Summary of Position

The MEAL Officer will be part of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) team, supporting implementation of the overall MEAL system. S/he will assist the MEAL and project teams with activities, including data collection, database management and analysis including management of all project APRs and implementing post-distribution monitoring (PDM), across all programming in Somalia.

   Purpose.

The MEAL Officer will:

1.     Ensure that Action Against Hunger MEAL systems are effectively utilized in project implémentation areas within designated location.

2.     Work closely with the MEAL Manager to support data entry and management as needed.

3.     Generate periodic programme implementing reports and assessment reports

   Engagement:

·      Coordinate with the MEAL Manager, Program Managers and the team; determine and address information needs of the projects and mission at large.

   Essential job duties.

Objective 1: Project planning:

·      Participate in the development of programme log frames and APRs

·      Participate in incorporating lessons learned in concept notes, proposals and project management plans.

·      Assist in organizing and conducting trainings, including M&E workshops

·      Participate in project specific needs assessment in conjunction with needs assessment teams.

·      Assist programs and sector-specific field teams to develop systematic and effective project specific M&E plans.

Objective 2: Implementation of M&E and Coordination: 

·      In collaboration with the PM, organize regular project monitoring and review the relevant data collection tools designed by the team ensuring that they capture relevant data required for regular project performance reporting.

·      Support the program team in design and update the projects’ Monitoring and Evaluation plans, Annual Progress Reports, and Indicator Trackers.

·      Review beneficiary selection criteria processes and verify the targeting of beneficiaries through post-distribution monitoring.

·      In collaboration with the MEAL Manager, Program Managers and the team; determine and address information needs of the projects and mission at large.

·      Undertake routine field checks to ensure that the project implemented as planned and that beneficiaries are fully aware of the project deliverables, and are aware of the Feedback and Complaint mechanism.

·      Train and supervise survey enumerators and data entry staff on the data collection tools, methods of data collection, when required.

·      Ensure that data quality control processes (including data checking and daily de-briefing) is implemented for all surveys conducted.

·      Conduct qualitative and quantitative data analysis when requested by PMs and MEAL Manager with clear accurate and concise reports.

·      Assist in identifying required training needs and support, design and conduct training for the field teams on M&E for all project staff.

·      Oversee the implementation of the accountability agenda within the field office with regular accountability reports to the coordination office.

·      Work closely in teamwork with different teams including FSL, WASH, and Health and Nutrition as well as other program teams and sectors such as BRCIS, SAHAN, SOMREP, SHINE, CAAFIMAAD PLUS, etc.

Objective 3: Project Monitoring & Evaluation Systems

·      Assist in the revision of the project log frame matrix, particularly in the areas of performance indicators and their measurement.

·      Assist in the development and/or finalization of the project Work Plan and keep it updated in accordance with project activities and timeframes as relevant.

·      Develop the overall framework, for project M&E, for example mid-term project review, impact assessment, final evaluation, develop project Performance Monitoring Plan with relevant data collection systems.

·      Review the quality of existing data in the project subject areas, the methods of collecting it, and the degree to which it will provide good baseline statistics for impact evaluation.

·      Develop baseline data for each project component and for all project indicators.

·      With collaborating partners, review their existing approaches and management information systems and agree on any required changes, support and resources.

·      Develop a plan for project-related capacity building on M&E and for any computer-based support that may be required.

·      Organize and undertake training with collaborating partners on M&E as required.

·      Conduct site visits/monitoring and submit report with clear findings and recommendations.

·      Assist in development of monitoring tools: Baselines, Post Distribution Monitoring (PDMs), questionnaires, On-site distribution monitoring forms, surveys templates etc.

·      Use various participatory and quantitative methods to collect data including Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Post-distribution monitoring.

·      Oversee surveys monitoring exercises and data collection procedures with regular supervision of enumerators to ensure quality of work in the field, data accuracy and completeness. 

Objective 3: Project Monitoring & Evaluation Systems

·      Assist in the revision of the project log frame matrix, particularly in the areas of performance indicators and their measurement.

·      Assist in the development and/or finalization of the project Work Plan and keep it updated in accordance with project activities and timeframes as relevant.

·      Develop the overall framework, for project M&E, for example mid-term project review, impact assessment, final evaluation, develop project Performance Monitoring Plan with relevant data collection systems.

·      Review the quality of existing data in the project subject areas, the methods of collecting it, and the degree to which it will provide good baseline statistics for impact evaluation.

·      Develop baseline data for each project component and for all project indicators.

·      With collaborating partners, review their existing approaches and management information systems and agree on any required changes, support and resources.

