MEAL Senior Officer-Gaza

The Opportunity – Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Senior Officer (For Nationals based in Gaza)

Post location: Gaza Strip, reporting to the CO in Ramallah

Contract Duration and Level of Effort: 10 months with possible extension

ROLE PURPOSE:

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Senior Officer is responsible for supporting MEAL planning, implementation, and the follow up for the Gaza Field Office projects as part of the implementation team. The post holder is responsible for providing support in the development and execution of annual MEAL plans; development and/or adaption of MEAL tools; training of staff, communities and partners in key MEAL concepts and skills; documentation and dissemination of key learnings from MEAL and research results in support of the project objectives and outcomes; and ensuring that all Gaza projects are accountable to beneficiaries and other stakeholders in line with Save the Children and donor policies and practices while ensuring support with the Feedback and Reporting Mechanism (FRM). The Senior MEAL Officer undertakes this role in close collaboration with the Programmes staff and key stakeholders and in consultation with the MEAL Manager and the MEAL team.

Given the current humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly. S/he will be expected to provide support to other MEAL functions where needed.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to: MEAL Manager

Staff directly reporting to this post: MEAL Officers

Collaborates with: Gaza Field Manager, MEAL team, Technical Advisors and operations.

Role Dimensions: oPt Country Office (CO) is a high complexity country, with multi-member interest, and an annual budget of $10 – 15m, and approximately 75 staff members.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

Key Area 1- Set Up of MEAL systems:

• Take a leading role in the setup of quality M&E and Accountability and Learning systems for Gaza projects.
• Provide ongoing technical assistance to programs to ensure that systems are optimally utilized and that accountability measures are in effect and that learning opportunities occur for each program, with emphasis on community-based MEAL.
• Lead the development and implementation of various data reporting systems, tools and templates for Gaza projects (a) to generate quality evidence in various programme levels (monitoring of inputs, outputs, outcomes, etc.), (b) enable and enhance regular monitoring of outputs and programme quality in emergency response, (c) ensure use of data for decision making processes, etc.
• Provide technical assistance for reporting systems, tools and templates (a) to generate quality evidence in various programme levels (monitoring of inputs, outputs, outcomes, etc.), (b) enable and enhance regular monitoring of outputs and programme quality in emergency response, (c) ensure use of data for decision making processes, etc. lead the development of project specific database.to ensure quality tracking and reporting against output and outcome indicators.
• Provide Monitoring Evaluation, Accountability and Learning related support to downstream partners in the projects. This includes coordinating routine monitoring and training of relevant partners in MEAL methodologies and tools (including sampling techniques, data collection tools and techniques, data analysis and reporting).
• Support in updating Management Information System (data base) and relevant tools for the projects.
• Make sure that all Gaza projects are connected to the newly digitalized MEAL system. (PRIME).

Key Area 2: Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation

• Contribute to the development of quality concept notes and proposals with a stronger focus on MEAL related component such as the development and review of logframe matrix as well as MEAL budgeting.
• In collaboration with program teams and the MEAL team, prepare the MEAL Plans for on-going programs and new programs, including timeframe of activities, data collection methodology, tools to be used and expected delivery, ensuring the engagement of communities in MEAL activities where possible.
• In close cooperation with programs, conduct regular review and follow-up of results frameworks, logframe matrix and MEAL plans in order to ensure provision of technical assistance and guidance.
• Support the development of Quality Benchmarks for activities’ implementation in collaboration with thematic Technical Advisors and programme implementation team.
• Provide technical assistance to enable staff and partners to utilize the systems appropriately and suggest adjustments to systems and tools as necessary.
• Making sure that all MEAL forms are completed adequately and that any missing or mistakes are properly addressed.
• Work with project staff and partners to ensure timely collection of data and the preparation of accurate and clear reports.
• Contribute to producing regular reports and updates on programs progress and contribute to donor reporting requirements, ensuring accuracy and quality of reporting.
• Provide ongoing support in reviewing the MEAL framework, plans and tools for Gaza projects.
• Provide feedback for field-based partner project staff in the project impact areas through regular contact, field visits and meetings; and undertaking data quality assurance (DQA) and the use of the Quality Benchmarks.
• Prepare and update MEAL related documents following SCI templates and process, Logframes, Indicator Performance Tracking Tables (IPTT) and Performance Indicators Reference Sheets (PIRS), MEAL plans and reports where needed.
• Support with Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM) and During Implementation Monitoring and reporting.

Key Area 3: Accountability and Learning:

• Ensure and support implementation of Accountability systems that are compliant with SCI protocols, and other relevant quality standards for emergency programming.
• In close collaboration with the MEAL manager and the Accountability and Child Participation Officer, manage the Complaint Response Mechanism and referral system of SCI mission (proper reception, logging, referral, follow up of the cases and feedbacks).
• Support project teams and partner organization to apply accountability standards.
• Build the internal capacity for staff and partners on MEAL implementation and data usability
• Provide support in regular documentation and sharing/dissemination of lessons learned, case studies and best practices (through monthly, quarterly and annual reports, presentations etc.) to inform on-going implementation, advocacy and future programming.
• Promote accountability in general and to children in particular, among all staff, community and district levels in the project impact areas, through: training, coaching and follow up, facilitating establishment and utilisation of appropriate feedback mechanisms to improve programming and enhance accountability.

Key Area 4: Country office MEAL:

• Contribute to the CO reporting requirements including Country Strategic Planning, Key Performance Indicators, and other member/ donor reporting.
• Contribute to the data collection, data analysis and reporting on SCI global indicators.
• Responsible for building the capacity of SC Gaza staff and partners on MEAL systems and methods, as well as any other SCI Global/ member MEAL techniques.
• Responsible for providing technical support to emergency country team in developing and rolling-out M&E plans in emergency context.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor degree in social science, statistics or any equivalent field.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS

Essential

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in Monitoring and Evaluation, project management/coordination, within humanitarian or development sector, preferably with non-governmental organizations (NGOs), preferably in Gaza Strip.
• High level ability in data analysis, reporting, and visualization utilizing Excel, PowerPoint, Power Bi and/or similar tools.
• High level of understanding and ability to critically review research/evaluation/assessments reports by independent consultants.
• Ability to communicate scientific data to local communities, programme staff, and partners in a simple and clear manner.
• Good personal organizational skills, including time management, and ability to meet deadlines and work under pressure.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s aims, values and principles.
• Willingness to travel to the field and work in challenging environments from time to time.
• A flexible and initiative-taking, proactive attitude with the ability to manage and prioritize an unpredictable workload.
• Ability to work within a multicultural setting.
• Very good ability to communicate in English and Arabic.

We offer a competitive package in the context of the sector**. This role is offered on the basis of** national terms and conditions. Application will be reviewed and selected on a rolling basis.

Save the Children promotes a diverse and inclusive work environment, women and people with different abilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Organisation

Save the Children works in development and humanitarian contexts with children and partners to help families, communities, and governments identify and use innovations to ensure all children survive, learn and are protected.

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realize the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.