MEAL Officer

Oxfam is a global movement of people working together to end the injustice of poverty.

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks.

Shaping a stronger Oxfam for people living in poverty.

ABOUT OXFAM

Oxfam is a global movement of people who won’t live with the injustice of poverty. Together we save and rebuild lives in disasters. We help people build better lives for themselves. We speak out on the big issues that keep people poor, like inequality, discrimination against women and climate change. And we won’t stop until every person on the planet can live without poverty.
Oxfam GB is a member of the international confederation Oxfam.

OUR TEAM

Oxfam Programme in Iraq started on 2014 responding to the humanitarian needs of the displaced population as a result of the war against ISIS. We are currently implementing humanitarian and development projects in Ninewa and other governorates in Iraq. The program focuses on multi-sectoral projects delivering water supply, sanitation and hygiene support, livelihoods and economic support, gender and protection.
The MEAL team will be accountable for ensuring the project design, management, monitoring, accountability, learning, evaluation and reporting processes meet Oxfam Minimum Standards for programming and CAMSA guidelines.

JOB PURPOSE

To work with Oxfam and Partners’ staff to find lasting solutions to poverty and suffering. The MEAL Officer will be directly supervised by the Programme Manager and under Matrix Management of the Country MEAL Coordinator. The MEAL Officer will lead all the MEAL activities in Ninewa programme working closely with the WASH, EFSVL, Gender and Protection Teams. This position will be supported by one MEAL Assistant and enumerators. He/she is responsible for development and implementation of monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) tools and systems for Oxfam Programme in Ninewa. He/she will also lead and conduct different surveys, assessments, evaluations, post distribution monitoring for different projects in Oxfam Ninewa Programme.

The Role

We are looking for MEAL Officer

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Technical

MEAL System development and implementation:

• Provides support to the MEAL coordinator and field project team in proposal development.
• Supports the development and updating of relevant MEAL frameworks, working closely with project teams, the MEAL Coordinator and Technical Team leas (EFSL, WASH and protection)
• Working closely with the MEAL Co-ordinator, develops area-based MEAL plans and review/update on regular basis, in close coordination with project teams and Oxfam’s partners.
• Works with the field project team in implementing MEAL frameworks, processes and tools, ensuring quality and consistency with Oxfam standards
• Manage the data collection for key programme deliverables to demonstrate qualitative and quantitative changes overtime in collaboration with the field MEAL and programme team. This will include collection of primary data collection as well as secondary sources.
• Ensure that new projects have MEAL plans with adequate financial coverage
• Oversee and support MEAL and project staff in timely implementation of monitoring framework
and tools, to ensure quality and consistent information is available on program performance and impact.

Programme monitoring, Information management and Reporting:

• Develops/improves/updates tools for data collection, analysis and processing
• Field data collection and data management, including:
• Recruitment and training of data collectors
• Carrying out and supervising data collection (Focus group discussions, post-distribution monitoring, surveys, observations etc.) and data entry.
• Analyses quantitative and qualitative data, drafts reports presenting the results of the analysis, and shares the findings in an appropriate format.
• Reports to / alerts the project team on regular basis on any anticipated project issues, risks and any emerging opportunities and threats to the project implementation, related to this role.
• Supports in the establishment and rolling out of an improved beneficiary database system
• Supports the MEAL Co-ordinator to produce clear and quality reports that demonstrate accountability and learning.
• Ensures all MEAL-related data and files are properly organized and stored

Data gathering and information management

• Prepare clear data collection plans in discussion with the MEAL / PQ and technical teams and lead on all field data collection exercises, data management and analysis
• Analyse the data, together with the project team, and share them in the required format
• Contribute in timely and quality reporting in all projects in targeted locations
• For MEAL/Data analysis for all PDM survey, baseline survey, endline survey, impact assessment, multi-sector needs assessment (MSNA) study, gender enterprise and markets (GEM) study, HH vulnerability assessment …. etc.
• For MEAL/Prepare all the MEAL reports such as the field monitoring reports, PDM reports baseline reports, endline reports reports, impact assessment reports, multi-sector need assessment (MSNA) report, monthly accountability report…. etc.

Accountability:

• Shares feedback and complaints with field teams and track follow-up.
• Assisting the project team in setting up and strengthening the accountability mechanism in the areas of operations
• Support the partners in setting up and management of their accountability mechanism
• Ensure the implementation of strong accountability and community feedback mechanisms in areas of operation
• Share accountability findings with the programme Manager and Country MEAL Coordinator on weekly/monthly basis.
• Receive, process and respond to beneficiary feedback and complaints and guide beneficiaries seeking help through Oxfam hotlines, field visits, and other complaints and feedback mechanisms.
• Plan and conduct training sessions of relevant staff members (both Oxfam and partner organizations) to support and ensure quality implementation of accountability mechanisms and information provision plans.

