MEAL Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is an international non-profit organization dedicated to partnering with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disasters. Established with a mission to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and well-being, RI operates with a team of over 7,000 staff and local volunteers across 15 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. The organization focuses on providing essential services in Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods programming, which are crucial for fostering community resilience. RI operates as an alliance of four organizations—Relief International, Inc., Relief International-France, Relief International-UK, and Relief International-Europe—working under a unified leadership team to ensure effective and inclusive programming that is evidence-based, conflict-sensitive, and climate-smart, reaching those most in need.

Job Overview:
The MEAL Assistant plays a vital role in supporting the implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities at the field level. Reporting directly to the MEAL Senior Officer or MEAL Officer, the Assistant is tasked with routine data collection and verification of project activities, as well as facilitating beneficiary feedback and accountability processes. This position is essential for ensuring accurate and timely field data gathering and reporting, which informs program quality and accountability to affected populations. The MEAL Assistant will engage with communities to gather insights and feedback, ensuring that the programs are responsive to the needs of the beneficiaries and that their voices are heard in the evaluation of the services provided.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Assistant's responsibilities include conducting both quantitative and qualitative data collection through various methods such as Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM), exit interviews, Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) surveys, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). This data collection will utilize digital tools like Kobo and Power Apps, or traditional paper-based forms, adhering strictly to approved methodologies. The Assistant will also perform on-site spot checks to verify the accuracy and quality of activities and services in accordance with RI standards, conducting regular monitoring visits to health and protection centers and completing necessary checklist forms. In terms of beneficiary engagement, the Assistant will document feedback and complaints from beneficiaries through multiple channels, ensuring that cases are referred to the appropriate focal points and that timely feedback is provided back to the communities. The role also involves supporting awareness sessions and group discussions to explain accountability mechanisms and gather feedback. The Assistant will be responsible for submitting daily and weekly updates to the MEAL Officer regarding data collection progress, challenges faced, and field observations. Collaboration with the program team is essential for conducting joint questionnaires for project assessments and evaluations, and the Assistant will assist in initial needs assessments, providing qualitative observations from the field. The MEAL Assistant is expected to uphold the values of RI's code of conduct and safeguarding policies, ensuring respectful and professional behavior at all times.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates for the MEAL Assistant position must possess a university degree in a relevant field and have a minimum of one to two years of experience in a similar role. Previous experience in data collection using digital tools such as Kobo, ODK, ONA, or CommCare, as well as paper forms, is essential. A basic understanding of monitoring and evaluation practices, including surveys, FGDs, KIIs, and data entry, is required. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are necessary for engaging respectfully with communities, along with basic proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and internet usage. Fluency in Arabic is mandatory, with a working knowledge of English being advantageous. Candidates must demonstrate a commitment to RI's values, safeguarding, and accountability principles.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the MEAL Assistant position includes a university degree in a relevant field, which may encompass areas such as social sciences, public health, international development, or a related discipline. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of monitoring and evaluation processes and for effectively engaging with communities in the field.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have a minimum of one to two years of relevant experience in monitoring and evaluation, data collection, or a related field. This experience should ideally include working with humanitarian or development organizations, particularly in sectors such as Health, Protection, or Nutrition. Familiarity with data collection methodologies and tools is essential, as is experience in engaging with communities to gather feedback and insights.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic is a mandatory requirement for this position, as the role involves direct engagement with local communities. A working knowledge of English is considered beneficial, particularly for report writing and communication with international teams. Proficiency in additional languages may also be advantageous, depending on the specific context of the work.

Additional Notes:
The MEAL Assistant position is a full-time role based in Idlib, Syria, with a closing date for applications set for June 13, 202

• It is important to note that the position may be filled before the deadline, so early applications are encouraged. As a humanitarian organization, Relief International is committed to safeguarding all individuals encountered through its work, adhering to core humanitarian principles regarding the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. All staff and volunteers are expected to uphold the values and behaviors outlined in the Code of Conduct. The recruitment process for all roles at Relief International includes a criminal records self-declaration, references, and other pre-employment checks, which may encompass police and qualifications checks.