Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer at CARE Nigeria

JOB SUMMARY

This position reports to the Monitoring Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Coordinator and is mainly responsible for providing technical support in all areas of monitoring, data collection, analysis, assessments, survey and learning activities. The MEAL Officer is a part of the MEAL/Program Quality Unit, supporting implementation of the overall program MEAL system. The position holder will work closely with the program team in conducting filed monitoring, support capacity building initiatives, and facilitate the collection of quality data for decision-making (both quantitative and qualitative). S/he will coordinate the refinement of Project feedback and accountability mechanisms, promote reflective review practices through learning sessions, tracking/collecting of participants information, conducting regular post activity and distribution monitoring surveys, coordination, management and seldom collection of human-interest stories. S/he will continually review the practicality and effectiveness of project approaches and suggest modifications as necessary of the MEAL system

JOB DESCRIPTION

SCOPE

Employment Type: Contract
Start Date: ASAP
Location: Ngala, Borno State.

Duration: 6 months 
Reporting to: MEAL Coordinator

Job Responsibility #1: Supervision, Monitoring and Data Management 

• Work closely with the MEAL Coordinator to establish a mechanism for data collection tools (quantitative and qualitative) and reporting to ensure all monitoring requirement are met including monitoring.
• Organize, design, plan, and carryout the collection, verification, evaluation, analysis and compilation, and dissemination of program data.
• Conduct regular field visits to track progress against indicators and put in place systems for routing data quality checks and revisions.
• Conduct data quality assessment on key activities and develop analytical reports.
• Work with Project Manager, and program staff to ensure data on project deliverables and achievements against the log-frame is accurate and up to date as possible and manage according to agreed processes and standards.
• Assist the Program Manager to manage, train and develop the Monitoring and Evaluation team
• Collate, analyze manage and report all program related data, including project participants database
• Work to ensure data accuracy
• Identify direct reports capacity development needs and in consultation with the FLNS Manager
• Support in collecting data needed for reporting output and outcome indicators and protection monitoring.
• Support in conducting assessments as needed, facilitate focus groups and other qualitative data collection exercises
• Monitor activity implementation progress against objectives and work plans
• Support in conducting post-distribution monitoring with targeted beneficiaries of NFI/FI distributions and CVA including Multipurpose cash assistance.

Job Responsibility #2: Assessments, Surveys and Learning for the MEAL Sector                                      

• Guide the regular sharing of the outputs of M&E findings with project staff, implementing partners and primary stakeholders.
• Regular collect case studies, success stories and human-interest stories to tell an interactive story of the impact of the project activities.
• Support the dissemination of quality data for decision making and feedback via regular information sharing with stakeholders and project participants through publication of key project successes.
• Regularly conduct, analyze, and report post distribution monitoring and KAP survey.
• Develop monitoring, accountability and reporting tools for the respective projects and programs’ outputs, suggest modifications and develop new and appropriate tools, as necessary.
• Support routine reporting process relating to data collection and assessments
• Keep up to date with development in the sector, including best practice examples in-country and internationally, and ensure ongoing personal development and learning.
• Provide routine guidance on improved creative and innovative systems for MEAL in the sector and for program achievement.

Job Responsibility #3: Capacity building                         

• Working loosely with the MEAL Coordinator, conduct capacity assessment of CARE and partners’ staff on MEAL.
• Take the lead in training all Sector and partner staff in understanding and use of all monitoring and reporting tools and approaches.
• Organize and conduct result-oriented monitoring and evaluation training (including quantitative and qualitative data collection methods) for CARE and partners’ staff
• In collaboration with the Project Managers, facilitate training and other capacity-building activities for all project key stakeholders.
• Provide regular MEAL trainings as needed, for field staff and partners to ensure proper implementation of the M&E plan
• Build the capacity of MEAL and program staff on different aspect on MEAL inkling database management and impact assessment/measurement.

