Lead and support the development and implementation of Medair’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) strategy and systems in the Middle East Region (MER) country programmes. Ensure Medair adheres to international guidelines and standards and meets the reporting needs of internal and external key stakeholders. Provide technical advice and coordination on MEAL to the country programmes in the Middle East region; train and capacity build Medair field staff involved in MEAL activities in order to increase impact and effectiveness of Medair’s programmes. Interact with the Global Resources Information Team  in the Middle East region to improve indicator tracking tools.

Medair is active since 2012 in the Middle East and has programming in its core competencies: Health & Nutrition, Shelter & Infrastructure and WASH. Cash is used more and more as a modality.

Based in Amman, Jordan (regional office), with a reporting line to the Global Support Office (GSO) MEAL Advisor in Switzerland. Regular travel to supported countries in the Middle East region (Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Yemen and Jordan), and GSO. Liaison with key stakeholders and funders.

January 2020. Full time, 24 months.

Strategy and system development

• Develop MEAL strategies for each MER country programme in consultation with the GSO MEAL Advisor, in-country MEAL PMs/Managers and the International Programmes team.
• Support development and implementation of an M&E system with linked field oriented tools and guidelines. The MEAL Advisor will be expected to contribute to the improvement of country programme MEAL systems.
• Provide direct input in indicator tracking methodology to build a central information management system and work with the GRIT team to roll this out across each MER country programme.
• Ensure each MER country programme has robust beneficiary accountability mechanisms in place in accordance with Medair’s commitment to the Core Humanitarian Standard.
• Advise on the staffing structure of each MER country programme.
• Develop a strategy to mainstream learning into the activities of each MER country programme.

Quality management

• Improve the quality and coherence of MEAL between projects and across Medair country programmes in the Middle East region, by assisting and supporting country programmes in the development, regular review and monitoring of MEAL strategies and plans.
• Advise on the development of global MEAL related organisational policies.
• Provide timely and evidence-based MEAL advice and support as needed to country level MEAL focal points, field sector advisors, Project Managers and Country Directors: MEAL planning and implementation including survey planning (qualitative and quantitative); baseline assessments; log frames; M&E plan development; ongoing data collection; periodic evaluations, beneficiary accountability and how to incorporate learnings from ongoing M&E work.
• This role includes travel to regional field programmes and review of MEAL sections of key proposals, reports and surveys prior to external submission by MER country programmes, as needed.
• Maintain and share knowledge of best MEAL practice in the humanitarian sector including statistics, data collection, and research methodologies.
• Keep current on academic MEAL issues, innovations, and guidelines to inform and improve MEAL in programming.

Training

• Assess, support and equip relevant field staff in country level programme MEAL activities.
• In collaboration with the Global MEAL Advisor, develop and implement a plan for regional capacity building on MEAL. Mentor and coach senior MEAL staff.
• Create internal training materials and resources and provide training to staff at appropriate venues.

Human resources/Staff & Consultants Management

• Advise on the technical competency of existing and potential new MEAL staff for various MEAL roles, as well as conducting technical interviews of key MEAL field staff as requested.

Representation

• Develop and maintain public health and humanitarian oriented statistical and MEAL networks to share ideas, best practices, lessons learned, and stay informed on current MEAL related humanitarian aid trends.

Team Spiritual Life

• Reflect the values of Medair with team members, local staff, beneficiaries, and external contacts.
• Work, live, and pray together in our Christian faith-based team settings. Fully contribute to the rich spiritual life of your team, including team devotions, prayers, and words of encouragement.
• Encouraged to join and contribute to Medair’s international prayer network.

This job description covers the main tasks that are anticipated. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary.

• Relevant Graduate or Postgraduate degree or equivalent experience
• Demonstrated training and experience in MEAL of international humanitarian programmes using qualitative and quantitative data collection methods
• Graduate or Postgraduate degree in statistics, epidemiology or public health desirable
• Strong working knowledge of English (spoken and written). Knowledge of Arabic (desirable).

  Everyone who works as an Internationally Recruited Staff in one of our field programmes must first successfully complete the Medair ROC. Read more for information, dates and related costs.

• At least 3 years minimum experience in measurement and evaluation of international programmes – including public health – in development and relief settings
• Demonstrated success in developing and implementing MEAL strategies
• At least 3 years proven experience with managing humanitarian M&E systems including logical framework and M&E plan design, conducting quantitative, qualitative and participatory surveys at field level, training in M&E planning and implementation, and report and proposal writing
• Proficiency using SPSS, STATA, or SAS and/or SMART –ENA software
• Ability to process and synthesise large amounts of complex data into readable and concise formats against tight deadlines desirable

Please ensure you are fully aware of the:

1. Medair organisational values.
2. Medair is committed to safeguarding the protection of beneficiaries, volunteers, staff and partners, and particularly children. Therefore, we do not employ staff whose background we understand to be unsuitable for working with children. Medair staff are required to give the utmost respect to, and comply with, Medair’s accountability policies and best practices.
3. Key Profiles & Benefits Package provided for Internationally Recruited Staff (IRS).
4. Medair Relief & Recovery Orientation Course (ROC) (which forms part of the recruitment selection process for field positions).