Advisor, Global MEAL, Intl

JOB SUMMARY:

The Advisor, Global Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL), working as part of International Medical Corps’ MEAL Department at headquarters, will contribute to the implementation of the MEAL strategy employing capacity building, technical assistance, field visits, regular follow-up and mentorship of counterparts working in the country offices. The Advisor, Global MEAL will work closely with International Medical Corps staff at headquarters and in countries of operations of International Medical Corps to ensure highest quality standards are established and adhered to throughout the program cycle. Within the programs that International Medical Corps delivers in the assigned countries, the Advisor, Global MEAL is responsible for supporting the development and harmonization of effective monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems; supporting capacity building and training activities on MEAL topics; ensuring coordination with the different departments as it relates to program development and implementation; and promoting the development, adaptation, testing and mainstreaming of good practices in needs assessment, project design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and learning.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function with or without reasonable accommodation:

MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Level:

• Contribute significantly to the team’s efforts to update minimum and comprehensive MEAL standards, competency framework, and good practices in MEAL documents; contribute to updating manuals, user aids, training materials for field staff.
• Follow up with country offices on the implementation of strategy documents such as global MEAL strategy, MEAL minimum, and comprehensive Standards, MEAL Competency Framework, and strategy for remote monitoring to ensure results management, accountability, and evidence building in high threat environments.
• Design and roll-out of initiatives to strengthen the International Medical Corps’ technical approach to program MEAL from the field level to headquarters (including the adoption of standardized indicators; performance MEAL plans, activity, and tracking tools).
• Support the review of global data for the Quarterly Country Report in assigned countries.
• Support country teams with their processes for data collection, compilation, analysis, and use of data to orient programming.
• Coordinate systems building activities and strengthening of standards through work with MEAL team and TU colleagues on updating/creating: i) the Global Indicator Bank; ii) MEAL Guidance Notes by sector; iii) Tool Catalogue for output and outcome indicators; iv) MEAL Manual; and other related tasks/tools development.
• Support MEAL teams’ efforts for implementing data management systems and transitioning from existing country-specific MEAL systems to the global system. This includes providing specific support to countries for their MEAL and data management systems.
• Support the development of research partnerships and design of research protocols in collaboration with lead technical specialists; contribute to management or supervision of research projects in collaboration with lead technical specialists.
• Support field teams on the roll-out and implementation of the Satellite-based Tracking and Remote Monitoring (STARM) System.

MEAL Support to Program:

• As the MEAL HQ focal point for International Medical Corps assigned countries, provide technical support to field teams for MEAL related activities.
• Support, coordinate and harmonize monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning mechanisms and practices in the field of Health and Nutrition, Mental Health and Psychosocial Support, Child
• Protection, WASH, Non-Food Items and Gender-Based Violence, for the Country Offices in assigned countries Support to harmonize data collection tools, monitoring checklists and supportive supervision mechanisms across all countries.
• Support the development of MEAL systems at country offices, particularly with regards to outcome measurement.
• Support the development of data management systems at the country level, particularly in the design and roll-out of DHIS2.
• Assist the country teams in data analysis, report writing, and presentations based on needs
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategies/tools to improve field teams’ ability to collect, interpret, and aggregate data.
• Provide technical support for design, implementation, and analysis of periodic quantitative and qualitative data collection activities, including baseline and end of project assessments
• Determine the appropriate data collection tool based on the purpose, advantages, and disadvantages of mobile data collection techniques.
• Support in designing simple and complex questionnaire using XLS or form builder (Kobo form builder, Ona form builder, etc.).

Program development:

• Design and coordinate needs assessment and situation analysis through various approaches (e.g., direct data collection, secondary sources, problem tree analysis, SWOT analysis) and ensure that needs assessment and project design are linked.
• Support to field team with developing the results framework, theory of change, logframe and MEAL plan including indicators for existing and new projects.
• Support country MEAL team to identify the budget/resources needed for MEAL activities of projects.
• Provide technical input and quality assurance review for all reports and proposals to meet donor and International Medical Corps’ requirements.
• Support the country team to conduct context analysis and stakeholder mapping/analysis.
• Provide technical support in designing country MEAL strategy, which is in line with the Country program strategy.

Capacity building and human resources:

• Update MEAL training module on a regular basis based on needs identified from the field
• Coordinate the design of training curriculums and roll out of trainings for IMC and partner staff based on universally accepted and/or country protocols.
• Develop and deliver capacity building initiatives with identified stakeholders, including training and mentoring for field staff based on gaps in specific areas of knowledge and practice.
• Continue advocacy and assistance for adequate staffing in the country programs to support MEAL initiatives.
• Train technical focal points on MEAL tools, database use, and data interpretation to improve data for decision making.
• Actively contribute to the MEAL Community of Practice, including facilitating training and learning sessions, generating topics for the CoP, promoting the use of the CoP with the country teams, and disseminating learning tools.
• Support country offices in the recruitment process for MEAL-related roles (national and international) by preparing technical tests and participating in interviews.

