conflict settings; INGO experience required.

• Strong measurement, analytical, systematic-thinking, planning and organizational skills;

• Demonstrated experience and excellent skills developing qualitative and quantitative data collection tools

• Demonstrated experience and excellent skills developing logical/results frameworks, indicators and other key M&E tools

• Demonstrated experience and excellent skills in data/information management and analysis, with experience using databases and software applications

• Demonstrated Experience in Data Visualization

• Demonstrated experience and capacity in conducting field-level data collection and data entry

• Experience in capacity building and team building

• Must be capable of applying their skills and knowledge in a range of capacities, including direct implementation, advisory functions, training and the transfer of technical knowledge and management skills to others

• Proven ability to work well in and promote teamwork, be flexible and handle pressure with professional grace

• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with ability to express ideas and concepts clearly and persuasively with senior internal and external stakeholder. Fluency in English required, fluency in Arabic recommended.

Personal/other skills

• Excellent inter-personal skills, demonstrating diplomacy and tact;

• Able to influence and motivate individuals that are not under direct line management;

• Capable of applying skills and knowledge in a range of capacities, including direct implementation, remote management, advisory functions, training and the transfer of technical knowledge and management skills to others;

• Comfortable in a multi-cultural environment;

• Flexible and able to handle pressure;

• Values learning and takes a strong interest in new developments in the field of M&E;

• Willingness to spend about 30% of time in the field.

Note: List of responsibilities, professional and personal skills are considered indicative and not exhaustive; actual duties may differ or change depending on office and agency priorities at the time.

Working Environment: The security situation in Iraq remains fluid and unpredictable. Candidates may expect periods of insecurity, periodic suspensions of, or restrictions in, program operation and/or field travel, and high levels of volatility in the operating environment.

Standards of Professional Conduct: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.

Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including maternity leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances. Qualified female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Attention Returning National Candidates: IRC strives to attract, motivate and retain qualified national staff in our programs. We strongly encourage national or returning national candidates to apply for this position. If you are a national of the country in which this position is based and are currently located outside of your home country and possess over two years of international work experience, IRC has introduced an attractive remuneration package. The package includes competitive compensation, return flight to post, shipping allowance, temporary housing and a relocation allowance. Certain restrictions may apply.

Notice to all Job Seekers

IRC implements an equal employment opportunity policy

and our recruitment process is based on merit.

Applicants and/or successful interview

candidates (both internal and external) are not required to pay any fees at any

stage of the recruitment process.

If anyone asks you for any financial or

non-financial favors to help you secure a job at IRC, kindly report to Iraqhr@rescue.org

ملاحظة لكل الباحثين عن وظيفة

تعتمد لجنة الانقاذ الدولية سياسة فرص عمل

متساوية و ان عملية التوظيف لدينا تعتمد على الجدارة.

لايتوجب على المتقدمين لاي وظيفة او المؤهلين للمقابلات

(سواء كانوا موظفيين حالين او متقدمين من خارج المنظمة) دفع اي مبلغ مالي خلال اي

مرحلة من مراحل التوظيف.

اذا قام اي شخص بطلب اي خدمة مالية او غير مالية لقاء

مساعدتكم في تأمين فرصة عمل داخل المنظمة ،يرجى الابلاغ عن ذلك الى Iraqhr@rescue.org