Job title: Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Coordinator – URRI

Reporting to: Consortium Manager

Location: Arua

Overall purpose of the role:

The objective of the URRI programme is to enhance climate resilience for women, men and youth in refugee and host communities and promote inclusive, cohesive and environmentally sustainable development in refugee affected areas aligned with local priorities. The programme is fully integrated, aiming for sustainable results through the mutual reinforcement of the three outcome areas;

1. Enhanced climate adaptation and resilience for women, men and youth in refugee and host communities through inclusive climate-smart agriculture.

1. Sustainable management of the environment in refugee-affected areas through inclusive interventions leading to enhanced conservation of natural resources, biodiversity, ecosystem services, and productivity, and:

1. Enhanced gender equality and women’s empowerment and rights among refugees and host communities in relation to agriculture, climate change adaptation and sustainable management of the environment. URRI will start in September 2024 and run to December 2028.

DRC is the technical lead for outcome 2. The MEAL Coordinator will sit within the Programme Coordination Unit. Support the development and management of the MEAL strategy, framework and workplan;,DRC accountability commitments and learning needs. Ensure effective implementation of the monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning strategies and global standards; support mainstreaming MEAL throughout the PCM and reinforce quality program management.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

MEAL capacities and commitments

• Apply DRC guidance for MEAL and division of labour as per MEAL workstream RASCI, particularly vis-à-vis programme staff, and foster collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders within the URRI Program.
• Apply and adapt DRC MEAL model and the relevant Building Blocks and guidance to the implementation of the URRI Program.
• Apply DRC guidance with regards to GDPR and data protection in the URRI program, specifically for MEAL related data. Liaise with relevant internal and external counterpart’s consortium unit responsible for data protection
• Coordinate and support capacity building, training and support for programme field staff to improve the field monitoring or any other MEAL needs within the URRI program.
• Identify, adapt and apply accountability and ethical frameworks and principles, including CHS, in line with DRC guidance in the URRI Program.
• Capacity support to all five URRI consortium partners on MEAL.

Results Monitoring and programme quality support.

• Engage in and support quality throughout Project Cycle Management, in line with DRC guidance and division of labour, accommodating external requirements and internal evidence needs, including the Global Results reporting. Specifically, support development and adequate maintenance of MEAL plans, indicator tracking tools and other relevant tools for the programme.
• Actively take lead in MEAL related activities at the project Kick-off meetings, Quarterly Review meetings and Close-out meetings to highlight cross-project components aimed at replicating good practices and strengthening synergies between projects or programmes.
• In collaboration with the MEAL Manager, establish and roll-out results frameworks and monitoring processes and tools within the URRI Program.
• Develop appropriate monitoring, tracking, and reporting systems, tools and templates that enhance monitoring of program outputs and quality, Value for Money, generate quality evidence on program outcome and promote and ensure use of data for decision-making processes.
• Design, refine and deploy data collection which combine quantitative and qualitative methods and tools.
• Timely, maintain processes and protocols for data protection, storage, sharing, and security.
• Coordinate and oversee the analysis and reporting of MEAL qualitative and quantitative data collected in line with internal information needs and consortium/external reporting obligations.
• Mainstream MEAL and support the Program Manager, programme teams and grants management personnel in developing Logframe, MEAL plans, MEAL activities and in project development processes and through capacity building.

Accountability

• Review and lead the implementation of different mechanisms for community engagement and feedback in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning in the URRI Program and ensure the same across URRI partners.
• Contribute towards the implementation of DRC’s Community Feedback Mechanism.
• Build the capacity of staff to plan and implement effective accountability systems for the country programme.
• Ensure actions are followed to up close the feedback loop and ensure all complaints are processed in a timely, safe and accountable manner.

Evaluation, analysis and learning

• Support utilisation of results for better planning and decision making; and share knowledge and learning for improved programming within the URRI Program and beyond.
• Support translate MEAL findings into organisational learning; plan and implement learning events and design appropriate learning products for the URRI Program.
• Regularly present key MEAL findings and feedback to the Program implementation team, consortium partners, and when relevant to the Senior Management Team.
• Implement evaluations in compliance with DRC evaluation policy, from development of Terms of References, to advising management on approval of final report.
• Ensure effective, program reviews, documentation of lesson learnt and success stories.
• Perform other duties as directed by the Head of Programmes.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum 6 years of relevant work experience in MEAL in humanitarian and development programs.
• Strong understanding of monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning principles and processes, including database management, baselines, reviews, evaluations, reporting etc.
• Mastered understanding of mix-methods approach, research methodologies and the nature and use of evidence, including participatory methodologies.
• Mastered skills in design, implementation and quality assurance throughout data collection process and specifically software, such as Kobo Toolbox, ODK, CommCare and others as relevant.
• Mastered competencies in working with analysis frameworks, with data analysis for quantitative and qualitative data and communicating evidence.
• Strong experience of designing and implementing results-focused monitoring, evaluation and learning systems.
• Demonstrable experience in the nurturing of organisational learning in programs.
• Experience of working with or providing support to partners and/or a partnership model of working, when relevant.
• Excellent skill in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Proficiency in other data analysis software an added advantage.

Education:

• Master’s degree in relevant field (development or social research preferably with a focus on monitoring and evaluation as well as compliance issues).
• Post graduate training in Monitoring and evaluation is desirable.

Languages

• Excellent Communication skills in English required.

How to Apply

Interested candidates who meet the required qualifications and experience are invited to submit updated CV and cover letter explaining their motivation and why they are suited for the post.

We only accept applications sent via our online-application form on www.drc.dk under Vacancies. Applications close on 8th September 2024.

Equal Opportunity

Gender Equality: DRC is committed to achieving gender parity in staffing at all levels in light of this, women candidates are particularly encouraged to apply to bridge the gender gap.

Equal Opportunity: DRC is an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment based on mutual respect for all employees. We do not discriminate on the basis of age, sex, disability status, religion, ethinic origin, colour, race, marital status or other protected characteristics.