PQ Specialist

TOR

PQ Specialist

CARE Syria

February 2023

1. Summary

Period: March -30 June 2023

LoE: 100% of working hours for the period denoted above.

Reporting to: Director of Programs[BR1]

1. Purpose:

The primary purpose of this consultancy is to provide technical design, systems, and training support to the CARE MEAL team – primarily for Northeast Syria, but also appropriate or adaptable for wider programming. After a capacity audit and recent restructure of the department, CARE Syria is looking for a technical expert in MEAL systems, information management, and feedback mechanisms to guide implementation of the recommendations and maximize the functional capacity of the MEAL functions.

1. Objectives:
2. Develop and refresh the country office MEAL Framework (4 weeks)

• Provide clear objectives for the MEAL system in the country office within a framework document (logframe, guidance etc)
• Include descriptions to set up project MEAL systems, such as what MEAL approaches would be used for each process (verification, distribution monitoring, PDM, baseline, endline, etc.).

1. Provide templates and training on project-level MEAL set up (4 weeks)

• Review current project MEAL documents
• Establish templates to include: indicator definition, MEAL stakeholder analysis, MEAL Calendar/workplan, donor compliance checklist, data flow, and communication and reporting maps.
• Complete the template for 3-4 key projects (to be identified with MEAL Manager and DOP):
• Training for the MEAL team on the above

1. Review RACI matrix for MEAL responsibilities (1 week)

• To include the development of the MEAL system, data collection tools and methodology, data collection and analysis, report writing, and evidence for action and improvement, global reporting mechanisms
• Run a workshop to validate with MEAL and program teams

1. Complete a capacity building plan for MEAL team (1 week)

• Conduct a rapid capacity assessment for MEAL in design, evaluation, accountability, learning, ICT4MEAL, and program quality standards.
• Build a capacity building plan, to include when and how the skills would be developed. For example, X skills will be developed via an online self-learning module, while Y skills will be developed through formal in-person training.
• Begin capacity building activities where possible

1. Increase analysis and design capacity in the country office (4 weeks)

• Develop SOPs on MEAL processes, including on best use of the global impact data system
• Review tools – including data analysis framework, develop reporting frameworks, PDM tools, RNA tools
• Conduct data analysis and report writing training for the MEAL and program team. The training should focus on both qualitative and quantitative data, and reporting including PIIRS

1. Information management system review[BR2] (1 week – possibility for extension)

• Conduct mapping exercise and identify the information management needs and gaps in the country office.
• Based on the recommendation, design a more secure and automated information management system (preferably web-based) that could be password protected.
• Conduct training on PowerBi

1. Update Complaints and Feedback Response Mechanism system[BR3] (1 week – possibility for extension)

• Review and revamp CFRM system in line with best practice and contextual feasibility.
• Update the CFRM protocols, aligning the SoPs with the global CARE Feedback and Accountability Mechanisms (FAM) protocols
• Review FAQs and information disseminated during project cycle
• Design and develop a CRM dashboard for country office use (PowerBi)
• Train CARE and partner MEAL teams, and program teams on the system.

1. Deliverables:

The consultant will be required to share a very brief report by email to the Director of Programs on a weekly basis during to consultancy. In addition, it is expected that by the end of the consultancy, the consultant will be able to provide:

• Country office MEAL framework
• Project level template for MEAL plans
• Capacity assessment and training plan for MEAL team
• Training reports (where relevant, in line with workshops conducted)
• SOPs on critical MEAL processes (to be defined with MEAL Manager and DOP)
• Information management system suggestions
• CFRM SOPs
• PowerBi dashboards for IM, CRFM

1. Requirements:

• Available and willing to deploy to Northeast Syria (HEAT trained if possible)
• Available for 100% LoE for 4 months from March 2023
• Strong experience of developing MEAL systems in similar contexts
• Extensive technical knowledge that can be applied to Syria context is essential
• Understanding of NES context or other conflict areas is desirable