MEAL Officer at Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)

Job Summary

JRS is recruiting for the position of MEAL Officer to be based in Monguno LGAs of Borno State in preparation for anticipated funding from the European Commission Directorate for Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) for projects to be implemented in Dikwa and Monguno LGAs of Borno State, Nigeria. The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Officer will be responsible for the design, coordination, and implementation of the monitoring and evaluation, research, accountability, and learning framework of the Project and report to the project director. The MEAL officer shall be primarily responsible for establishing and overseeing a functional MEAL system for the project as well as take responsible for the full-cycle monitoring and evaluation of programs, developing appropriate methodologies and tools to design evaluations.

The MEAL officer shall also be responsible to develop a systematic monitoring framework to improve the qualitative and quantitative evidence gathered by the project and provide technical assistance to the implementing agencies, particularly in relation to monitoring, reporting, and governance issues.

The MEAL Officer will manage information and reporting processes and products to ensure professional, high-quality communication in JRS’s activities and results. While improving information management and data quality, and in strengthening knowledge sharing and learning across the organization.

Key Responsibilities of the Position

Role/Mission

• Develop, implement, and assess monitoring frameworks for the project.
• Develop the overall framework for project MEAL systems in collaboration with donor requirements and project staff. This shall include project requirements, reporting, baseline, and evaluation surveys; develop and monitor project management plan to systematically document performance.
• In line with the project document, the MEAL officer shall facilitate the design of “SMART” logic models, monitoring frameworks, and evaluation plans during the semi-annual and annual work-planning process.
• Contribute to the development of annual work plans to identify project targets and ensure the inclusion of M&E activities.
• Maintain existing/review indicator tracking tools; develop additional databases and tracking tools as needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of project interventions.
• Ensure adherence to specific monitoring and reporting requirements for ECHO-funded projects, including requirements related to EU protocols.
• Analyze data for accuracy, flag quality issues, conduct field visits to carry out data validation and to monitor the quality and completeness of data sets; coordinate data collection (including ODK) at project sites to monitor program development, ensure timely compilation and reporting of data.
• Be responsible for capturing and documenting lessons learned; as well as championing and scaling up best practices.
• Carry out routine data quality assessment (RDQA) for all project implementation activities.
• Create and ensure integration of infographics in routine reports and information to meaningfully visualize data.
• Set up a data corner and ensure the availability/display of project infographics on a quarterly basis.
• Be responsible to edit project content and presentation for all reporting and deliverables before submission for internal and external fora to ensure superior quality and professionalism.
• Contribute to developing and reporting of project reviews, assessments, surveys, and other analytic or evaluation processes and products.
• Provide technical leadership and support to project and partner staff in planning and implementing M&E systems and activities, data-based program decision-making, and results reporting; provide training as needed.
• Prepare Issues Log and Risk Log for the project.
• Organize and coordinate mid-term reviews, learning workshops/review of program work plans.
• Ensure the accountability of the project to beneficiaries and affected persons while adhering to compliance processes in line with project documents.
• Participate in related sectoral and working group meetings.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Promote PSEA and safeguarding standards within JRS and amongst the beneficiaries it serves.

Required Profile

 Qualification

Bachelor’s degree is required, a Master’s degree in statistics, demographics, computer science, social work, or international development is preferred.

Experience and Skills

• Minimum of five (5) years of experience working in the field of monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) at a similar cadre.
• Proven success in designing, implementing, and operating MEAL systems from project initiation to project closeout.
• Proven experience in strategic planning and performance management, including indicator selection, target setting, reporting, database management, and developing M&E and performance monitoring plans.
• Proven knowledge of major evaluation methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, mixed method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies
• Experience in planning for and managing assessments/surveys, developing data collection tools, and with data quality assessments and oversight.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Fluency in the English Language; excellent written and oral communication skills, including facilitation and cross-cultural communication.
• Have knowledge of a local language including Kanuri and Hausa.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational and time management skills
• Proven computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)
• Proven skills in the data management programs and remote data collection methodologies (SPSS, STATA, NVIVO, Kobocollect, Survey CTO)

Qualities

• Adhere to JRS values and abide by the code of conduct and other policies.
• Proven work experience in multicultural and stressful environments.
• Trustworthiness, integrity, and accountability.
• Strong ability to work independently, organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks, and maintain attention to details
• Ability to adapt to working conditions and tasks that may change with the reality of the field.
• Demonstrate leadership skills, active listening skills, initiative, and personal discipline.

JRS is an equal-opportunity employer regardless of religion, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnic group. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment.

Applicants are advised that JRS does not require any payment during the recruitment process. Any request in this direction should be immediately reported as it is contrary to our values and practices.