MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning) Officer

Location: Kyiv, Uzhhorod

Position Summary and Purpose: Under the supervision of the Program Manager and in coordination with the Regional MEAL Manager, the MEAL Officer is responsible for using approved IOCC MEAL systems and tools to ensure data quality and consistent reporting for program activities in Ukraine. This position will be responsible for communicating M&E (Monitoring & Evaluation) information, gathering data from the field staff, follow up on activities and reporting.

Region Overview: International Orthodox Christian Charities (IOCC) and its local partners are implementing several projects under the “Ukraine Response Program”, assisting the IDPs. IOCC’s current key sectors of focus are Health & Nutrition, Water-Sanitation-Hygiene (WASH), shelter and Protection and will be addressing needs in other sectors as appropriate. By pursuing these program areas, IOCC supports both refugees and local populations, and helps to tackle the problems and to improve lives long term.

Responsibilities and Essential Functions:

1. Project Planning and Management: in collaboration with Regional MEAL Manager, develops and updates project MEAL Plan and project management plan in alignment with project and regional MEAL plan, identifying appropriate indicators and adaptation of data collection system for collection and reporting to measure targets of project objectives.
2. Data Collection, Validation and Analysis: implements and maintains existing data collection tools, including filing systems. Works with partners to implement existing tools for data collection to measure progress against project targets and objectives. Contributes to developing data collection tools including survey questionnaires, interview schedules, facility assessment and supervision tools. Supervises the timely production and storage of accurate, reliable data. Visits the field as needed, to support and/ or supervise data collection or verify data quality. Prepares analyses for developing status reports.
3. Status Reports and Data Sharing: prepares and disseminates project progress reports (tracked against work plan). Maintains and reports on country and project specific indicators of targets monthly to Regional MEAL Manager. Participates in regular meetings with IOCC staff and/or partners for data sharing, capacity development, and management in relation to tracking program progress.
4. Capacity Building: provides technical support to local implementing partners to adapt existing tools for the continual collection, analysis, and presentation of data, and develops these partners to interpret and report on their progress and achievements.
5. Continuous Improvement: serves as an active member of IOCC’s MEAL community of practice to share and implement insights. Identifies, rectifies, and reports to the Regional MEAL Manager the training needs and data issues for the country or project.
6. Representation: represents existing projects to partners, communities and government officials. Represents IOCC at various donor, partner, and government for to increase knowledge of IOCC and its strengths, capacities, and projects, as it relates to Ukraine Response.
7. Business Development: supports the concept note and proposal development process from concept inception through submission, including writing MEAL plan in collaboration with the Regional MEAL Manager, as outlined in IOCC Business Development Policy.
8. Financial Management: oversees and manages MEAL components of Country Operating Plan budgets and managing resources appropriately, as it relates to country and project.
9. IOCC Employee Expectations: maintains familiarity with IOCC policies and procedures, and positively encourages staff to abide and comply.
10. Security Expectations: ensures that all MEAL activities are aligned with IOCC Safety & Security Plan and donor safety and security procedures.

Minimally Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

· Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning: Foundational skills in monitoring and evaluation, including timely data analysis, synthesis, and communication of results.

· Project Planning and Budgeting: Proven ability to tactically plan and implement projects. Proven ability to draft budgets.

· MEAL Applications: Advanced understanding of MS Office products, including MS Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

· Data Collection Processes, Guidelines, Standards and Tools: Proven ability to update, implement and follow data collection processes, guidelines, standards and tools. Proven ability to implement data collection tools.

· Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: Advanced skills using data to inform decision-making, planning, and monitoring.

· Relationship Management: Proven skills in leveraging effective working relationships and influencing key stakeholders in support of business goals.

· Software Applications: Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office applications, database and internet applications.

· Communication: Advanced oral and written communication skills using different forms of media. Ability to translate complex concepts to individuals at all levels.

· Organization, Planning and Multi-tasking: Advanced organizational and planning skills. Proven ability to set priorities, meet deadlines and multi-task with minimal supervision. Proven ability to coordinate activities.

· Self-Management and Teamwork: Ability to work independently or as a member of the team, ability to be detailed-oriented and consistently accurate, ability to manage stress effectively in a fast-paced environment, and ability to quickly learn new systems, processes and procedures.

· Matrix Management: Ability to thrive in a matrixed organization.

· Confidentiality: Proven ability to maintain confidentiality on work-related issues.

Minimally Required Education, Experience, and Training:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in demography, statistics, social sciences, or related field; or a combination of education and work experience that yields the minimally required knowledge, skills and abilities
• 2 years of experience in a similar role

Physical Requirements and Working Environment:

• Travel required: 60% or more, across the country
• Sits talking on the phone for long periods of time
• This position may require bending, kneeling, crawling, standing, sitting, lifting up to 20 lbs and walking for extended periods of time.
• Standard office environment; mostly sedentary position.
• Frequently works in an office environment and sits at a desk for extended periods of time, and requires dexterity to operate general office equipment
• Infrequent weekend and evening work may be required.