MEAL Assistant

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization established to assist people who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. NRC operates in multiple countries around the world, providing aid and support to millions of individuals in need. The organization is recognized for its commitment to high-quality assistance and advocacy for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC fosters a culture of responsibility, professional growth, and innovation among its employees, ensuring a supportive environment that encourages open dialogue with management. The organization is dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, striving to create a workplace that reflects these values. With a focus on safeguarding, NRC emphasizes respect, dignity, and safety for all individuals involved in its operations, maintaining a zero-tolerance policy against exploitation and abuse.

Job Overview:
The MEAL Assistant position is designed to support program staff in the effective implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) processes in alignment with NRC's overall operational strategy and the successful execution of projects in the Panama Office. The role involves ensuring adherence to NRC policies, tools, manuals, and guidelines relevant to MEAL functions. The MEAL Assistant will assist in project implementation according to the defined action plan, implement established procedures and activities as delegated by the MEAL Unit, and be responsible for organizing and executing tasks according to assigned priorities and standards. The position requires the development and maintenance of knowledge in the area of specialization to enhance support to the team, as well as demonstrating initiative in problem-solving according to agreed procedures and standards. The MEAL Assistant will prepare and develop required status reports and ensure proper filing of documents while promoting ideas to strengthen the functions of their role.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Assistant will provide support for monitoring activities of ongoing projects in the area/office according to project management cycle (PCM) guidelines and minimum MEAL standards. Responsibilities include managing information about the population served according to established parameters for characterization and service delivery set by the MEAL Unit. The assistant will aid in consolidating information to provide clear and reliable inputs for needs assessments, programmatic reports, and project follow-up/closure meetings. They will facilitate routines to ensure compliance in data delivery and quality regarding the population served and reporting of GORS indicators, following NRC and donor guidelines. The role also involves supporting the application and systematization of surveys, interviews, focus groups, and other measurement tools for project outcome indicators. The MEAL Assistant will assist in updating and consolidating relevant digital files for projects and other documents required for accountability to beneficiaries, implementing partners, and donors. Additionally, they will act as a focal point for receiving complaints, feedback, and information requests through digital channels established by NRC’s community feedback mechanism (CFM). Other tasks assigned by the supervisor that are clearly related to the objectives of the position and assigned projects may also be included.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should possess a professional background or be in their final semesters of studies in social sciences, economics, administration, engineering, or related fields with a focus on project management and information analysis. Some work experience or internship in an international NGO, preferably in developing MEL systems and capacity, is required. Knowledge of current principles and approaches to monitoring and evaluation in development and emergency programs, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods, is essential. Proficiency in Spanish (speaking, reading, writing) is mandatory, along with analytical and computer skills, including MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Access). A good level of competency in Windows Excel and quantitative analysis is necessary, as well as familiarity with tools for data collection, management, and presentation. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, organizational abilities, and teamwork skills are important, along with an understanding of NGO operations and the dynamics of the humanitarian sector being a plus. Proven presentation, training, and facilitation skills are valued, and the ability to communicate in English, both written and spoken, is highly regarded.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for the MEAL Assistant position includes a degree or ongoing studies in fields such as social sciences, economics, administration, engineering, or other related disciplines that align with project management and information analysis. Candidates should have a solid understanding of monitoring and evaluation principles and practices, particularly in the context of humanitarian assistance and development programs.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have some level of experience, which may include previous work or internship experience in an international NGO setting. This experience should ideally involve exposure to monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) processes, as well as familiarity with project management cycles and data analysis.

Languages:
Fluency in Spanish is mandatory for this position, encompassing speaking, reading, and writing skills. While not mandatory, proficiency in English is considered a valuable asset, particularly for communication and reporting purposes within the organization and with external stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The MEAL Assistant position is likely to be a full-time role, although specific details regarding contract duration, seniority level, and compensation are not provided in the job description. The organization may recruit both nationally and internationally, depending on the candidate pool and organizational needs. Benefits associated with the position may include opportunities for professional development, a supportive work environment, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.