MEAL Coordinator

DRC has been responding to various humanitarian crises in Lebanon since 2004, working with Palestinian, Iraqi and Syrian refugees. DRC received registration from the Ministry of Interior in 2011, and since then has focused primarily on responding to the Syrian refugee crisis in Lebanon and the resulting impact on Lebanese host community. DRC Lebanon’s focus is to ensure that we are able to respond to critical emerging humanitarian needs whilst improve the living conditions of displacement-affected populations and contribute to the achievement of durable solutions. With an annual portfolio of $12million, and with approximately 200+ staff, DRC is focusing its response in protection and economic recovery (Ec-Rec) sector in Bekka, North Lebanon and Beirut. DRC is also contributing to the evidence base and coordination structures in country through our Evidence Generation and referral information management (RIMs) teams.

Overall purpose of the role:

The MEAL Coordinator in Lebanon holds a pivotal role in technically leading the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and accountability department. They are tasked with ensuring the implementation of comprehensive MEAL activities and strategies across the country to bolster program quality and establish a robust evidence-base for the impact of DRC Lebanon’s initiatives. This role involves actively contributing to strategic decision-making and program design based on ongoing monitoring and evaluation outcomes, while also providing valuable technical guidance and capacity-building support to implementing partners. Collaborating closely with the Head of Programmes (HoP), the MEAL Coordinator strives to enhance program quality, fortify monitoring and evaluation processes, and uphold accountability standards, particularly Core Humanitarian Standards, including Standard 4 (communication, participation, and feedback), Standard 5 (complaints handling), and Standard 7 (continuous learning and improvement). Reporting to the Head of Programmes, the MEAL Coordinator also collaborates with Area Managers and Programme Technical Managers/Coordinators throughout Lebanon to promote the adoption of best practices and lessons learned across all operational areas where DRC is active in the country.

Responsibilities:

Setting up a Comprehensive M&E System

• Collaborate with Program Technical Coordinators, Area Managers, and MEAL staff to formulate a learning matrix for the entire Lebanon program, aligning it with the Country Office and Program strategies.
• Develop indicator mapping and standardization based on a review of program tools.
• Review and enhance existing programs & MEAL tools, databases, and dashboards to ensure alignment with the overall Learning Matrix.
• Map and integrate tools with the beneficiary tracking system in partnership with the Information Management Unit.
• Create MEAL data analysis and reporting tools and templates, and also relevant dashboards using Power BI,

Strengthening MEAL Capacity

• Conduct a MEAL competency assessment and devise a capacity-building plan addressing the needs of the broader Lebanon operations with regard to MEAL competencies.
• Strengthening the MEAL team’s capacity through ongoing structured training, coaching, and mentoring.
• Promote MEAL capacity development among program and operational staff.
• Assist in implementing a succession plan by identifying and mentoring national colleagues for the MEAL manager role.

Develop the Strategy and an Implementation Plan for the MEAL Department

• Collaborate with the Head of Programs (HoP) and the Regional MEAL (RMEAL) Coordinator to formulate a MEAL strategy.
• Create a strategic implementation plan for the MEAL department, outlining short, medium, and long-term priorities and deliverables clearly.

Ongoing Project Commitments and Institutional Initiatives

• Establishing, managing, and communicating a work plan for the MEAL department encompassing project/ donor and institutional deliverables.
• Lead data analysis from MEAL processes and grant reports, highlighting MEAL findings.
• Provide support to the Grants unit and technical coordinators in Proposal and Program design.
• Assist in project start-up and closure, adhering to the PCM field guide.
• Contribute or Lead project reviews and learning events.
• Contribute to the annual technical unit learning exercises, the periodic review, and the development of the strategic implementation plan for 2024.
• Lead the results reporting for 2023,
• Representing the organization in relevant forums, especially where MEAL inputs are required, i.e.: Consortiums, working groups, Local Anchor groups, and MEAL communities of practice.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum 5 years of relevant work experience in improving effectiveness (monitoring, program design and accountability) of humanitarian and nexus programming, Experience with protection and economic recovery programming in a complex/protracted situation is required.
• Proven experience in establishing MEAL systems, particularly outcome monitoring, and developing systems for projects implemented with partners.
• Excellent advanced qualitative and quantitative analysis skills with experience in data tools such as Excel, Kobo, Access etc. The ability to lead and work with diverse teams with proven facilitation and capacity building skills with the ability to transfer knowledge to diverse audiences (staff and partners)
• Demonstrable experience in rolling out M&E mechanisms with the ability to draft strategies/frameworks.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to listen, communicate and present complex issues in simplified ways which is easily understood.
• Systematic and organized in approach, with ability to work on own initiative including accuracy, consistency and attention to detail.
• Commitment to humanitarian principles and DRC values
• Goal orientated with the ability to work under pressure, ability to prioritize and commitment to meet deadlines.
• Prior working experience in Lebanon or the Middle East is preferable.
• Excellent command of written English is essential, with fluency in Arabic as an advantage.

Education:

Master’s degree in relevant field (development, social research preferably with a focus on monitoring and evaluation as well as compliance issues).

Languages:

• Full professional proficiency in English

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

• Contract length: 3 months
• Band/Level: G-Non Management
• Duty Station: Beirut Lebanon
• Start date: November 2023

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment. For questions regarding the vacancy please contact [email protected]