The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is seeking a dynamic, analytical, and highly motivated individual for the position of MEAL Manager. The ideal candidate has worked in programs (e.g. design, management, monitoring) and has concrete experience with compliance, monitoring and evaluation, and tracking systems. The MEAL Manager contributes to overall program quality through the coordination, and implementation of enhanced monitoring and evaluation, accountability, and learning strategies, including high quality written products; the emphasis is on streamlining processes and tools for efficiency, effectiveness, and sustainability throughout the project cycle across the IRC’s various sectors and departments. A critical component of this role is mainstreaming M&E processes, as well as creating and managing a centralized database which allows us to view our progress towards indicators. This position is based in Addis Ababa within the program department, but will require frequent travel to the field (30%). The MEAL Manager will technically supervise the MEAL Officers in the field and directly report to the Accountability and Learning Coordinator in Addis Ababa.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

Accountability and Monitoring Systems

·         Collaborate with the Grants Unit and technical teams to provide input as needed on performance monitoring plans, including logical frameworks, towards comprehensive strategies that will ensure program quality and impact.

·         Manage development and use of project monitoring tools such as the Indicator Matrix, and provide consultation as needed to project/program staff as they design and define effective and technically sound indicators for new and ongoing programs.

·         Manage ongoing efforts to streamline data (including qualitative) collection, central storage using BOX, and management across the country program while collaborating with the MEAL officers, MEAL managers, Technical Coordinators and GIS unit.

·         Support the MEAL officers in collecting data on the beneficiary numbers and provide at least a quarterly update on the beneficiary count across IRC Ethiopia.

·         Support IRC Ethiopia technical and senior management staff as needed to interpret and inform project design and management decisions based on collected data.

·         Contribute to the rollout of IRC global strategic initiatives related to measurement (Monitoring for Action, Outcome and Evidence Framework, Client Responsiveness), including adapting in-country tools where needed to align and enable reporting against IRC global standards and requirements.

Assessment, Learning, and Documentation

·         Ensure relevant, timely, and quality support to IRC Ethiopia technical sectors on assessments and evaluations, either directly in developing/advising on methods, or through support in the recruitment and oversight of consultants.

·         Attend and participate in regularly scheduled meetings with coordinators/managers on project monitoring and learning updates, achievements, challenges, while developing a method/forum for pertinent information to be fed back to other relevant staff/departments.

·         Manage the documentation (writing, editing) and dissemination of key findings stemming from monitoring, assessment, and other learning activities.

·         Track and ensure organized, comprehensive electronic filing of documented findings/analyses.

·         When appropriate/applicable, facilitate and participate in information sharing opportunities among IRC partners/donors.

Capacity Building

·         Facilitate bi-weekly calls to the MEAL Officers in the field offices (6), while discussing the workplans

·         Develop and deliver content during the bi-annual MEAL workshop held in Addis Ababa for all relevant MEAL staff in the Field Offices as well as the Country Office.

·         Regular field visits (30%) to support the MEAL officers and field staff, delivering training on M&E, accountability and learning, including related IRC global initiatives (Monitoring for Action, Client Responsiveness, etc), and providing technical support in conducting assessments and evaluations using mobile data collection methods.

·         Ensure that accountability and learning tools and strategies are understood and being implemented effectively.

Candidate selection will be based on the criteria described below.

Education:

·         Master’s degree in social sciences, systems science, and/or other relevant fields with at least three years of relevant professional work experience; or bachelor’s degree with more than six years of relevant experience.

Work Experience:

·         Minimum of three years’ experience in an international NGO in similar role/with similar responsibilities.

·         Demonstrated understanding of direct monitoring and evaluation experience, specifically in the humanitarian and development context.

·         Proven experience in mobile monitoring using Kobo Collect, Commcare or other applications is a great advantage.

·         Demonstrated experience developing tools and systems for program tracking and documentation.

·         Demonstrated experience in staff supervision, and capacity building.

·         Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation methodologies, including logframes, theories of change, and assessment/evaluations.

·         Demonstrated experience of implementing beneficiary complaint and feedback mechanisms is an advantage.

·         Knowledge of major donor requirements, e.g. US Government, DFID, UN, EU is an advantage.

·         High proficiency in Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel, and being able to visualize data.

·         Familiarity with information management systems and analysis software is a plus.

·         Effective, high-quality communication, writing, and interpersonal skills are essential.

Requirements:

 Personal specifications:

·         Ability to work under pressure, long work hours if necessary, and high workload.

·         Ability to independently organize work and prioritize tasks.

·         Self-motivated, honest, highly responsible, and punctual.

·         Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

·         Being willing to travel to the field locations regularly (appr. 30%)

TIME FRAME

The length of the posting is 12 months initially, but could be extended, contingent upon satisfactory performance evaluation.  Qualified women are highly encouraged to apply!