MEAL Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization that has been operational since 1946, dedicated to helping people forced to flee their homes due to conflict and disaster. NRC operates in over 30 countries, providing assistance in areas such as education, shelter, water, sanitation, and legal assistance. The organization is committed to delivering high-quality aid and defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC emphasizes a supportive culture that fosters professional growth and innovation among its employees, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in its workforce.

Job Overview:
The MEAL Manager position at NRC in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, is a strategic role focused on leading the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) function within the country office. The incumbent will be responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive MEAL strategy, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and budget management to ensure that NRC meets and exceeds its minimum MEAL standards. This role requires close collaboration with program management to drive the learning agenda and facilitate necessary evaluations that inform programmatic and strategic decision-making. The MEAL Manager will also work within a matrix structure, providing technical support and guidance to both country and area-level teams, while ensuring alignment with global MEAL standards and practices.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Manager will undertake a variety of responsibilities, including but not limited to: supporting the design of change theories, MEAL tools, and indicators in collaboration with program and advocacy teams; ensuring the development and implementation of MEAL plans, including needs assessments, baseline and endline surveys, and post-distribution monitoring; integrating safe and inclusive programming standards into MEAL activities; participating in MEAL budget planning and advocating for adequate resources; contributing to the development of country office procedures, policies, and guidelines to institutionalize MEAL functions; promoting MEAL as a strategic priority by contributing to country strategy processes and assisting program specialists in utilizing MEAL data; leading output and outcome planning sessions with program teams; supporting the development of data collection tools, analysis systems, and information products; reviewing outcome monitoring reports and post-distribution surveys; facilitating learning through evaluations and after-action reviews; adapting the MEAL framework to the context; collaborating with global MEAL teams; contributing to country strategy and program competency processes; acting as the national focal point for digital programmatic systems; and executing any other tasks related to the MEAL function as assigned by the supervisor.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess at least six years of experience in MEAL, with a minimum of three years in a management position within an international NGO, preferably in emergency or post-conflict contexts. Experience working with displaced populations, particularly in camp settings or remote management, is essential. A solid understanding of MEAL principles and current approaches in humanitarian and development contexts, including both quantitative and qualitative methods, is required. Strong data analysis skills, trend interpretation, and effective communication of results to inform evidence-based decision-making are crucial. Proficiency in R or Python is considered an asset. Experience with mobile and online data collection systems, as well as data management and analysis platforms, is necessary. Familiarity with community feedback mechanisms and handling sensitive data in accordance with data protection principles is also required. Coordination experience with UN systems, international NGOs, donors, and local authorities at the field level is important. Technical expertise in program evaluation methodologies and the ability to facilitate participatory discussions, learning workshops, and capacity-building activities are essential.

Educational Background:
A bachelor's degree in statistics, information systems management, social sciences, development studies, or a related field is required for this position. Candidates should have a strong academic background that supports their understanding of MEAL principles and practices.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of six years of experience in MEAL, with at least three years in a managerial role within an international NGO. Candidates should have experience in emergency or post-conflict settings, particularly with displaced populations, and should demonstrate a track record of implementing MEAL systems in challenging environments.

Languages:
Fluency in French, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in English is considered an asset, as it may facilitate communication with international teams and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position is a fixed-term contract for 12 months with the possibility of renewal. The role is classified at Grade 9 on the NRC salary scale. The position is based in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo. NRC offers an opportunity to align your career with a vital cause, work alongside top professionals in the field, and gain insights into the benefits of working with NRC. Important application information includes the requirement for internal candidates to log in with their official email address and complete their profile accurately. Applications must be submitted in French or English, including the latest CV. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and inquiries about the role can be directed to the provided email address.