Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Assistant at the Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international non-governmental organisation with a mission to accompany, serve, and advocate for the rights of refugees and forcibly displaced people. The organisation was founded in November 1980 and has a presence in over 50 countries. JRS undertakes services at national and regional levels with the support and guidance of an international office in Rome.

The style of JRS service is human and spiritual, working in situations of greatest need, seeking the long-term wellbeing of refugees and displaced persons, while not neglecting their immediate or urgent needs. JRS offers opportunities to a wide variety of staff, local and international, while maintaining a realistic and localised scheme of salary/stipend, insurance, etc.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Assistant

Location: Dikwa, Borno
Job Type: Full Time

Job Summary

• We are recruiting for the position of MEAL Assistant to be based in Dikwa LGAs of Borno State in preparation for anticipated funding from the European Commission Directorate for Humanitarian Aid (ECHO) for projects to be implemented in Dikwa and Monguno LGAs of Borno State, Nigeria.
• The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Assistant will support the MEAL Officer in the design, coordination, and implementation of the monitoring and evaluation, research, accountability, and learning framework of the project and report to the MEAL Officer.
• In support of the MEAL Officer, the MEAL Assistant shall ensure overseeing a functional MEAL system for the project as well as support the full-cycle monitoring and evaluation of programs, developing appropriate methodologies and tools to design evaluations.

Key Responsibilities
Role / Mission:

• Support to develop, implement, and assess monitoring frameworks for the project.
• Support the overall framework for project MEAL systems in collaboration with donor requirements and project staff. This shall include project requirements, reporting, baseline, and evaluation surveys; develop and monitor project management plan to systematically document performance.
• In line with the project document, the MEAL Assistant shall support the design of “SMART” logic models, monitoring frameworks, and evaluation plans during the semi-annual and annual work-planning process.
• Contribute to the development of annual work plans to identify project targets and ensure the inclusion of M&E activities.
• Maintain existing/review indicator tracking tools; develop additional databases and tracking tools as needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of project interventions.
• Ensure adherence to specific monitoring and reporting requirements for ECHO-funded projects, including requirements related to EU protocols.
• Analyze data for accuracy, flag quality issues, conduct field visits to carry out data validation and monitor the quality and completeness of data sets; coordinate data collection (including ODK) at project sites to monitor program development, ensure timely compilation and reporting of data.
• Be responsible for capturing and documenting lessons learned; as well as championing and scaling up best practices.
• Carry out routine data quality assessment (RDQA) for all project implementation activities.
• Create and ensure the integration of infographics in routine reports and information to meaningfully visualize data.
• Set up a data corner and ensure the availability/display of project infographics on a quarterly basis.
• Support in editing project content and presentation for all reporting and deliverables before submission for internal and external fora to ensure superior quality and professionalism.
• Contribute to developing and reporting of project reviews, assessments, surveys, and other analytic or evaluation processes and products.
• Support in providing technical leadership and support to project and partner staff in planning and implementing M&E systems and activities, data-based program decision-making, and results reporting; provide training as needed.
• Prepare Issues Log and Risk Log for the project.
• Support in organizing and coordinating mid-term reviews, learning workshops/review of program work plans.
• Ensure the accountability of the project to beneficiaries and affected persons while adhering to compliance processes in line with project documents.
• Provide feedback to the MEAL Officer on project strategies and activities.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Promote PSEA and safeguarding standards within JRS and amongst the beneficiaries it serves.

Required Profile
Qualification:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Statistics, Demographics, Computer Science, Social Work, or International Development.

Experience and Skills:

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working in the field of monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) at a similar cadre.
• Proven success in designing, implementing, and operating MEAL systems from project initiation to project closeout.
• Proven experience in strategic planning and performance management, including indicator selection, target setting, reporting, database management, and developing M&E and performance monitoring plans.
• Proven knowledge of major evaluation methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, mixed method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies
• Experience in planning for and managing assessments/surveys, developing data collection tools, and with data quality assessments and oversight.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Fluency in the English Language; excellent written and oral communication skills, including facilitation and cross-cultural communication.
• Have knowledge of a local language including Kanuri and Hausa.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational and time management skills
• Proven computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)
• Proven skills in data management programs and remote data collection methodologies (SPSS, STATA, NVIVO, Kobocollect, Survey CTO).

Qualities:

• Adhere to JRS values and abide by the code of conduct and other policies.
• Proven work experience in multicultural and stressful environments.
• Trustworthiness, integrity, and accountability.
• Strong ability to work independently, organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks, and maintain attention to detail.
• Ability to adapt to working conditions and tasks that may change with the reality of the field.
• Demonstrate leadership skills, active listening skills, initiative, and personal discipline.

Application Closing Date
7th May, 2023.