Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is one of the world's leading humanitarian NGOs, established to assist and protect refugees and displaced persons. The organization operates in multiple countries, focusing on providing support in conflict-affected areas. DRC is committed to ensuring that the needs of vulnerable populations are met through effective humanitarian responses. The organization employs a diverse workforce and is dedicated to promoting gender equality and inclusivity within its operations. DRC has a strong presence in various regions, including Africa, the Middle East, and Europe, and works collaboratively with local partners to enhance the impact of its programs.

Job Overview:
The MEAL Specialist will play a crucial role in the Dollo Ado Field Office, providing technical support for all projects and ensuring that Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities are effectively implemented. Reporting directly to the Dollo Area Manager, the specialist will align the area office's MEAL activities with the DRC global MEAL model and the country office MEAL framework. The position requires close collaboration with the Addis Ababa-based MEAL Manager, coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">MEAL Coordinator, and program teams to ensure compliance with DRC’s MEAL requirements and best practices. The specialist will be responsible for developing MEAL plans, maintaining MEAL systems, and ensuring the quality and timeliness of data collection and reporting. This role is essential for enhancing project design, implementation, and learning, ultimately contributing to improved program quality and outcomes.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Specialist will be responsible for a comprehensive set of duties, including ensuring compliance with DRC’s Global MEAL model and Ethiopia MEAL framework, maintaining MEAL systems and tools, and participating in program design discussions. Key responsibilities include developing and operationalizing MEAL plans, providing technical guidance for M&E activities, ensuring timely and quality data collection, producing monthly analysis reports, coordinating field-level assessments, and facilitating learning events. The specialist will also engage in capacity building for DRC staff and partners, conduct regular field monitoring visits, and support internal project data quality assessments. Additionally, the role involves preparing and reviewing reports, ensuring consistency between collected data and donor reports, and providing technical assistance to the Dollo team.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 3 years of MEAL experience within the humanitarian or NGO sector. They should demonstrate experience in translating log frames into monitoring plans, developing data collection tools, leading data management processes, and analyzing and reporting data. Strong technical skills in accountability, CHS, and functional CFM systems are essential. Candidates should also have proven experience in both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, excellent analytical and report writing skills, and proficiency in software applications such as Excel and statistical software like SPSS or STATA. Experience with electronic or mobile data collection and facilitating MEAL trainings is also required.

Educational Background:
A university degree in Economics, Statistics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a relevant discipline is required for this position. Additional certifications or licenses related to MEAL or project management may be advantageous.

Experience:
The position requires at least 3 years of relevant experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning within the humanitarian or NGO field. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing multiple activities effectively while maintaining quality and meeting deadlines. Experience in leading data collection and management processes, as well as designing and managing databases, is essential.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in the local language, Somali, is considered an additional asset that would enhance communication and engagement with local communities.

Additional Notes:
The contract length for this position is 12 months, and it is classified as a National Contract at Band G2 – Non-Management. The designated duty station is Dollo Ado, Somali, with a start date anticipated in October 202

• Salary and conditions will be in accordance with the Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for National employees. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. All applicants must submit a cover letter and an updated CV in English, with applications sent via email not being considered. The closing date for applications is September 17, 202
• DRC is committed to achieving gender parity and encourages women candidates to apply, as well as qualified Ethiopian nationals.