Consultancy for Project LIFE Baseline Assessment and MEAL Technical Support

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is a humanitarian organization that focuses on providing life-saving assistance and support to vulnerable communities affected by crises. Established with the mission to improve the physical and mental well-being of those in need, RI operates in various countries, delivering integrated health and mental health services. The organization is dedicated to safeguarding vulnerable populations and adheres to core humanitarian principles, ensuring ethical standards in all its operations. RI has a diverse workforce and collaborates with local governments and communities to implement effective programs.

Job Overview:
The consultancy role is designed to provide technical assistance to the Project LIFE team, which is focused on improving health and mental health services for conflict-affected populations in the Special Geographic Area of BARMM. The consultant will be responsible for reviewing and validating baseline data, ensuring that it aligns with the project's performance indicators. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of monitoring and evaluation (MEAL) frameworks, as well as the ability to collect, analyze, and document data effectively. The consultant will also coordinate logistical arrangements for the assessment, including hiring enumerators and managing field activities, ensuring that all processes are conducted ethically and in compliance with safeguarding standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The consultant will undertake a variety of tasks, including reviewing project proposals and existing assessments, mapping baseline requirements, and developing a robust methodology for data collection. They will validate existing data, identify gaps, and determine appropriate sources for primary and secondary data. The consultant will also ensure that data collection is disaggregated by relevant characteristics such as sex, age, and disability, while maintaining confidentiality and informed consent. Responsibilities include coordinating with local health authorities and stakeholders, conducting primary data collection when necessary, cleaning and analyzing data, and preparing comprehensive reports. The consultant will present findings and finalize reports based on feedback, providing a complete handover package that includes datasets, tools, and recommendations for ongoing monitoring.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's or Master's degree in relevant fields such as Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Public Health, or Social Sciences. A minimum of five years of professional experience in monitoring and evaluation, baseline assessments, or humanitarian programming is required. Demonstrated experience in conducting baseline assessments and developing MEAL systems is essential, along with strong skills in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. Familiarity with ethical data collection practices and safeguarding principles is crucial, as is the ability to work collaboratively with government health facilities and community stakeholders.

Educational Background:
The position requires a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field, such as Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Public Health, Social Sciences, or Development Studies. This educational background is essential to ensure that the consultant has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively carry out the responsibilities of the role, particularly in the areas of data analysis, research methodologies, and ethical considerations in data handling.

Experience:
The consultant should have at least five years of relevant professional experience in monitoring and evaluation, baseline assessments, or related humanitarian and development programming. This experience should include a strong track record of conducting assessments, developing MEAL tools, and working with health and community-based programs. Familiarity with government health facilities and local stakeholders is considered an advantage, as it enhances the consultant's ability to navigate the local context and engage effectively with partners.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential for report writing and communication with stakeholders. Knowledge of local languages spoken in the BARMM region may be beneficial for effective engagement with community members and local authorities, enhancing the consultant's ability to gather data and ensure culturally appropriate interactions.

Additional Notes:
The consultancy is expected to last for six weeks, with the possibility of adjustments based on data availability and community accessibility. The consultant will report to the Humanitarian Manager and work closely with the Project LIFE health/program team and relevant stakeholders. The role emphasizes the importance of safeguarding and ethical standards, requiring the consultant to uphold RI's commitment to protecting vulnerable communities throughout the assessment process. Additionally, all candidates must undergo pre-employment checks, including criminal records self-declaration and references.