MEAL Manager at Action Against Hunger | ACF-International

Action Against Hunger is currently looking to fill the role of MEAL Manager who will be responsible for effective management and implementation of monitoring and evaluation component of all programs and projects, both new and established, providing accountability and ensuring efficiency in project deliverables. The MEAL Manager will plan for baseline, midline and end line surveys, post distribution monitoring surveys, Knowledge Attitude and Practice surveys with the support of the MEAL Deputy and MEAL Officers.

Position Details

Reporting to: Field Coordinator

Proposed start date: July 2025

Work location: Damaturu, Yobe State

Key responsibilities:

• Develop projects MEAL plans as per ACF and donors requirements and standards;
• Ensure  appropriate utilization of the already setup MEAL systems  to guide project start-up, implementation, adjustment, accountability and learning in compliance with ACF’s MEAL guidelines and minimum requirements for MEAL;
• Support MEAL Officer in development of ToRs and data collection tools for surveys, needs assessments, mid-term and project reviews/evaluations, including sampling and assessment methodologies;
• In collaboration with the MEAL HOD and DHOD and field teams, lead in the preparation of comprehensive M&E plans for each project to capture quantitative and qualitative data for project performance tracking and reporting;
• Undertake regular visits to the field to support implementation of M&E and to identify milestones and challenges where adaptations might be needed;
• Promote in all projects the use of participatory data collection techniques involving beneficiaries, institutions and partners in the process;
• Support the MIS Officer for the operationalization of the use of  mobile data collection systems and other technologies to strengthen monitoring and reporting of activities;
• Work closely with other technical staff in order to agree on the scope of mapping, define data needs, project requirements, required outputs, and participate in undertaking mapping;
• Validate the analysis of MEAL data of different projects as needed through Excel, SPSS or other statistical software submitted by MEAL Officers;
• Support development and revision of internal and external reports, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and that reports reflect an actual representation of field implementation activities and results based on MEAL findings;
• Provide feedback to program and operational reporting templates that facilitate the timely and accurate acquisition, aggregation and analysis of information in programs;
• Develop monthly workplan for MEAL field team and ensure timely sharing with MEAL technical team;
• Ensure timely submission and compilation of monthly report from MEAL Officers as per agreed workplan;
• Support development of project proposal if required by MEAL technical team;
• Support MEAL HOD and DHODs to conduct and operationalize MEAL capacity assessment among MEAL and project staff. Support MEAL HoD and DHODs to build capacity of staff, including training needs assessment and preparation of step down plan;
• Ensure follow up of training up take by MEAL teams;
• Daily mentoring and coaching of MEAL field team by providing feedback on their performance;
• Support the setup of FCM channels at base level in collaboration with Accountability Officer;
• Support timely resolution of complaints received from beneficiaries and stakeholders;
• Support Accountability Officer in FCM reporting requirements;
• Ensure that confidentiality and proper data protection related to beneficiary feedback and complaints are respected;
• Support the Accountability Officer in conducting training for field teams and external stakeholders;
• Support investigation of sensitive complaints, if required by the audit department;
• Ensure recruitment of MEAL Officers, Accountability Officers and MIS Officers;
• Support the relevant direct line managers in the recruitment of MEAL Assistants and Accountability Assistants;
• Liaise closely with MEAL HOD and DHODs to understand and support the welfare of MEAL staff at all regions to ensure good working conditions and performance enhancement;
• Conduct the appraisals of MEAL Deputy Manager (if applicable) MEAL Officers, Accountability Officers and MIS Officers under their direct line management, as required by ACF guidelines;
• Provide effective and constructive daily supervision of MEAL Deputy Manager (if applicable) MEAL Officers, Accountability Officers and MIS Officers while  strengthening their skills and capacity;
• Support Program Managers in logistical and budget planning of MEAL activities;
• Support  MEAL HOD and DHODs in providing feedback to senior management team at the base level on standard indicators for all sectors;
• Support MEAL HOD and DHODs to organize and coordinate project mid-term reviews, learning workshops/review of program work plans with program team at field level and other stakeholders;
• Review documentation of project activities with clear articulation of lessons learned, case studies and short articles for each project for internal and external sharing;
• Coordinate and share learning related to MEAL practices at base level;
• With support from MEAL HOD and DHODs, institutionalize and document the tracking and implementation of lessons learnt and recommendations from all  assessments conducted;
• Advise and update the Project Managers on all aspects of MEAL regularly, including findings and recommendations;
• Support MEAL HOD and DHODs in ensuring that lessons in planning, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and impact assessment are documented, shared and considered in the design of new projects and technical plans and are discussed during periodic program reviews and ultimately fed into current work and future program development;
• Participate in the elaboration of methodologies and tools to facilitate national and operational  Steering  Committee sessions at country level;
• Participate in/support technical capitalization activities, initiatives, research, and national or cross-border studies carried out as part of the program's capitalization;
• Support teams to pilot data collection tools and integrate the findings into the final tools by providing feedback/error reports to the Project Coordinator, RESILAC Nigeria staff, RESILAC Regional MEAL Adviser and Maiduguri M&E team;
• To represent ACF at state level and where appropriate, cluster, working groups, workshops and strategic think tanks related to the department;
• To proactively collaborate with national authorities, ACF counterparts and staff, partner agencies, consortia/alliances/partnerships and other relevant external stakeholders;
• To ensure coherent and correct application of ACF guidelines and policies within the M&E department and across the organization.

Position Requirements:

• Minimum of 5 years of previous experience working with NGOs covering multi-sectorial programming;
• Proven management and coordination skills (HR, projects, and stress management);
• Proven experience in a manager role in monitoring and results management;
• Proven ability to translate analysis and evaluation into operational planning and strategy;
• Knowledge and experience in qualitative and quantitative data management techniques including proficient and skillful use of SPSS, STATA, EXCEL, Epi-info software’s;
• Experience on project monitoring and evaluation with special emphasis on activity monitoring, data management including data collection, analysis and storage;
• Advanced knowledge of international humanitarian  guidelines and standards including those of donors;
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with respect for diversity;
• Ability to work independently and under pressure in a rapidly changing professional environment;
• Diplomacy and good interpersonal skills, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and not lose sight of strategic priorities;
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly to remote field sites;
• Experience in insecure context;
• Experience in  conflict-related displacements and nutrition crisis contexts;
• Familiarity with major institutional donors (OFDA, ECHO, UN, DFID, FFP…) reporting and regulations;
• Experience with mat least one of the core sectors of intervention of Action Against Hunger (health, nutrition, WASH, food security and livelihoods);
• Knowledge of local languages (Hausa, Kanuri, Fulani, Shuwa, etc.).

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