Leadership

  Capacity building for Oxfam and Partner staff:
• Undertakes periodic monitoring and technical support visits to partners to assess progress against agreed MEAL system and recommend corrective actions as appropriate.
• Works closely with partner MEAL staff or focal points in Mosul office and provide support as appropriate
• Supporting MEAL Coordinator in developing a capacity enhancement plan for the implementing partners

•Extending support to partners for establishing and setting-up a MEAL system in the project areas
• Provide training to partners on accountability and support them in setting up own mechanisms
• Assist the partners/consortium members in the design of their MEAL system. Organize relevant training and other capacity building events for partners to carry out proper MEAL activities.
• Assist project leads/responsible persons and partners in identifying relevant areas on partner MEAL systems that need strengthening and aligning to the requirements of the individual programme and overall Oxfam MEAL objectives and requirements
• Work closely with programme focal points and partners to ensure appropriate feedback mechanisms are incorporated into project teams’ and partners’ projects
• Ensure effective common understanding between Oxfam and partners on MEAL objectives and frameworks and organize orientation/workshops/training.

Evaluation, Review, and Learning:

• Share relevant MEAL findings with projects teams in an appropriate format and follow-up their implementation.
• Support the MEAL Coordinator in the design and management of evaluations, including: the coordination of field-based data collection activities, review of evaluation reports, sharing of evaluation findings and recommendations with intended audiences.
• Support the implementation of evaluation recommendations at field level
• Assist the project team and partners in documenting lessons learnt
• Sharing the regular monitoring report with the programme team with recommendations and action plans
• Collecting best practices, case studies which demonstrate qualitative and quantitative changes over the period.
• Organize/support field-based reviews and learning events
• Facilitating programme team for the occasional programme support
• Supporting the programme in conducting regular periodic learning reviews to capture the best practice and lesson learned
• Together with the Country MEAL Coordinator, and Programme Manager, facilitate annual program quality review and reflection meetings for Oxfam Ninewa Programme.

Management

Coordination and Networking:
• Participate in and contribute to relevant inter-agency efforts at field level to agree and develop coordinated / joint M&E and accountability frameworks and mechanisms
• Attend relevant field level sectoral coordination meetings to identify opportunities for integration of data collection activities, harmonization, secondary information sources etc.
• Delivering any other responsibility related to MEAL assigned by the line manager.

What we are looking for

SKILLS, EXPERIENCE AND KNOWLEDGE

• At least 3 years working experience on MEAL
• Experience of gathering, analysing and presenting quantitative and qualitative data
• Degree in social science or relevant discipline
• Strong analytical and writing skills
• Evidence-based monitoring and evaluation frameworks and programmes, with emphasis on participatory and partnership-based MEAL approaches
• Familiarity with project cycle management, monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning
• Experience in the organisation, conduct and management of various capacity-building/skills transfer events and process
• Good report-writing skills
• Good communication skills in written and spoken English and Arabic.
• Spoken Arabic will be an advantage
• Proven ability to work effectively with others - including in multicultural team – and strong interpersonal skills
• Proven knowledge of computerised systems; high degree of computer literacy and word processing and spreadsheet/Excel skills. Strong knowledge of ICT applications & mobile applications
• Organized and able to manage own time under guidance and direction from line-manager
• Commitment to Oxfam’s overall aims and beliefs, including strong commitment to gender, diversity issues, equal opportunities and capacity building
• Strong interpersonal and self-awareness skills
• Ability and willingness to undertake extensive travel in country
• Well-developed conceptual, critical, analytical thinking and planning skills.
• Demonstrates ability to take Initiative, drive to achieve results, ability to develop effective organizations.
• Demonstrable understanding and experience of gender equity issues and their relevance to humanitarian response work.

Key Attributes

• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities
• Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender/gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, and diversity for all aspects of development work
• Commitment to Oxfam’s safeguarding policies to ensure all people who come into contact with Oxfam are as safe as possible

We offer

This role will give you an opportunity to make a difference in career development, to act as a key contributor to the MEAL team, to work with a group of passionate people that are specialists in their fields, training, and development, offers fair pay and competitive benefits package.

Flexfam

We believe flexible working is key to building the Oxfam of the future, so we’re open to talking through the type of flexible arrangements which might work for you. We think this role would work particularly well as a partially home-based role or job share.

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom Oxfam GB engages. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Oxfam GB also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

How to apply  

As part of your online application, please upload your up to date CV and a covering letter explaining your suitability against the essential criteria in the job profile.  OR

As part of your online application, please upload your up to date CV and respond to three key questions related to your experience in MEAL. Your application will be shortlisted based on your CV and your responses to the above questions. You need not comment on your suitability against the essential criteria in the job profile.

About us

Oxfam is a global community who believe poverty isn’t inevitable. It’s an injustice that can be overcome. We are shop volunteers, women’s right activists, marathon runners, aid workers, coffee farmers, street fundraisers, goat herders, policy experts, campaigners, water engineers and more. And we won’t stop until everyone can live life without poverty for good.

Oxfam GB is a member of international confederation of 21 organisations working together with partners and local communities in the areas of humanitarian, development and campaigning, in more than 90 countries. 

A thriving diverse Oxfam:

It’s people power that brings about change. To play our part as a global organisation working to overcome poverty and inequality, we need equality, diversity and inclusion across our community of staff, partners and volunteers. Together, we’re committed to becoming a more diverse workforce, better able to tackle the global challenges that face our world today.

To do that:

• We need to dismantle the unequal power structures that exist everywhere, this including Oxfam and the wider development and charity sectors.
• We need an inclusive Oxfam where everyone can bring who they are to our work and feels celebrated for the differences they bring.
• We want and need everyone, and that means we need you.

In response to Covid-19 if you are offered a role where you are required to travel between countries please ensure you have been briefed by the Hiring Manager about any changes to working or precautions you should take as part of your role.