MEAL Assistant at Smiling Hearts Initiatives International

Location: MMC
Reports to: MEAL Officer
Contract Type: 6 Months 

Job Summary

The MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) Assistant for the Shelter & NFI (Non-Food Items) Flood Response Project will support the implementation of MEAL activities, including data collection, reporting, and managing feedback from beneficiaries. The role will involve regular engagement with beneficiaries to ensure data quality and the timely collection of information necessary to assess project progress and impact. The MEAL Assistant will also play a key role in managing and documenting Community Feedback Mechanisms (CFM), ensuring beneficiaries\' voices inform project improvements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Monitoring and Evaluation Support
   • Assist in the design and implementation of MEAL tools and methodologies to collect data on project outputs and outcomes.
   • Conduct field visits and data collection activities, including surveys, focus groups, and interviews, ensuring data accuracy and timeliness.
   • Support data entry and database management, ensuring data is organized and easily accessible for analysis and reporting.
2. Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM)
   • Assist in setting up and managing the CFM, ensuring that mechanisms are accessible to all beneficiaries and adequately functional
   • Record, track, and document all feedback received through various channels (e.g., hotlines, face-to-face) and ensure timely referrals and responses.
   • Prepare monthly reports on feedback trends, ensuring issues raised are shared with relevant teams for response and adaptation.
   • Facilitate community awareness/sensitization sessions on CFM within the project communities
3. Data Collection and Quality Assurance
   • Conduct data validation exercises, verifying the accuracy and consistency of data from multiple sources.
   • Work closely with enumerators and field staff to ensure high data quality during collection and entry processes.
   • Identify and report data quality issues and support corrective measures to ensure data integrity.
4. Learning Adaptation and Reporting
   • Contribute to the preparation of case studies, success stories, and other materials that capture the project’s impact.
   • Support the MEAL Officer in creating MEAL-related knowledge materials for internal and external use.
   • Prepare weekly and monthly MEAL updates, summarizing data collection progress, community feedback, and key findings.
   • Assist in compiling data and information for donor reports, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
   • Ensure that all reporting aligns with the organization’s standards and donor requirements.

Core Skills and Competencies

Technical Skills

• Understanding of MEAL principles and experience in data collection, preferably using both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Familiarity with data collection tools, such as Kobo Toolbox, ODK, Survey CTO and basic data analysis software like Excel.
• Basic skills in data visualization and reporting formats.

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with beneficiaries and field teams
• Proactive and detail-oriented, with a strong commitment to data accuracy and ethical standards
• Sensitivity to cultural and community dynamics, with a commitment to accountability and responsiveness

Knowledge and Experience

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Statistics, Development Studies, or a related field
• Minimum of 1-2 years of relevant experience in a MEAL role, ideally within shelter, NFI, or humanitarian sectors
• Experience managing Community Feedback Mechanisms and working with diverse, conflict-affected populations is an advantage

Additional Skills:

• Knowledge of local languages (Kanuri, and Hausa) and culture is a strong advantage.
• Basic training in data protection and community engagement practices.
• Strong oral and written communication skills
• Team player and constructive attitude responding positively to critical feedback and differing points of view
• Developed attitude and awareness of service delivery
• Personal integrity and accountability
• Positive, collaborative and constructive attitude to people and work 
• Open to change and ability to manage complexities