Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Officer
Syrian Arab Red Crescent, Damascus
The Syrian Arab Red Crescent (SARC) is an independent humanitarian organization of a public utility, is permanent and continuous, has a legal entity, and enjoys financial and administrative independence. SARC was founded in 1942 according to decrees No/540/ 1942 and No/117/ 1966 which regulate the Organisation’s work. It was recognized by the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva (ICRC) in 1946 and is committed to upholding the Geneva Conventions and the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Movement of Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies.
The Syrian Arab Red Crescent is seeking to recruit:
Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Officers (based in SARC Headquarters).
Vacancy opening date: 30/03/2021
Vacancy closing date: 09/04/2021
Interested candidates are requested to send their updated resume in English and must be Word File or PDF File only, otherwise will be rejected. To [email protected] E-mail,
Subject “MEAL Officer”.
Any resume without a subject will be automatically rejected.
Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
Purpose of employment:
The MEAL officer will work under the supervision of the MEAL Coordinator in order to implement an effective and functional MEAL system. He/she provides support to the programs in designing, monitoring, and evaluating all projects’ interventions. Moreover, he/she works with the direct supervisor in the coordination and/or the implementation of projects’ baselines and evaluations, as well as the implementation of standardized MEAL processes and tools for all sectors.
Main duties and responsibilities:
Support the set up of the MEAL system (30%)
· Support in the development of Standard Operating Procedures for each of the MEAL processes.
· Support in the development of MEAL templates (i.e. Logframe, M&E plan, Indicator Tracking Table, etc.).
· Develop tools (surveys, checklists, interview guides, etc.) in alignment with quality standards, donor requirements, and sector guidelines and are adapted to the context.
· Support in identifying and setting accountability mechanisms, including effective complaints and response mechanisms for hearing and responding to different types of feedback linked to programs and services.
Lead the implementation of the MEAL system (50%)
· Develop project-specific M&E frameworks in coordination with programs staff including all details about indicators, definitions, sources of data, and responsibilities.
· Develop methodology, sampling, and adapt tools for MEAL activities.
· Facilitate training on the use of tools and data collection process to program teams and volunteers.
· Coordinate and follow up with program staff and volunteers on monitoring activities and data collection.
· Undertake regular monitoring visits to program sites, validate the information being collected, and support volunteers in the collection of information.
· Complete verification of reported data in coordination with Information Management.
· Consolidate information collected through accountability channels using standardized log sheets, reporting templates, and share information with key stakeholders.
· Work with program teams to ensure findings from ongoing monitoring, specific reviews, accountability mechanisms, and other sources of information are used to adapt the program as needed.
· For internally led baselines and evaluations, develop Terms of Reference, methodology, tools, coordinate data collection in the field, and draft report.
· For externally led baselines and evaluations or any other study, support the MEAL Coordinator in coordinating the agreed-upon activities.
· Analyse data collected in monitoring and evaluation
· Write MEAL report and portray findings in the most appropriate manner depending on the audience.
· Follow-up and check together with the program team that M&E recommendations have been followed and report back to relevant focal points.
· Support all programs to create a reporting system according to the indicators in the log-frames
Maintain coordination and communication with relevant departments in SARC (10%)
· Coordinate closely with program teams from the set up of MEAL plans, throughout implementation, and after articulation of lessons learned and recommendations.
· Support SARC branches in MEAL activities upon request.
General (10%)
· Attend relevant internal and external meetings.
· Attend internal and external training, workshops, events, etc.
· Develop performance objectives and complete performance reviews in coordination with the supervisor.
Reporting lines:
The National MEAL officer/s will report to the MEAL coordinator.
Required skills and work experience:
· University degree level in Social Sciences, International Development, Public Health, Biostatistics, or another relevant field
· Previous humanitarian experience ( 3 years ) with Red Cross Red Crescent, INGOs, or UN is preferred
· Experience at least 2 years in design and implementation of M&E systems, including qualitative and quantitative approaches to baselines, monitoring, and evaluations is required
· Good understanding of project cycle management, including developing implementation plans and monitoring systems and ensuring project activities are implemented to a high standard in a timely and professional manner
· Experience working with communities
· Experience conducting all kinds of data collection tools ( Surveys, Focused Group Discussion, Key Informant Interviews….etc
· Understanding of international standards in humanitarian protection and accountability (e.g. HAP, SPHERE, Red Cross Code of Conduct, etc)
· Very good knowledge of ODK database/SMAP server
· Excellent data handling skills (classification, categorizing, tabulation, etc.) and demonstrates diligence in data management and analysis
· Good knowledge of information presentation techniques (graphing, charting, tabling, etc.) and interpreting them
· The ability to work on one of the data analysis programs ( SPSS, STATA, or Excel )
· Strong level of computer skills (Windows, MS Office, etc.) and ideally an understanding of data and database management
· Excellent communication skills, including the ability to represent SARC externally with different stakeholders; cultural sensitivity and awareness
· Excellent written English, with fluency in speaking Arabic and English
· Ability to work independently and under pressure in a responsible manner
· Knowledge of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement is preferred
· Willingness and aptitude for humanitarian fieldwork, and availability to travel at short notice to branches and governorates across SARC, including overnight stays when required
Personal qualities:
· Professional ethics
· Commitment to the Red Cross Red Crescent Fundamental Principles of Humanity, Impartiality, Neutrality, Independence, Voluntary Service, Unity, and Universality
· Ability to create and maintain positive relations with people to create/facilitate positive dialogue
· Stays open to internal and external feedback
· Capacity to work under pressure and manage various tasks at the same time
PS: Syrian Arab Red Crescent Does Not Provide Any Transportations For Employees.
