MEAL Manager at Action Against Hunger

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.

Work location: Nguru, Yobe State

Mission 1: Ensure the operationalization of MEAL systems for ACF programs to ensure compliance with donors and ACF MEAL standards
Tasks :

• Ensure  appropriate utilization of the already-set-up MEAL systems  to guide project start-up, implementation, adjustment, accountability, and learning in compliance with ACF’s MEAL Guidelines and Minimum Requirements for MEAL
• Develop projects' MEAL plans as per ACF and donors' requirements and standards
• Support M&E 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, 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 the 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 to agree on the scope of mapping, define data needs, project requirements, required outputs, and participate in undertaking mapping

Mission 2: Ensure proper and timely reporting of MEAL activities
 Task :

• Validate the analysis of MEAL data of different projects as needed through Excel, SPSS, or other statistical software submitted by M&E 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 a monthly work plan for the MEAL field team and ensure timely sharing with the MEAL technical team
• Ensure timely submission and compilation of the monthly report from M&E officers as per the agreed work plan
• Support the development of the project proposal if required by the MEAL technical team

Mission 3:     To build the capacity of MEAL staff through training, mentorships and coaching to ensure quality control of monitoring and evaluation activities
              Task :

• Support MEAL HOD and DHODs to conduct and operationalize MEAL capacity assessment among MEAL and project staff. Support MEAL HoD and DHODs to build the capacity of staff, including training needs assessment and preparation of a step-down plan
• Ensure follow-up of training uptake by MEAL teams
• Daily mentoring and coaching of the MEAL field team by providing feedback on their performance

Mission 4: Ensure proper implementation of the feedback and complaints response mechanism
              Task :

• Support the setup of FCM channels at the base level in collaboration with the Accountability officer
• Support the timely resolution of complaints received from beneficiaries and stakeholders
• Support the 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 the investigation of sensitive complaints, if required by the audit department

Mission 5: To support proper and adequate resource management: HR, finance, and logistics
              Task :

• Ensure recruitment of M&E officers, Accountability officers, and MIS officers
• Support the relevant direct line managers in the recruitment of  M&E 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 the MEAL deputy manager (if applicable), M&E 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), M&E officers, Accountability Officers, and MIS officers while  strengthening their skills and capacity
• Support program managers in the logistical and budget planning of MEAL activities

Mission 6: Support capitalization and learning for all projects
              Task :

• Support  MEAL HOD and DHODs in providing feedback to the 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 the program team at the 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 the 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..

Mission 7: To represent the organization at the state level and promote ACF’s technical viewpoints, guidelines, and methods of work
              Task :

• To represent ACF at the state level and, where appropriate, in clusters, 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-sectoral programming
• Proven management and coordination skills (HR, projects, and stress management)
• Proven experience in a management 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, and Epi Info software
• Experience in 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 an 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 at 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.).