MEAL Manager

Location: Remote – US, Haiti or Canada with regular travel to Haiti/the Caribbean.

Reporting to: Project Manager

Direct reports: MEAL Officer

Role type: 12 month Fixed Term Contract

Hours: Full time

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 US, for example, the range would be $75,000 – $84,000 per annum (plus benefits) on a full-time employment contract.

Closing date: 16th June 2024 (early applications are encouraged as this date may be brought forward once sufficient applications are received)

**This role is contingent on successful award of project

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

We are recruiting an experienced Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Manager to oversee ARK’s work on and in Haiti. You’ll technically collaborate with, supervise and quality assure local MEAL staff in Haiti to 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’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 MEAL Manager you will ensure the coherence and quality of the MEAL approach across the Haiti portfolio and champion innovation across this function. You will make a key contribution to the quality, effectiveness, adaptability and appropriateness of ARK’s delivery, as well as its accountability to donors and affected communities/populations.

You’ll work closely with MEAL colleagues, project personnel in Haiti and other colleagues across research and strategic communications functions to ensure MEAL is coherent and rigour consistent across ARK’s portfolio in Haiti and the region. 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 as needed (consultants and full-time staff), coordinating with senior management and the finance department to ensure appropriate budgeting of existing and future MEAL colleagues.

What you’ll be doing

System Design and Roll Out

• Support the development and roll-out of organisational MEAL systems, methodologies, approaches and tools, based on industry standards/best practice with other ARK MEAL Managers and senior advisors;
• 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 the project management and other members of the project delivery team 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 junior MEAL colleagues, based on professional best practice and the technical requirements of our donors;
• Lead, in close coordination with senior management, the Project Manager, HR and finance department, the identification and recruitment of new MEAL capabilities/expertise as needed;
• Ensure clear reporting lines between the MEAL Manager, senior and more junior MEAL colleagues, as well as other project personnel;
• 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;
• Represent ARK Group in relevant MEAL/specialist fora.

Direct MEAL Support to Projects

• Function as the lead MEAL expert on the Haiti portfolio, supporting the Project Manager and the locally based colleagues;
• Oversee the design of MEAL plans and results/performance measurement frameworks;
• Quality assure all MEAL-related activities and the work of colleagues involved;
• Provide inputs and quality assure relevant programmatic reporting;
• Participate in meetings and engagements with donors.

Promoting Learning for Strategy Development and Decision Making

• Collaborate with the Project Manager 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 project activities;
• 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 project 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 or irregular migration. Experience with our priority donors including Global Affairs Canada is also highly desirable. Geographically, you’ll have diversified experience, ideally including beyond the Caribbean region. Full professional fluency in English and French and ideally working knowledge of other relevant languages e.g. Creole, 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 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 project managers, donors and Third Party Monitors. We fully acknowledge this is an aspirational list of qualifications. We are keen to here from you if you think your have the right professional experience, competence and commitment.

Essential

• Extensive MEAL track record in the international development, security, stabilisation or humanitarian sectors, working with governmental and intergovernmental donors.
• 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.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to remain objective under pressure.
• Well organised, and able to manage multiple tasks.
• 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 project staff and partners.
• Experience supporting the pursuit of new business, including competitive bidding.
• Full professional fluency in English and French.
• Willingness to travel to the Caribbean and visit project teams in Haiti/the region.

Desirable

• Experience of data management and visualisation software/tools.
• Experience working on projects funded by Global Affairs Canada.
• Masters degree in a relevant subject e.g. International Development, International Relations, Political Science, Sociology, Anthropology or Area Studies.
• Experience of working on/in Haiti.
• Working proficiency of other languages relevant for ARK Group’s work such as Spanish or Creole.

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.

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.