Head of MEAL

Location: Globally flexible, fully remote with occasional travel to ARK offices (Jordan, Lebanon, Dubai and Yemen – with additional globally dispersed project teams)

Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer

Role type: Permanent employment agreement/1-year renewable consultancy

Hours: Full time, with willingness to discuss flexible/reduced hours

Salary: Salary and employment benefits will be set according to market compensation rates in your location and therefore it is not possible to include full details here. However, as an indication if this role was based in the UK, for example, the range would be £60,000 – £70,000 per annum on a full time employment contract.

Closing date: Wednesday 31st January 2024

About ARK

ARK is a social enterprise, empowering local communities through the provision of agile and sustainable interventions to create greater stability, opportunity and hope for the future.

We believe that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional and international development and stability – and ultimately a safer, peaceful and more prosperous world. At ARK, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries since 2008. As a social enterprise we work in partnership with communities, our donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity and bring about sustainable change.

Learn more about our impact here: https://www.ark.international/impact

About the role

Are you looking to put your MEAL expertise to use in an organisation whose values and mission you really believe in? Are you seeking greater flexibility and autonomy in your next role?

We’re recruiting an experienced Head of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) to oversee all MEAL across ARK Group’s programmes and projects. You’ll technically collaborate with, supervise and quality assure the work of senior MEAL Advisors (who in turn oversee the work of junior MEAL colleagues based in various geographies of focus), and develop cross-cutting MEAL systems, methodological approaches, and learning opportunities.

The MEAL function plays a key role in the evidence-based design and delivery of ARK Group’s portfolio of programmes and projects, ranging from conflict prevention and mitigation, stabilisation and development to security sector capacity building and the climate/conflict nexus, among other areas. As Head of MEAL you will ensure the coherence and quality of the MEAL approach between programmes and projects and champion innovation across this function. You will make a key contribution to the quality, effectiveness, adaptability and appropriateness of ARK Group’s programme/project delivery, as well as its accountability to donors and affected communities/populations.

You’ll work closely with MEAL specialists, programme managers, and other colleagues across research and strategic communications to ensure MEAL is coherent and rigour consistent across ARK’s portfolio. You’ll also coordinate with the business development and research teams in the design of bids/new programme proposals and build relationships with a range of partners and institutions. You will also take on a leading role in the recruitment of new MEAL expertise (consultants and full-time staff), coordinating with senior management and finance department to ensure appropriate budgeting of existing and future MEAL colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

System Design and Roll Out

• Lead on the development and roll-out of organisational MEAL systems, methodologies, approaches and tools, based on industry standards/best practice;
• Promote all aspects of MEAL to support the creation of an organisational culture which prioritises quality, adaptive programming based on learning, and accountability to donors and beneficiaries;
• Build strong relationships with project managers and other members of programme delivery teams to provide support as required to ensure MEAL systems are understood and supported.

Staff Management, Mentorship, and Development

• Supervise, define expectations, support technically, quality assure and provide feedback on the work of senior MEAL colleagues, based on professional best practice and the technical requirements of our donors;
• Lead, in close coordination with senior management, project managers, HR and finance department, the identification and recruitment of new MEAL capabilities/expertise;
• Ensure clear reporting lines between the Head of MEAL, senior and more junior MEAL colleagues, as well as respective programme managers;
• Assess training needs and develop and roll out MEAL training packages for MEAL and operations/programme delivery staff as well as delivery partners e.g. Civil Society Organisations.

External Reporting, Relationships and Representation

• Oversee high quality, evidence-based analysis and reporting that illustrate progress and impact and the adequate communication of findings to donors and stakeholders;
• Lead and/or advise and support Project Managers and senior MEAL staff on the engagement and coordination with Third-Party Monitors;
• Represent ARK Group in relevant MEAL/specialist fora.

Direct MEAL Support to Programmes

• Function as the lead MEAL person on specific programmes, supporting the programme manager(s) and the locally based MEAL colleagues;
• Oversee the design of MEAL plans and results/performance measurement frameworks;
• Quality assure all MEAL-related activities and the work of MEAL colleagues involved;
• Provide inputs and quality assure relevant programmatic reporting;
• Lead on/assist the coordination with Third-Party Monitors;
• Participate in meetings and engagements with donors.

Promoting Learning for Strategy Development and Decision Making

• Collaborate with project managers to ensure MEAL systems and processes are utilisation focussed to facilitate evidence-based adaptive programming;
• Conduct regular reviews and audits of project deliverables to maintain high standards and compliance with good practice;
• Quality assure results frameworks’ indicator data, tracking and reporting (timeliness, accuracy, validity, reliability, integrity, completeness).
• Provide technical guidance on the identification of lessons learned and support facilitation of learning across and between programmes and projects;
• Coordinate closely with the Head of Research and research staff to ensure best use of resources and capitalisation of synergies between research, data collection and MEAL.

