Action Against Hunger is currently looking to fill the role of MEAL Manager who will be responsible for effective management and implementation of monitoring and evaluation component of all programs and projects, both new and established, providing accountability and ensuring efficiency in project deliverables. The MEAL Manager will plan for baseline, midline and end line surveys, post distribution monitoring surveys, Knowledge Attitude and Practice surveys with the support of the MEAL Deputy and MEAL Officers.
Work location: Nguru, Yobe State
Mission 1: Ensure the operationalization of MEAL systems for ACF programs to ensure compliance with donors and ACF MEAL standards
Tasks :
Ensure appropriate utilization of the already-set-up MEAL systems to guide project start-up, implementation, adjustment, accountability, and learning in compliance with ACF's MEAL Guidelines and Minimum Requirements for MEAL
Develop projects' MEAL plans as per ACF and donors' requirements and standards
Support M&E officer in development of ToRs and data collection tools for surveys, needs assessments, mid-term and project reviews/evaluations, including sampling and assessment methodologies
In collaboration with the MEAL HOD, DHOD, and field teams, lead in the preparation of comprehensive M&E plans for each project to capture quantitative and qualitative data for project performance tracking and reporting
Undertake regular visits to the field to support the implementation of M&E and to identify milestones and challenges where adaptations might be needed
Promote in all projects the use of participatory data collection techniques involving beneficiaries, institutions, and partners in the process
Support the MIS officer for the operationalization of the use of mobile data collection systems and other technologies to strengthen monitoring and reporting of activities
Work closely with other technical staff to agree on the scope of mapping, define data needs, project requirements, required outputs, and participate in undertaking mapping
Mission 2: Ensure proper and timely reporting of MEAL activities
Task :
Validate the analysis of MEAL data of different projects as needed through Excel, SPSS, or other statistical software submitted by M&E officers
Support development and revision of internal and external reports, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and that reports reflect an actual representation of field implementation activities and results based on MEAL findings
Provide feedback to program and operational reporting templates that facilitate the timely and accurate acquisition, aggregation, and analysis of information in programs
Develop a monthly work plan for the MEAL field team and ensure timely sharing with the MEAL technical team
Ensure timely submission and compilation of the monthly report from M&E officers as per the agreed work plan
Support the development of the project proposal if required by the MEAL technical team
Mission 3: To build the capacity of MEAL staff through training, mentorships and coaching to ensure quality control of monitoring and evaluation activities
Task :
Support MEAL HOD and DHODs to conduct and operationalize MEAL capacity assessment among MEAL and project staff. Support MEAL HoD and DHODs to build the capacity of staff, including training needs assessment and preparation of a step-down plan
Ensure follow-up of training uptake by MEAL teams
Daily mentoring and coaching of the MEAL field team by providing feedback on their performance
Mission 4: Ensure proper implementation of the feedback and complaints response mechanism
Task :
Support the setup of FCM channels at the base level in collaboration with the Accountability officer
Support the timely resolution of complaints received from beneficiaries and stakeholders
Support the Accountability Officer in FCM reporting requirements
Ensure that confidentiality and proper data protection related to beneficiary feedback and complaints are respected
Support the Accountability Officer in conducting training for field teams and external stakeholders
Support the investigation of sensitive complaints, if required by the audit department
Mission 5: To support proper and adequate resource management: HR, finance, and logistics
Task :
Ensure recruitment of M&E officers, Accountability officers, and MIS officers
Support the relevant direct line managers in the recruitment of M&E assistants and Accountability assistants
Liaise closely with MEAL HOD and DHODs to understand and support the welfare of MEAL staff at all regions to ensure good working conditions and performance enhancement
Conduct the appraisals of the MEAL deputy manager (if applicable), M&E officers, Accountability Officers, and MIS officers under their direct line management, as required by ACF guidelines
Provide effective and constructive daily supervision of MEAL deputy manager (if applicable), M&E officers, Accountability Officers, and MIS officers while strengthening their skills and capacity
Support program managers in the logistical and budget planning of MEAL activities
Mission 6: Support capitalization and learning for all projects
Task :
Support MEAL HOD and DHODs in providing feedback to the senior management team at the base level on standard indicators for all sectors
Support MEAL HOD and DHODs to organize and coordinate project mid-term reviews, learning workshops/review of program work plans with the program team at the field level and other stakeholders
Review documentation of project activities with clear articulation of lessons learned, case studies, and short articles for each project for internal and external sharing.
Coordinate and share learning related to MEAL practices at the base level
With support from MEAL HOD and DHODs, institutionalize and document the tracking and implementation of lessons learnt and recommendations from all assessments conducted
Advise and update the Project Managers on all aspects of MEAL regularly, including findings and recommendations.
Support MEAL HOD and DHODs in ensuring that lessons in planning, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and impact assessment are documented, shared and considered in the design of new projects and technical plans and are discussed during periodic program reviews and ultimately fed into current work and future program development..
Mission 7: To represent the organization at the state level and promote ACF's technical viewpoints, guidelines, and methods of work
Task :
To represent ACF at the state level and, where appropriate, in clusters, working groups, workshops, and strategic think tanks related to the department.
To proactively collaborate with national authorities, ACF counterparts and staff, partner agencies, consortia/alliances/partnerships, and other relevant external stakeholders
To ensure coherent and correct application of ACF guidelines and policies within the M&E department and across the organization.
Position Requirements:
Minimum of 5 years of previous experience working with NGOs covering multi-sectoral programming
Proven management and coordination skills (HR, projects, and stress management)
Proven experience in a management role in monitoring and results management
Proven ability to translate analysis and evaluation into operational planning and strategy
Knowledge and experience in qualitative and quantitative data management techniques, including proficient and skillful use of SPSS, STATA, EXCEL, and Epi Info software
Experience in project monitoring and evaluation with special emphasis on activity monitoring, data management, including data collection, analysis, and storage
Advanced knowledge of international humanitarian guidelines and standards, including those of donors
Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with respect for diversity
Ability to work independently and under pressure in a rapidly changing professional environment
Diplomacy and good interpersonal skills, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and not lose sight of strategic priorities
Ability and willingness to travel regularly to remote field sites
Experience in an insecure context
Experience in conflict-related displacements and nutrition crisis contexts
Familiarity with major institutional donors (OFDA, ECHO, UN, DFID, FFP…) reporting and regulations
Experience with at least one of the core sectors of intervention of Action Against Hunger (health, nutrition, WASH, food security, and livelihoods)
Knowledge of local languages (Hausa, Kanuri, Fulani, Shuwa, etc.).