MEAL Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian organization that has been working to support refugees and displaced persons since its establishment in 195

• With a mission to protect the rights of refugees and assist them in rebuilding their lives, DRC operates in over 40 countries worldwide. The organization focuses on providing assistance in areas such as shelter, security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">food security, education, and livelihood support. DRC employs thousands of staff members globally, working collaboratively with local partners and communities to deliver effective humanitarian aid and development programs. The organization is committed to upholding the highest standards of accountability and integrity in its operations, ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most.

Job Overview:
The MEAL Officer position at DRC Uganda is a critical role that involves the implementation of a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) system for the Food Systems and Economic Self-Reliance project. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring systematic monitoring and quality data collection, analysis, and reporting. This role is essential for generating credible evidence that informs decision-making, adaptive management, and donor reporting. The MEAL Officer will also provide support to project staff and implementing partners, ensuring that data systems are robust and that evidence-based decision-making is prioritized. The position requires a proactive approach to monitoring and evaluation, with a focus on continuous learning and improvement throughout the project lifecycle.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Officer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including:

• Monitoring, Data Collection and Quality Assurance: Implementing and maintaining the project MEAL framework, indicators, tools, and reporting systems; conducting field monitoring, spot checks, assessments, and outcome monitoring; leading the design and management of digital data collection tools; cleaning, analyzing, and validating data; conducting routine data quality assessments; and verifying partner-reported results.
• Performance and Results Tracking: Maintaining project indicator tracking systems; monitoring progress against targets; tracking key project results; preparing dashboards and performance summaries; analyzing performance trends; and identifying areas for corrective action.
• Accountability, Learning and Adaptive Management: Coordinating feedback and complaints mechanisms; supporting After Action Reviews; documenting success stories and lessons learned; and facilitating routine reflection on monitoring findings.
• Partner Support and Reporting: Providing technical MEAL support to partners; participating in partner monitoring and assessments; and contributing to internal, donor, and learning reports.
• Data Management and Compliance: Maintaining secure project databases; ensuring compliance with DRC MEAL standards; and supporting project assessments and evaluations.

Required Qualifications:
To be considered for the MEAL Officer position, candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Statistics, Economics, Development Studies, Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Sciences, Information Management, or Data Science. Additionally, candidates should have demonstrated experience in quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis, and reporting, as well as proficiency in using digital data collection platforms like KoboToolbox/ODK. Strong analytical, communication, and report-writing skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently in remote settings and undertake frequent travel. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and strong organizational abilities are also required.

Educational Background:
Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field, such as Statistics, Economics, Development Studies, Monitoring and Evaluation, Social Sciences, Information Management, or Data Science. A postgraduate diploma in monitoring and evaluation is desirable but not mandatory. The educational background should provide a solid foundation in data analysis, research methodologies, and program evaluation techniques, which are critical for the successful execution of the MEAL Officer's responsibilities.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL), data management, or program monitoring. Experience in sectors such as livelihoods, climate adaptation, market systems, environmental protection, or social cohesion is preferred. Candidates should have a proven track record of developing and managing indicator tracking tools, analyzing program performance data, and ensuring data quality and compliance with established standards.

Languages:
Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is mandatory for this position. Candidates who possess knowledge of local languages spoken in the project implementation areas will have an advantage, as this can enhance communication and engagement with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The MEAL Officer position is a contract role with a duration of 3 months, based in Imvepi, Moyo. The expected start date for this position is October 202

• The salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for national employees. Applicants are required to submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with a maximum length of four pages. Applications sent via email will not be considered. The closing date for applications is 13th September 202
• DRC emphasizes a merit-based recruitment process and does not solicit money for any part of its recruitment process.