MEAL Officer( Monitoring, Evaluation and Accountability Officer

Background of IRC:

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by natural and man-made disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives. The IRC works with people made to flee from war, dispute and disaster and the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within their homes and communities. We began work in Ethiopia since 2000 and currently implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) prioritizes narrowing the gender gap in humanitarian aid. We actively chip in to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in both our programs and operations. Our goal is to create an environment where all our clients, including those from cultural, religious and ethnic minority groups, enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and access to services. Additionally, the IRC is deeply committed to fostering an equitable and comprehensive workplace environment. We uphold safeguarding practices to protect both our clients and staff. In cases of alleged misconduct, we address it promptly and impartially.

Job Overview:

Reporting to and technically supported by the Senior MEAL Manager and administratively by the Field Coordinator, the MEAL Officer works in close collaboration with program teams to optimize monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning capacities and opportunities of the IRC mission in [Ethiopia] to ensure high-quality programming for the clients we serve and support the global ambitions of IRC Strategy 100, and the Country Strategic Action Plan. The MEAL Officer oversees, leads and implements MEAL activities of a Shire Field Office within the Country MEAL team.

Major Responsibilities:

Leadership and Partnership

• Support all technical aspects and actions of MEAL regarding the Shire Field Office; respond to program needs; foster high standards and practices for quality data collection, analysis, and reports. Enable accountability to clients, partners, and donors.
• Implement and support MEAL system and approaches in your areas of expertise and foster learning. 
• Represent MEAL at technical meetings, forums, and other events & build partnerships within IRC and area of expertise. 
• Champion access and use of data for shared learning, sound decision-making, and data-informed programmatic adaptations. 

Technical Oversight 

• Run the MEAL system and processes for Shire Field Office in harmony with the MEAL Country and Global Strategies throughout the project cycle which include:
• Collaborate with MEAL and non-MEAL staff to ensure that data is collected, compiled, checked for its quality and completeness in compliance with IRC and donors’ standards for data quality.
• Document and share learning, evidence, and data from previous projects to inform project proposal design.
• Implement M&E/MEAL plans, revise (digital) data collection tools, follow-up on processes for online data management, quality checks, and audits, and updating of data visualization.
• Undertake regular analysis of monitoring data and work closely with program officers and managers to facilitate decision-making for real-time program adaptation.
• Produce quality reports and updating dashboards with key findings that foster learning and decision-making and share in project cycle management meetings and team meetings.
• Identify, document, and share client feedback to improve services and results for our clients.
• Support deployment of surveys such as baseline and end line, and the commission of evaluations in coordination with colleagues and partners.
• Support the use of standard mobile data technology and online dashboard to enhance timeliness and quality of data collection, analysis and visualization.
• Join and contribute to IRC’s effort in meeting its internal and external accountability commitments through the implementation of sound accountability, client feedback, and response mechanisms. 

Human Resources  

• Coordinate, lead, mentor MEAL Assistant(s); foster timely and high-quality achievement, and an inclusive and respectful team climate.
• Promote the growth and development of others in IRC teams and partners: present high-quality technical training and learning material for partners, colleagues, and junior staff. 
• Participate in the recruitment and onboarding of MEAL Assistant, field incentive workers and enumerators.

Safeguarding Responsibilities:

•          Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion in IRC [team/office].

•          Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and to promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.

Job Requirements:

Educational Requirements:

• 2 years of progressive, relevant work experience with a first degree or diploma with 5 years in Monitoring and Evaluation, Economics, Anthropology, Sociology, Statistics, Development, or related social science field. Postgraduate degree preferred.
• 1 year of relevant experience plus a postgraduate degree.

Requirements

• Possess basic technical knowledge of M&E approaches and techniques in some or all the following areas: Outputs, Outcome monitoring; Theories of Change, Logical frameworks, Data collection, Basic data analysis, Accountability, and Client feedback mechanisms.
• Experience in conducting primary quantitative data collection and data entry.
• Basic proficiency and experience with mobile data collection such as Kobo, CommCare, ODK Collect are required, knowledge of Tableau, PowerBi, or GIS software tools are additional assets. 
• Good computer skills in MS Office, especially Excel and Word – with experience in writing reports.
• Self-motivated and pro-active attitude with good organization, planning, and analytic skills, including prioritizing work, multi-tasking, and attention to detail.
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and in constantly evolving work environments.
• Experience in analyzing and presenting data in a way that facilitates effective decision-making.
• Demonstrated analytical, systematic thinking and problem-solving skills are definite assets.
• A strong understanding of accountability and proven ability to build Client Feedback Systems 

Preferred experience & skills:

• Values diversity sees it as a source of competitive strength.
• Good communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent computer skills and competency in Word, Excel (data analysis and visualization), and PowerPoint. CommCare and PowerBI is a strong advantage.
• Strong Organizational and time-management skills; proven ability to prioritize and deliver on time.
• Ability to work both independently and in a dynamic, cross-functional global team structure.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with stakeholders at all levels.

Language Skills: 

• Strong oral and written communication skills in English are mandatory, other local languages are advantageous.

Key Working Relationships:

• Position reports directly to (Management in Partnership): Field Coordinator and Senior Manager.
• Position directly supervises Assistants and/or enumerators.
• Other Internal and/or external contacts:
• Internal: Program Managers and Officers, Database Officer, ICT Officer, Partnerships Manager, HR, Field Coordinator and MEAL team in Addis.
• External: Beneficiaries, program partner organizations, local and national government.

Working Environment:

• Travel: Expected travel 60% of the time

How To Apply

How to apply:

Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through the below IRC On-line recruitment website: 

IRC Career Site: - https://careers.rescue.org/us/en/job/req52119/Monitoring-Evaluation-Accountability-and-Learning-Officer

Please include 3 references from current and former employers.

Applications will not be returned. IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.

Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short listed and contacted.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information.

• Name of the position you have applied for
• Date of application
• Summary of your qualifications and experience
• Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job
• Permanent Address and present address (if different from permanent) and telephone number if possible also email address
• Disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees.

IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

IRC strives to build a diverse and comprehensive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients.

Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, 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 Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons

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 parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols, and other supportive benefits and allowances

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.