·      Develop a plan for project-related capacity building on M&E and for any computer-based support that may be required.

·      Organize and undertake training with collaborating partners on M&E as required.

·      Conduct site visits/monitoring and submit report with clear findings and recommendations.

·      Assist in development of monitoring tools: Baselines, Post Distribution Monitoring (PDMs), questionnaires, On-site distribution monitoring forms, surveys templates etc.

·      Use various participatory and quantitative methods to collect data including Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Post-distribution monitoring.

·      Oversee surveys monitoring exercises and data collection procedures with regular supervision of enumerators to ensure quality of work in the field, data accuracy and completeness.

Objective 3: Project Monitoring & Evaluation Systems.

·      Assist in the revision of the project log frame matrix, particularly in the areas of performance indicators and their measurement.

·      Assist in the development and/or finalization of the project Work Plan and keep it updated in accordance with project activities and timeframes as relevant.

·      Develop the overall framework, for project M&E, for example mid-term project review, impact assessment, final evaluation, develop project Performance Monitoring Plan with relevant data collection systems.

·      Review the quality of existing data in the project subject areas, the methods of collecting it, and the degree to which it will provide good baseline statistics for impact evaluation.

·      Develop baseline data for each project component and for all project indicators.

·      With collaborating partners, review their existing approaches and management information systems and agree on any required changes, support and resources.

·      Develop a plan for project-related capacity building on M&E and for any computer-based support that may be required.

·      Organize and undertake training with collaborating partners on M&E as required.

·      Conduct site visits/monitoring and submit report with clear findings and recommendations.

·      Assist in development of monitoring tools: Baselines, Post Distribution Monitoring (PDMs), questionnaires, On-site distribution monitoring forms, surveys templates etc.

·      Use various participatory and quantitative methods to collect data including Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Post-distribution monitoring.

·      Oversee surveys monitoring exercises and data collection procedures with regular supervision of enumerators to ensure quality of work in the field, data accuracy and completeness.

   Supervisory Responsibilities

None

Gender Equality Commitments  

·      Foster an environment that supports values of women and men, and equal access to information.

·      Provide a work environment where women and men must be evaluated and promoted based on their skills and performance.

·      Respect beneficiaries women, men, children (boys and girls) regardless of gender, sex orientation, disability, religion, race, color, ancestry, national origin, age, or marital status.

·      Value and respect all cultures.

Physical Demands

·      While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to sit for long periods and to concentrate on work, including typing and turn out heavy volumes of work accurately, within short time frames Under stressful situations in the context of a moderately noisy office with many interruptions. Must be able to proofread own work accurately so that only minor corrections are needed on an infrequent basis.

·      The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Working Conditions, Travel and Environment

The duties of the job require regular job attendance at least five days per week. Must be available to work outside normal office hours or on the weekends as required.

Must be able to travel as required for standard domestic and international business purposes. While performing the duties of this job in the field, the employee may be exposed to precarious settings under high security risks and/or very basic living conditions and outside weather conditions, as well as to infectious diseases.

   Required Qualifications and Professional Experience.

·      Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Business Administration, Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Science, Project Management, Information Technology, Agricultural- economics, or any other related qualifications.

·      3+ years’ of experience in project implementation monitoring and evaluation with an international NGO with diverse experience in conducting assessments and surveys.

·      Experience in data analysis, knowledge and use of SPSS, R, or other data analysis tools.

·      Experience in designing, implementing, and operating project M&E systems from project initiation to closeout stages.

·      Knowledge of KoBo, ODK, ONA platforms and coding of XLS forms in ODK.

·      Knowledge of the major evaluation methodologies (e.g. qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies.

·      Experience in strategic planning and performance measurement, including indicator selection, target setting, reporting, database management, and developing M&E and performance monitoring plans.

   Required Skills & Competencies.

·      Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and be initiative.

·      Good facilitation, analytical, planning and report writing skills.

·      Strong computer skills and ability to use standard computing packages such as word, excel, power point, spreadsheets and database software programs.

·      Strong team working and interpersonal skills.

·      Must be able to effectively communicate in English and Somali language and have a clear Under standing of the context of the area of operations.

·      Good supervisory and organizational skills, good interpersonal skills.

·      Self-motivated, result-driven and reliable.

·      Understanding of the local languages is desirable.

·      Willing to extensively travel throughout the project areas.

·      Capacity and willingness to work on Remote area.

·      Strong capacity to work in tense conditions and high insecure and volatile context including reactivity, anticipation, adaptability, capacity to take initiatives.