Monitoring, Evaluation Accountability & Learning (MEAL) Manager at Albarka Health Spring Foundation (AHSF)

Albarka Health Spring Foundation (AHSF) is a non-governmental organization dully registered with the Nigerian government through Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC/IT NO: 91613). Existing since October 2016, AHSF focuses on improving the quality of life of vulnerable populations across communities in North East Nigeria. AHSF operates both in emergency and developmental contexts and has its program principally rooted in identifying gaps that affect or increase population vulnerability and bridging those gaps through resource base planning and implementation.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation Accountability & Learning (MEAL) Manager

Location: Maiduguri, Borno

Position Summary

• Provide leadership and strategic direction for monitoring and evaluation (MEAL) efforts.
• Develop and operationalize a comprehensive MEAL system, including data collection, performance tracking, and quality assurance.
• Design projects based on needs assessments, results chains, and gender considerations.
• Oversee data collection, employing both qualitative and quantitative techniques.
• Analyze data using statistical software and effectively communicate findings through reports and presentations.
• Build the capacity of MEAL staff through training and mentorship.
• Manage evaluations, coordinating with external consultants and incorporating findings into the MEAL system.
• Collaborate with program managers and stakeholders, ensuring effective implementation of MEAL processes and budget management.

Detail of Responsibilities:
Leadership in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL):

• Develop and communicate a clear and compelling vision and mission for MEAL.
• Manage the development of evidence-based strategic and operational plans, including goals, objectives, risk assessments, and resource implications.
• Design, update, harmonize, and communicate MEAL plans with standardized indicators, data collection procedures and tools, roles and responsibilities, and budgets.
• Foster partnerships with local and international stakeholders involved in the MEAL system.

Development and operationalization of a comprehensive MEAL system:

• Design and implement an MEAL plan, including data collection methods, tools, and indicators.
• Establish an Indicator Performance Tracking Table (IPTT) and a Performance Management Plan (PMP) to track project progress.
• Ensure the integration of cross-cutting objectives such as gender and environment in the MEAL system.
• Develop a data quality assurance plan and implement strategies to improve data quality.
• Create a communication strategy to effectively disseminate MEAL findings.

Project design and planning:

• Conduct needs and capacities assessments to inform project design.
• Utilize a results chain and Theory of Change to guide project planning and implementation.
• Identify relevant performance indicators and develop report formats and schedules.
• Collaborate with gender specialists to conduct gender assessments and integrate gender considerations into project design.
• Conduct market assessments to inform project interventions.

Data collection and management:

• Design sampling strategies and calculate sample sizes for qualitative studies and quantitative surveys.
• Develop data collection instruments and oversee data collection activities.
• Ensure the implementation of data quality management strategies and conduct internal data quality assessments.
• Utilize qualitative techniques, such as key informant interviews and focus group discussions, for monitoring purposes.
• Apply quantitative techniques, including questionnaire design, survey logistics planning, and data analysis using statistical software.

Data analysis and reporting:

• Develop data analysis plans and conduct quantitative and qualitative data analysis.
• Utilize statistical software to analyze quantitative data and derive meaningful insights.
• Synthesize and report qualitative information effectively.
• Prepare narrative reports, executive summaries, and case studies for various stakeholders.
• Present findings through clear and effective oral and PowerPoint presentations.

Capacity building in MEAL:

• Assess the skill gaps of MEAL staff and design training programs to enhance their competencies.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and on-the-job training to improve staff skills.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of capacity-building initiatives and monitor knowledge change.

Evaluation design and management:

• Design evaluation questions and methods to assess project impact.
• Coordinate with external consultants for baseline and final evaluations.
• Develop terms of reference for evaluations and provide necessary data to evaluators.
• Incorporate evaluation data collection into the MEAL system and ensure adherence to evaluation design.

Collaboration and coordination:

• Collaborate with program managers, technical specialists, and consultants to ensure effective MEAL implementation.
• Coordinate logistics for surveys, qualitative studies, and evaluation processes.
• Manage the MEAL budget in collaboration with headquarters and technical staff.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field (e.g., Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Development Studies). A Master’s degree will be an added advantage.
• Minimum five (5) years of experience in monitoring and evaluation, preferably in food security projects.
• Strong understanding of MEAL concepts, project design, and results-based management.
• Proficiency in developing and operationalizing MEAL systems, including the design of data collection tools and indicators.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques, data analysis, and reporting.
• Familiarity with statistical software such as MS EXCEL, SPSS, STATA, or EpiInfo.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to train, coach, and build the capacity of MEAL staff.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentation abilities.
• Knowledge of environmental indicators and initial environmental assessments.
• Experience working with international organizations or donor-funded projects is desirable.
• Excellent English language skills. Fluency in Hausa and/or Kanuri is an added advantage.

Note: This job description outlines the key responsibilities and requirements of the MEAL Manager position. Additional duties may be assigned as needed to support the organization's goals and objectives.

Application Closing Date
30th June, 2023.