Quality improvement:

• Perform program quality assurance activities such as data quality audits, partner capacity assessments, mid-term and final reviews, field monitoring, and evaluations.
• Lead MEAL systems assessment processes in supported countries to identify gaps and strengthen the MEAL systems in place.
• Develop MEAL processes and related tools that support quality assurance for key program areas in collaboration with sector technical specialists.
• Engage HQ- and field-based staff in data analysis and use of results for program quality improvement.

Evidence building, knowledge management and learning:

• Support Director, Global MEAL to update existing KML mechanisms and processes for the organization
• Establish basic learning systems that incorporate program studies’ findings, lessons learned, achievements and gaps, and develop all the tools required to support learning practices.
• Promote the development, adaptation, testing, and mainstreaming of good practice in needs assessment, project design, and implementation and monitoring.
• Manage the dissemination of results and briefings in full collaboration with IMC’s Technical Unit staff for improved decision making.
• Follow up with country missions to ensure that internal reviews and lessons learned workshops are organized according to the global KML guidelines.
• Work with teams to ensure that lessons learned from project evaluations are integrated into new proposals.
• Contribute to organizational learning and knowledge management activities, including maintenance of MEAL sections on OneCorps.

Accountability:

• Provide technical support to the field team on establishing effective feedback mechanisms for decision making, fully in line with commitments regarding accountability to affected populations (AAP), including IASC CAAP, CHS, and Sphere Humanitarian Charter.
• Support assigned country missions for developing the local feedback and response mechanism (CBFRM) procedures.
• Review CBFRM procedures for the assigned countries and provide inputs in line with IMC’s CBFRM global guidelines.
• Technical support in implementing and maintaining the CBFRM and accountability mechanisms.
• Adapt accountability tools supported by International Medical Corps to ensure accountability measures and reporting are integrated into programming among stakeholders.

Perform other duties as assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed in this document are representative of the nature and level of work assigned and not necessarily all inclusive.

Code of Conduct As applicable to this position, an individual must promote and encourage a culture of compliance and ethics throughout the organization and maintain a clear understanding of International Medical Corps’ and donor compliance and ethics standards and adheres to those standards.

If this is a supervisory position, one must set an example of ethical behavior through one’s own conduct and oversight of the work of others; ensure that those who report to you have sufficient knowledge and resources to follow the standards outlined in the Code of Conduct & Ethics; monitor compliance of the people you supervise; enforce the Code of Conduct & Ethics and International Medical Corps’ policies, including the Safeguarding Policy and the Protection from Harassment, Bullying and Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace Policy, consistently and fairly; support employees who in good faith raise questions or concerns.

Safeguarding It is all staff shared responsibility and obligation to safeguard and protect populations with whom we work, including adults who may be particularly vulnerable and children. This includes safeguarding from the following conduct by our staff or partners: sexual exploitation and abuse; exploitation, neglect, or abuse of children, adults at risk, or LGBTI individuals; and any form of trafficking in persons. Staff are also responsible for preventing violations to our Code of Conduct and Ethics, which may involve Conflicts of Interest, Fraud, Corruption or Harassment. If you see, hear or are made aware of any violations to the Code of Conduct and Ethics or Safeguarding Policy, you have an obligation to report.

Equal Opportunities International Medical Corps is proud to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability or status as a veteran.

Job Requirements

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Typically, a Bachelor’s degree in field related to epidemiology, M&E, social sciences, public health, statistics, international development, project management, participatory planning, research, epidemiology, health information management. Master’s degree preferred. Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
• Typically, 10+ years of applied experience in designing, implementing, and overseeing MEAL tasks with humanitarian organizations in the health, nutrition, WASH, MHPSS, FSL and GBV sectors; including minimum 2+ years of field experience in developing countries (Africa, Asia, Middle East)
• Experience with MEAL for large scale emergency response;
• Hands on experience in conducting research and evaluations including impact evaluation
• Familiarly with MEAL requirements for all major donors such as USAID, BHA, OFDA, ECHO, EU, DfID, UN, etc.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with causal attribution approaches
• Ability to design and lead surveys, situation analysis and multi-sectoral needs assessment and rapid needs assessment (with the inputs of technical specialists).
• Demonstrated understanding of data protection and confidentiality as part of data collection and management practices, and the ability to respect and maintain confidentiality.
• Competency in conducting surveys, assessments, and evaluations for multiple sectors (mental health, nutrition, WASH, and health) using practical methodologies in austere conditions;
• Demonstrated competency in leading the coordination between country missions and database development team for database design preferably DHIS2 and other tools for information management
• Demonstrated experience using technologies for MEAL, including mobile data collection tools (Kobo, Ona, ODK, CommCare, etc.) and mHealth platforms.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Experience using at least one statistical package for complex data analysis, such as EPI-Info, SPSS, R, and/or STATA
• Fluency in written and spoken English is required. French, Spanish or Arabic is preferred.
• Willingness and ability to travel to International Medical Corps project sites in the assigned countries, including traveling to insecure environments, is required.

Additional Technical or Language Requirements

MISCONDUCT DISCLOSURE SCHEME

All offers of employment at International Medical Corps are subject to satisfactory references and background checks. International Medical Corps participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme from the Steering Committee for Humanitarian Response (SCHR). In accordance with this, we will request information from an applicant’s previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.