MEAL Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) has been operational in Nigeria since 2015, focusing on supporting populations affected by conflict. The organization specializes in core competencies such as Education, Information Counselling and Legal Assistance (ICLA), and Protection from Violence, alongside emergency response programming. NRC's mission is to ensure that vulnerable communities receive the necessary support and assistance to rebuild their lives and regain their dignity. The organization operates in multiple countries, providing humanitarian assistance and advocating for the rights of displaced individuals. NRC is committed to evidence-driven interventions that are accountable and responsive to the evolving needs of the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">MEAL Coordinator plays a pivotal role in the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEAL) function within NRC Nigeria. This position is responsible for providing technical leadership in the implementation of monitoring, evaluation, learning, and information management systems across NRC's operations in Nigeria. The MEAL Coordinator will support the rollout of NRC’s MEL systems, ensuring high-quality data collection and analysis, while also strengthening the capacity of staff involved in these processes. The role is crucial for promoting a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the organization. The Coordinator will work closely with area offices, program teams, and the MEAL Manager to facilitate adaptive management, high-quality reporting, and effective use of evidence in decision-making. Additionally, the MEAL Coordinator will contribute to program development by informing logical frameworks, reviewing indicators, supporting needs assessments, and leading analytical work that drives strategic programming. Compliance with NRC policies, data protection standards, and global MEL frameworks is essential, as is fostering collaboration and cross-team learning.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Coordinator will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including ensuring full compliance with NRC MEAL policies, guidance, SOPs, and data protection requirements. Regular progress updates will be provided to the MEAL Manager to support adaptive management. The Coordinator will promote continuous improvement, innovation, and capacity strengthening in MEL practices. Coordination with program teams, sector leads, area offices, and partners will be essential to ensure harmonized approaches. The use of monitoring data, evaluations, and assessments will be supported to inform program adjustments and strategy. The Coordinator will also contribute to organizational learning, documentation of lessons learned, and evidence-based decision-making. Specific responsibilities include participating in proposal development, leading the design and review of the MEAL Pack, supporting routine monitoring and data quality audits, compiling quantitative output data, and supporting assessments and field data collection. The Coordinator will also co-lead the development and maintenance of NRC’s program information systems, provide technical support on digital data collection, ensure data governance standards, develop dashboards and automated reporting systems, and build staff capacity in information systems and responsible data practices.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Information Systems, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. A minimum of 5 years’ experience in MEAL roles within humanitarian or development settings is required. Strong knowledge of quantitative and qualitative M&E methodologies and outcome monitoring is essential. Candidates should demonstrate the ability to generate analytical and visual insights using tools such as Excel, Power BI/Tableau, and statistical software like SPSS, STATA, or R. Experience with digital data collection platforms and adherence to data protection standards is necessary, along with strong report writing, analytical, and communication skills. Experience in training and building the capacity of staff is also required.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s degree in relevant fields such as Statistics, Information Systems, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or similar disciplines. This foundational education is critical for understanding the complexities of monitoring, evaluation, and learning processes in humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in MEAL roles, specifically within humanitarian or development settings. This experience should encompass a strong understanding of monitoring and evaluation methodologies, as well as practical experience in implementing these methodologies in real-world scenarios. Candidates should have a proven track record of managing MEL activities across multiple field locations, demonstrating the ability to adapt to various contexts and challenges.

Languages:
While the job posting does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is essential for effective communication and reporting. Knowledge of local languages may be considered an asset, enhancing the ability to engage with local communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Abuja, Nigeria, with a contract duration of 12 months, which is renewable based on funding and performance. The role is classified at NRC Grade 7, and the MEAL Coordinator will report to the MEAL Manager. The position may require travel of up to 40% across field offices. It is important to note that this position is open to Nigerian nationals only, reflecting NRC's commitment to employing local talent and expertise.