Business Development and Programme Design

• Contribute to the company’s business development activities, including programmatic ideation and drafting MEAL sections of bids, concept notes and full programme proposals, in coordination with colleagues from other departments involved in the process;
• Ensure that MEAL is an integral part of the programme design stage and features in all proposal development, including budgeting for MEAL resources.

Requirements

Ideally, you’ll have extensive relevant MEAL experience in at least 2 or 3 relevant thematic areas such as sustainable development, stabilisation, security sector reform/transformation, refugees and irregular migration. Experience with our priority donors including USAID is also essential. Geographically, you’ll have diversified experience, ideally including but beyond the MENA region. Full professional fluency in English and ideally working knowledge of other relevant languages such as Arabic, French or Spanish. You will also have experience in recruitment, management and professional development of MEAL teams, including experienced and junior colleagues. Your experience will be complemented by a Masters degree in a relevant subject, and advanced research design/research methods, data collection, management, analysis and reporting skills. Finally, you’ll be skilled at constructively engaging and influencing programme managers, donors and Third Party Monitors.

Essential

• Extensive MEAL track record in the international development, security, stabilisation or humanitarian sectors, working with governmental and intergovernmental donors.
• Experience working on USAID funded programmes.
• Experience of working in fragile and conflict-affected states, including experience working remotely or semi-remotely.
• In-depth knowledge of Monitoring & Evaluation tools, techniques and approaches, including complexity-aware monitoring and adaptive management models.
• Experience line-managing MEAL teams/professionals.
• Proven experience of using social science, mixed-methods research/data collection methodologies.
• Experience utilising qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection and analysis, as well as interest and advanced knowledge of relevant data collection, management, analysis and visualisation software.
• A track record of working in/on at least 2 different geographies/continents;
• Commitment to the conduct of ethical research with human subjects and advanced knowledge of gender mainstreaming, conflict sensitivity and Do-No-Harm principles and approaches.
• Advanced computer literacy/skills.
• Genuine commitment for ongoing, evidence-based learning, including appreciation of the value-add of qualitative data.
• Well organised, and able to manage multiple tasks and remain objective under pressure, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Strong stakeholder management in sensitive contexts, as well as strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Capable of working independently with minimal supervision but skilled and enthusiastic in collaborating and coordinating with other programme staff and partners.
• Experience supporting the pursuit of new business, including competitive bidding.
• Full professional fluency in English.
• Masters degree in a relevant subject e.g. International Development, International Relations, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology or Area Studies.
• Willingness to travel to ARK Group’s regional offices and visit programme teams in the field.

Desirable

• Experience of data management and visualisation software/tools.
• Working proficiency of other languages relevant for ARK Group’s work such as Arabic, French or Spanish.

Benefits

Why join ARK?

• Impactful Work: Your expertise will directly impact the lives of those in need.
• Global Reach: Collaborate with international experts and local stakeholders.
• Innovation: Engage in pioneering solutions for sustainable change.
• Career Growth: Expand your horizons with varied projects and challenges.

Our People

Our team covers a diverse range of professional backgrounds, from diplomacy, humanitarian, development and the military, to the UN, civil society groups, multilateral organisations, journalism and the private sector.

An ARK Person Is:

Smart: We think deeply about things. We’re proud of our institutional knowledge and our grounding in rigorous research, which we use to make informed decisions.

Humble: Our work leaves little room for pride or arrogance. Our operating environment is constantly evolving, and we recognise out limitations. We believe in and rely on the education and experiences of others while remaining quick to read, invite feedback, and ask sensible questions.

Accountable: Each of us want ARK, its partners, and beneficiaries to succeed. This means taking initiative, assuming ownership when necessary and never giving up on our beneficiaries. We are committed and accountable, to both our donors and the communities we serve.

Collegiate: We know we are stronger together and that every contribution counts. We trust each other and always support each other.

Outspoken: We tackle diverse challenges and we always want to find the best solution to a problem. We aren’t afraid to share our opinions and we want to hear those of others too.

ARK Group is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. ARK Group does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. We welcome all kinds of diversity. ARK Group places human dignity at the centre of its development and stabilisation work and is this committed to the protection from sexual exploitation and abuse of children and adults. All ARK Group employees and related personnel are expected to share this commitment and only those who also uphold these values will be recruited as part of our team. This vacancy is therefore subject to a range of due diligence checks.