Job Responsibility #4: Reporting                                                                  

• Establish a filing system for various program activities to ensure easy retrieval of information as and when needed.
• Develop an appropriate project data base of the sector to facilitate processing of required information.
• Continually analyze Sector field data to verify status as and when necessary, and produce daily, weekly, monthly/quarterly data computation and analysis reports for use by project/project management.
• Participate in annual project reviews and planning workshop and prepare relevant reports.
• Ensure MEAL SharePoint folder for the project is regularly updated with supporting documents of the project implementation.
• Verify the validity of field data by making routine field visits to check adherence to agreed data collection methods and authenticity of collected information.
• Documentations of lessons learnt good practices for the sector
• With the collaborating partner review their existing approach and management information system and agree on any required changes.
• With assistance from the Project manager and the MEAL coordinator, lead the reporting of project information on Project and program Impact and Information Reporting System (PIIRS)

Job Responsibility #5: Other duties                             

• Support the MEAL Coordinator with project design, on request, with information gathering as related to the sectors, needs analysis, logical framework designs, target participants computation and others.
• Support with information dissemination to CARE staff on MEAL activities and achievements.
• Support the MEAL Coordinator with Country Office MEAL requirements such as assessments roll out, trainings, analysis outside the scope of S/he individual project.
• Support the accountability officer with improving feedback and accountability systems

Resource Mobilization

• Contribute to CARE’s resource mobilization efforts

JOB EXPERIENCE

Required

• Minimum 1st degree in Statistics, Biostatistics, Agricultural economics, Social Sciences, Information Management, and other relevant discipline.
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience on MEAL in the field of development
• Working knowledge of information collection tools and methodologies with focus on data analysis and the ability to develop and apply methods and tools for capturing knowledge, preserving, and sharing.
• Good understanding of the country’s humanitarian context, empowering and advocacy issues in Nigeria.
• Excellent computer literacy with full knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, including database management systems.
• Excellent experience on conducting quantitative and qualitative research, studies, assessment from start to end including dissemination of findings to a wide range of diverse audience.
• Strong analytical skills and understanding of MEAL Framework, tools and indicator setting.
• Evidence-based monitoring and evaluation frameworks and program, with emphasis on participatory and partnership-based MEAL approaches.
• Strong knowledge of IT applications and development – especially spreadsheets and database management.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English and good report-writing skills.
• Ability to take Initiative, drive to achieve results, ability to develop effective organizations
• Understanding and experience of gender equity issues and their relevance to humanitarian response work
• Fluency in English and Hausa.
• Competent in use and application of SPSS

Desired

• Master’s Degree or equivalent in Economics, Information technology, international relations, Agricultural Economics, and another related field.
• Strong data analysis skills
• Excellent facilitation, coaching and training skills
• Strong level of autonomy to provide independent follow through on processing issues and concerns
• Familiarity with project cycle management, monitoring and evaluation
• Organised and able to manage own time under guidance and direction from line-manager
• Commitment to CARE’s overall aims and beliefs, including strong commitment to gender, diversity issues, equal opportunities, and capacity building
• Strong interpersonal and self-awareness skills
• Ability and willingness to undertake extensive travel in the country
• Well-developed conceptual, critical, analytical thinking and planning skills
• Ability to take Initiative, drive to achieve results, ability to develop effective organizations Understanding and experience of gender equity issues and their relevance to humanitarian response work
• Ability to work effectively with others, adaptive and flexible

Working Conditions:

• Field work:  60-80% (3-4 days/week)
• Office work: 20-40% (1-2 days/week).

Note:

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
• CARE is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CARE considers all applicants on the basis of merit without prejudice to race, sexual orientation, religion, disability, age, color, national origin, marital status, or veteran status.
• There are individuals who may use CARE’s name and trademark in emails and on websites in an attempt to solicit fees from interested job-seekers. Please note that CARE will not request for any monetary payments from applicants at any stage of the recruitment process.

Qualified Women are strongly encouraged to apply.