Job overview:

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Programs and technically supported by the Regional Measurement Advisor, the MEAL Coordinator works in close collaboration with program, grants and support teams to optimize monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning capacities and opportunities of the IRC mission in Thailand to ensure high-quality programming for the clients we serve and support the global ambitions of IRC Strategy 100, especially the Data Ambition, program quality (IMPACT) standards and the Country Strategic Action Plan.

To this end, the MEAL Coordinator is responsible to ensure that a monitoring, evaluation and accountability and data management system is in place, sufficiently resourced and successfully implemented from collection to visualization and that MEAL data is contributing to improved learning and program quality. The MEAL Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that MEAL principles are integrated in every step of the project cycle, as per IRC’s corporate guidelines and contributes to the implementation of the Country Strategic Action Plan, the IMPACT standards and Strategy 100.

In support of these goals, the MEAL coordinator provides vital technical assistance, capacity sharing, individual mentoring, supervision and training to MEAL staff at IRC and partners.

Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership and Partnership

• Establish and drive common strategies and approaches to the country’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Accountability processes that reflect and contextualize Strategy 100, IMPACT standards and the Country Strategic Action Plan and ensure that the MEAL structure is fit for this purpose;
• Lead all aspects of MEAL (including client feedback mechanisms) functions across multiple sectors and multiple geographical areas in the country program.
• Develop, coordinate and strengthen capacity sharing partnerships with MEAL counterparts of partner agencies, local organizations and government.
• Represent the IRC on MEAL at internal and external meetings, forums, and other events.
• Champion design, access and use of data by leaders and partners for shared learning and evidence-based decision-making.
• Shape and implement MEAL systems and approaches that meet IRC standards and practices, that meet project and program needs, enable accountability to clients, partners, and donors, and foster program learning.
• Reinforce integration of cross-sectoral priorities in MEAL, including gender, protection, safeguarding, disaster risk reduction, Diversity-Equality-Inclusion and Do No Harm.

Technical Oversight

• Provide technical leadership for a strong monitoring system and processes throughout the project cycle from the design and implementation to close-out and learning phases including:

– Using learning and evidence from internal and external sources including previous projects to inform proposal design and Theory of Change.

– Developing and operationalizing, logical frameworks, MEAL plans, data collection tools, processes for data management, clients feedback approaches, quality checks and audits, and data visualization.

– Developing, advocating for and managing an adequate MEAL budget and staffing structure for all projects.

– Producing high-quality data, analysis, reports, presentations, and dashboard of key findings that foster learning and decision-making and share in key meetings such as project cycle meetings and strategic senior management team meetings.

• Provide technical leadership for the design, method, and conduct of surveys such as baseline and endline, and the commission of evaluations and surveys as required in coordination with program coordinators, technical advisors, and external partners where vital;
• Lead and advocate for the expansion of standard mobile data technology and online dashboard to enhance timeliness and quality of data collection, analysis and visualization;
• Provide technical leadership to IRC’s effort in meeting its internal and external accountability commitments through the implementation of sound accountability, client feedback, and response mechanisms.

Human Resources

• Promote the growth and development of others in IRC teams and partners: Assess proficiencies; develop and lead targeted learning and training strategy. In particular, coach, mentor and support MEAL staff, provide vital tools and resources, as well as on the job training;
• Supervise medium to large sized MEAL team across multiple sectors and geographical areas: Set clear performance objectives; manage staff work plans; establish regular performance reviews; champion a positive working environment for professional development; foster an inclusive and respectful team climate, where all staff are valued and respected and can contribute to their maximum potential;
• Lead the recruitment of country MEAL staff, TTAs, consultants and, support their onboarding.

Key working relationships:

• Position Reports to Deputy Director of Programs with a Management in Partnership with the Regional Measurement Advisor – Asia
• Position directly supervises Senior Officer – Client Responsiveness with a Management in Partnership relationship with the sector MEAL Managers.

Other Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal: Senior Program Coordinators and Managers throughout the country program. Client Responsiveness Technical Specialist, Senior Grants Coordinator and Grants Managers, Finance Coordinator, relevant Regional/HQ-based colleagues.

External: Partners, Governments, Clients.

JOB Requirements:

• A University degree in a relevant subject area (statistics, monitoring & data management, social science, public health, economic development, or a related field) – a technical degree together with additional relevant work experience may substitute for education;
• A minimum 5 years of working experience within Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and learning-related functions;
• Leadership experience and proven technical skills in setting up quality MEAL system that leads to evidence-based decision-making for multi-sectorial and multi-donor funded programs;
• Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through training, mentoring, and other formal and non-formal methods together with strong presentation and reporting skills;
• Experience leading initiatives on improving program quality through the use of MEAL data;
• Strong management and social skills and proven track record to work with diverse groups of people in a multicultural environment;
• Self-motivated with excellent organization, planning, and analytical skills – able to work without close supervision, including prioritizing work and multi-tasking;
• Proficiency and experience with mobile data collection such as Kobo, CommCare, ODK Collect are crucial as well as proficiency with Microsoft Excel; SPSS, SATA or other similar software;
• Knowledge of Tableau, PowerBi or GIS software are additional assets;
• A strong understanding of accountability and proven ability to build Client Feedback Systems is a distinct advantage;
• Willingness to travel to various regional and field-level offices up to 50% of the time;
• Fluency in English (written and speaking). Proficiency in Thai and/or Myanmar a strong asset.

Working Environment:

The position will be based in the IRC office in Mae Sot, with extensive travel to other the field sites.

Standard of Professional Conduct:The IRC and the IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability, and Equality.

Commitment to Gender, Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion: The IRC is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive, respectful, and safe work environment where all persons are treated fairly, with dignity and respect. The IRC expressly prohibits and will not tolerate discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or bullying of the IRC persons in any work setting. We aim to increase the representation of women, people that are from country and communities we serve, and people who identify as races and ethnicities that are under-represented in global power structures.