MEAL Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is a global humanitarian organization dedicated to helping people who are forced to flee their homes due to conflict, persecution, or natural disasters. Established to provide assistance in some of the world's most challenging environments, NRC operates in numerous countries, focusing on delivering high-quality aid and advocating for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. The organization is recognized for its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a supportive culture that encourages professional growth and innovation among its employees. NRC emphasizes safeguarding and expects all staff to uphold the highest standards of respect and dignity in their interactions, contributing to a safe environment for all. With a mission to save lives and rebuild futures, NRC collaborates with local, national, and international partners to address the needs of vulnerable populations affected by crises and climate change.

Job Overview:
The coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">MEAL Coordinator plays a strategic role within the consortium management unit and the CoPIL, ensuring the quality and coherence of the MEAL system across the consortium. This position is responsible for the rigorous monitoring of the INTPA logical framework and the effectiveness of accountability mechanisms towards affected populations. The MEAL Coordinator will work in compliance with NRC policies, frameworks, guidelines, and procedures, contributing to the development and execution of the country MEAL strategy in collaboration with the MEAL Manager. The role involves harmonizing MEAL practices across Area Offices and ensuring the consistency of logical frameworks, MEAL matrices, and monitoring systems at the national level. The MEAL Coordinator will promote the strategic use of data for decision-making at the country level, ensuring that the MEAL system is effectively implemented and utilized to enhance program quality and accountability.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Coordinator's responsibilities include developing, deploying, and maintaining a harmonized MEAL system for the FIL-Est, which encompasses a MEAL matrix, IPTT, data collection tools (KoboToolbox/ODK), databases, and data quality protocols for 120 microprojects and three cohorts. The Coordinator will conduct quarterly monitoring of all indicators in the FIL Est logical framework, ensuring that key targets are met, including 73,200 participants and 120 supported OSCs, with 80% reporting improved living conditions by 2028, disaggregated by province, gender, and status. The role also involves coordinating and technically supervising baseline, midterm, and endline evaluations, satisfaction surveys, and impact assessments of microprojects, as well as capitalizing on lessons learned through systematic collection of best practices. The MEAL Coordinator will oversee the establishment and harmonization of feedback and complaint mechanisms among consortium partners, ensuring compliance with NRC and FIL Est standards across three provinces. Additionally, the Coordinator will design and facilitate targeted MEAL training for partner MEAL teams and OSCs, conduct regular data quality reviews, and ensure proper archiving of data in accordance with NRC policies. The role requires contributing to high-quality MEAL inputs for interim and final reports to INTPA, participating in CoPIL meetings, and providing technical support to thematic coordinators on MEAL dimensions of their activities. The Coordinator will also prepare necessary MEAL documentation for internal and external audits and follow up on recommendations, ensuring consistent application of methodological standards across consortium partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of three years of experience in MEAL, including at least two years in a management position within an international NGO, preferably in emergency or post-conflict contexts. Experience supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and working in camps or remote management environments is highly desirable. A bachelor's degree (Bacc + 5) in statistics, information systems management, social sciences, development studies, or a related field is required. Candidates without a degree but with at least six years of relevant experience may also be considered. A strong understanding of MEAL principles and current approaches in both relief and development contexts, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods, is essential. Candidates should demonstrate data analysis skills, trend interpretation, and effective communication of results, as well as experience with mobile and online data collection systems and data management platforms. Experience in managing sensitive community feedback in accordance with data protection principles and coordinating with UN systems, international NGOs, donors, and local authorities is also required. Technical expertise in program evaluation methodologies and approaches, experience facilitating participatory discussions, learning workshops, and capacity-building activities are important. Proficiency in English, both written and spoken, is necessary, along with a strong command of standard Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with Microsoft 365 collaboration tools being an advantage.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a bachelor's degree (Bacc + 5) in relevant fields such as statistics, information systems management, social sciences, development studies, or a related discipline. Candidates who do not possess a formal degree but have significant relevant experience (at least six years) may also be considered for the role. This flexibility allows for a diverse range of applicants with practical experience in MEAL to apply, ensuring that the organization can benefit from a variety of perspectives and expertise.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of three years of experience in MEAL, with at least two years in a management role within an international NGO. Candidates should have experience in emergency or post-conflict settings, particularly in supporting internally displaced persons and working in challenging environments. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of implementing MEAL systems, conducting evaluations, and managing data quality in complex situations. Experience in capacity building and training of partner organizations is also highly valued, as is familiarity with the specific challenges and dynamics of the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, both written and spoken. Additionally, a good command of local languages, such as Swahili, is highly desirable. This linguistic capability is essential for effective communication with local communities and stakeholders, ensuring that the MEAL Coordinator can engage meaningfully with diverse populations and facilitate the collection of feedback and data in a culturally sensitive manner.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo, and may involve travel to various project sites within the region. The role is full-time, and the organization is committed to recruiting both nationally and internationally. Compensation and benefits will be commensurate with experience and in line with NRC policies. The organization emphasizes a zero-tolerance approach to exploitation, abuse, and harassment, and all employees are expected to contribute to a safe and respectful working environment.