The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL) in DRC Afghanistan supports the strategic planning and implementation of all MEAL processes and activities required to improve programme quality over the course of project implementation and ensure and demonstrate positive impact on beneficiaries’ lives. S/he plays a fundamental role in establishing and maintaining an effective learning system that helps Programme teams to make iterative improvements to design and implementation. The MEAL Specialist will specifically support monitoring and evaluation activities related to DRC’s programming in specific sectors. This includes, among other responsibilities, monitoring and evaluation tool design in collaboration with programme teams, data collection, analysis, reporting, contribute to organizational learning and follow up with Programme teams on actions taken. S/he is directly responsible for process and outcome monitoring yet may provide direct support to programme teams for output monitoring and database design and management. S/he will additionally work with the Information Management Specialist to ensure an efficient, accurate and transparent data flow from collection in the field to analysis and use. S/he is also responsible in supporting the strengthening of accountability mechanisms across programs in relevant sectors in close collaboration with the Complaints Response Mechanism Specialist.
Responsibilities:
CO MEAL Capacities and Commitments
Apply and adapt DRC MEAL model and the relevant Building Blocks and guidance to the local circumstances and corresponding projects and programmes for relevant sector programming. As part of this, support MEAL Manager in designing and periodically reviewing the key MEAL frameworks (including project management and M&E plans, tools and methodologies).
Coordinate with technical staff (Coordinator or Specialist) on MEAL processes.
Apply DRC guidance with regards to GDPR and data protection for MEAL related data. Liaise with relevant internal counterparts responsible for data protection.
Coordinate and support capacity building, training and support for MEAL and programme field staff to improve programme quality or any other MEAL needs.
Results Monitoring and Programme Quality Support
Develop appropriate monitoring, tracking, and reporting systems, including monitoring and evaluation plans, and methodologies, that enhance monitoring of program outputs and quality, generate quality evidence on program outcome and promote and ensure use of data for decision-making processes.
Support the development of relevant and quality data collection tools for quantitative and qualitative research, e.g. baseline/endline surveys, needs assessments, beneficiary verification questionnaires, PDM tools, FGD/KII guides, and checklists.
Contribute to the development of a qualitative assessment methodology in order to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of DRC programmes.
Support program teams in selecting / refining beneficiary selection criteria for relevant sector activities and lead verification exercises.
Lead on planning and / or conducting field data collection, including Baselines / Endlines and Evaluations.
Participate in and contribute to (as relevant) project Kick-off meetings, Quarterly Review meetings and Close-out meetings in order to highlight achievements, as well as good practices and learnings.
Evaluation, Analysis and Learning
Follow up on the data collection, analysis, and timely reporting to relevant colleagues.
Plan for and perform quantitative and qualitative data processing, analysis and visualisation M&E data, for programme teams, donor reporting, and external stakeholders, as needed.
Collaborate with DRC IM Specialist and other Information Management Officers to ensure appropriate data management for all relevant sector programming in country, including storage, cleaning, and analysis and efficient use and integration of the data for outcome level M&E activities.
Closely coordinate with relevant programme staff to ensure project-relevant information is shared and used to properly track progress of projects in appropriate Output and Outcome Trackers.
Support MEAL Manager and MEAL Team leaders on organizing lessons learned events to translate MEAL findings into organizational learning.
Collaborate with Programme teams to ensure actions are taken based on MEAL findings and recommendations. Contribute to the dissemination and use of knowledge gained through different MEAL activities.
Accountability
Closely coordinate with the Complaints Response Mechanism specialist to ensure relevant programme teams properly implement accountability measures as per DRC’s global guidance and in line with the Core Humanitarian Standards.
When relevant, liaise with HQ, coordinate with CO management, and support COs teaduring CHS certification, CHS self-assessment processes.
Others
Assist in other tasks as required by the Head of MEAL, including extensive support to other programmes / sectors whenever deemed necessary.
ABOUT YOU
To be successful in this role you must have:
Experience and technical competencies:
Minimum 3 years of relevant experience within the humanitarian field, with minimum 2 years in monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning of humanitarian and development programmes.
Demonstrated knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods, including participatory methodologies, and the nature and use of evidence.
Advanced skills in design, implementation and quality assurance throughout data collection, such as Kobo Toolbox, ODK, CommCare and others.
Very good skills in data analysis for quantitative and qualitative data as well as communicating evidence and capacity to produce high-quality reports.
Experience in working in complex and volatile contexts Very good understanding of Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS) and ability to apply accountability and ethical standards in everyday work.
Excellent skill in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and Office365
Strong planning and organizational skills
Demonstrated commitment to meet deadlines and high degree of autonomy in his / her work.
Demonstrated experience and motivation to learn on the job and advance in the role.
Good verbal and written communication skills, ability to adjust communication to various stakeholders and audiences.
Full professional proficiency in English.
Education/qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Agriculture, humanitarian and/or development studies, or relevant field
Maters, Diplomas or Certification in M&E, IMS, Statistics or related fields an added value
