Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Senior Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is a global humanitarian organization that has been providing assistance to those affected by conflict and disaster since its establishment in 193

• The IRC's mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. The organization operates in over 40 countries and has a workforce of more than 14,000 employees. The IRC re-registered in Sudan in November 2019 and has been actively involved in humanitarian efforts since then, particularly in response to the ongoing crisis in the country.

Job Overview:
The MEAL Senior Manager will play a crucial role in leading the monitoring and evaluation efforts for an upcoming project funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). This project aims to enhance the wellbeing of survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) while also working to reduce these issues in targeted states. The Senior Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning strategy that aligns with IRC and FCDO standards. This includes overseeing client feedback mechanisms, conducting assessments and evaluations, and ensuring effective reporting and knowledge management. The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including consortium partners and technical staff, to ensure that data is effectively collected, analyzed, and utilized to inform project management and decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Senior Manager will be responsible for developing and managing a robust monitoring and evaluation system that includes client feedback mechanisms. This system will leverage both qualitative and quantitative methods to measure project progress and inform decision-making. Key responsibilities include providing training and consultation on performance benchmarking measures, leading the collection of periodic data reports, and ensuring compliance with data collection and reporting procedures. The Senior Manager will also oversee the centralized information management for the consortium, ensuring standardized data collection tools and harmonized reporting templates. Additionally, the role involves representing the consortium in AAP coordination meetings, collaborating with IRC Country MEAL Coordinators, and leading consortium-wide learning and reflection processes. The Senior Manager will also oversee research design and implementation, provide technical oversight on MEAL-related budgeting, and conduct regular site visits to support project monitoring.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree (Master’s) in social science, international development, evaluation research, statistics, or a related discipline. Equivalent experience may be considered in lieu of a graduate degree. A minimum of 5 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) for similar protection or high-value complex programming is required. Experience with projects aimed at improving protection in Sudan or similar contexts is preferred, along with significant experience in hard-to-reach regions. Strong negotiation skills, leadership experience, and the ability to develop relationships with local counterparts and stakeholders are essential. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to transfer knowledge through training and mentoring, possess strong management and social skills, and be self-motivated with excellent organizational abilities.

Educational Background:
An advanced degree (Master’s) from an accredited university in social science, international development, evaluation research, statistics, or a related discipline is required. Candidates with equivalent experience may substitute for a graduate degree, indicating that practical experience in relevant fields can be considered as a valid qualification.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of experience in MEAL/MEL/MERL/M&E for similar protection or high-value complex programming. Candidates should have experience with projects designed to improve protection in Sudan or similar contexts, as well as significant experience carrying out MEAL activities in hard-to-reach regions. Experience supporting adaptive and agile management is also necessary, along with a background in working on Protection, GBV, and CRSV programming in Sudan.

Languages:
Fluency in Arabic and English is required for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, but the primary requirement is strong communication skills in both Arabic and English to effectively engage with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The recruitment for this position is contingent upon the successful award of the project, and the selection of final applicants is subject to FCDO’s approval. The job description provided is indicative and may be subject to change as the Terms of Reference for the project are finalized. The IRC emphasizes adherence to its values and principles, including integrity, service, and accountability, and enforces policies on beneficiary protection, child safeguarding, and anti-workplace harassment.