Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Specialist (Livelihoods)

WHO ARE WE?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home. The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced. All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

ABOUT THE JOB

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist for Livelihoods programmes of DRC Country Programme in Afghanistan leads the strategic planning and implementation of all MEAL processes and activities required to improve programme quality over the course of project implementation, and ensure and demonstrate positive impact on beneficiaries’ lives. S/he plays a fundamental role in establishing and maintaining an effective learning system that helps Programme teams to make iterative improvements to design and implementation. The MEAL SPECIALIST Livelihoods is directly responsible for assessing and measuring quality and accountability of DRC Afghanistan’s livelihoods support, primarily consisting of Technical and Vocational Education and Trainings (TVET), support to job searches and establishment of market linkages, in-kind and monetary support to business set up and self-help groups and community infrastructure projects through cash for work. This includes, among other responsibilities, monitoring and evaluation tool design in collaboration with Programme teams, data collection, analysis, reporting and follow up with Programme teams on actions taken. S/he is directly responsible for process and outcome monitoring, yet may provide direct support to programme teams for output monitoring and database design and management. S/he will additionally work with the Information Management Officer to ensure an efficient, accurate and transparent data flow from collection in the field to analysis and use.  S/he is also responsible in supporting the strengthening of accountability mechanisms across livelihoods programmes in close collaboration with the Complaints Response Mechanism Officer.

Responsibilities:

Design and Implementation of Overall MEAL System for Livelihoods Programmes

• Lead the design and implementation of the DRC MEAL Livelihoods Framework and Standard Operating Procedures, including MEAL and indicator plans, data collection / measurement Scopes of Work, tools and methodologies, planning and implementation of MEAL field work for the collection, analysis and usage of data to measure progress against indicators and promote programmatic learning;
• Support programme teams in selecting / refining beneficiary selection criteria for each type of livelihoods activity and lead verification

  Data collection tools development and use

• Support the development of relevant and quality data collection tools for quantitative and qualitative research, e.g. baseline/endline surveys, needs assessments, beneficiary verification questionnaires, PDM tools, FGD/KII guides, infrastructure checklists etc
• Lead the development of a qualitative research strategy through the deployment of innovative research methods in order to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of DRC Afghanistan’s livelihoods programmes
• Lead on planning and / or conducting field data collection and monitoring exercises, including Baselines / Endlines and Evaluations

  Data management, analysis and use

• Collaborate with DRC IMO and other Information Management partners to ensure appropriate data management for all livelihoods programmes in country, including coding, storage, cleaning and raw data analysis;
• Closely coordinate with relevant programme staff to ensure project-relevant information is shared and used to properly track progress of projects in an appropriate Livelihoods Output Tracker
• Collaborate with Programme teams to ensure actions are taken based on MEAL findings and recommendations

  Reporting

• Support MEAL Manager in drafting all livelihoods-related MEAL reports.

  Accountability

• Closely coordinate with the Complaints Response Mechanism Officer to ensure relevant programme teams properly implement accountability measures as per DRC standards and in line with the Core Humanitarian Standards

  Technical management and capacity-building

• Coordinate and supervise any field work related to MEAL of Livelihoods programming in area offices
• Provide mentoring and technical support to MEAL Officers in data collection, analysis and reporting
• Coordinate with Protection Coordinator, Specialist and MEAL Specialist for protection on preparing trainings on protection and gender mainstreaming in assessments

  Others 

  Assist in other tasks as required by the HoMEAL, including extensive support to other programmes / sectors whenever deemed necessary

  ABOUT YOU

  To be successful in this role you must have:

  Experience and technical competencies: (include years of experience)

• Minimum 3 years of relevant experience within the humanitarian field (MEAL and / or Livelihoods work)
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in Livelihoods work (emergency livelihoods, TVET, agricultural or small / medium enterprise and business support…)a very valuable asset
• Demonstrated knowledge of design and analysis of qualitative and quantitative research methods required
• Capacity to think critically and produce high-quality reports and analysis required
• Good level of proficiency in Word, PPT, Windows Excel required; SPSS, STATA and NVivo or other software an asset
• Capacity to think critically and analytically
• Experience in working in complex and volatile contexts
• Strong inter-personal, communication and leadership skills
• Strong planning and organizational skills
• Demonstrated commitment to meet deadlines and high degree of autonomy in his / her work required

  Education:

• Bachelor Degree in social sciences, humanitarian and/or development studies, or relevant field (including agriculture or business management)
• Maters, Diplomas or Certification in M&E, IMS, Statistics or related fields an added value

  Languages:

• Fluency in English, both written and verbal
• Ability to work in both Dari (required) and/or Pashto (desired)

  We Offer:

• DRC-DDG will offer the successful applicant a contract till end of 2019.
• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with DRC/DDG salary scale

Application process:

Interested? Then apply for this position ,All applicants must send a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages). Both must be in the same language as this vacancy note. CV only applications will not be considered.

Applications close 18 July 2019. However, please note due to the urgency of this position, shortlisting process will be ongoing. Should we find qualified candidates prior to expiry of this advert, interviews will be held immediately.

Female are highly encouraged to apply