MEAL Officer

Job Posting Organization:
Relief International (RI) is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities affected by conflict, climate change, and disaster to save lives, build resilience, and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Established in 2000, RI operates in 16 countries, including some of the most fragile regions such as Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Myanmar, Pakistan, Philippines, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Yemen, and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT). The organization focuses on providing essential services in Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education, and Livelihoods, aiming to create a foundation for community resilience. RI has been active in Yemen since 2010, delivering humanitarian aid and various services to vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons, returnees, and host communities. The organization emphasizes evidence-based, conflict-sensitive, and climate-smart programming that is inclusive and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

Job Overview:
The MEAL Officer will play a pivotal role in supporting and implementing Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities, as well as managing Health Information Management (HIM) and project accountability systems. This position is crucial for ensuring effective management of the Feedback and Complaint Response Mechanism (FCRM), which includes handling hotline follow-ups, documentation, referral, and closure of feedback and complaints. The MEAL Officer will also be responsible for collecting, analyzing, and managing health and project data to facilitate timely reporting, learning, and decision-making. Reporting directly to the PRO coordinator" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">MEAL Coordinator, the MEAL Officer will collaborate closely with program staff, field teams, health facility staff, community representatives, and relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of MEAL activities and maintain high standards of accountability and data quality.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Officer's responsibilities include leading the day-to-day implementation of the Feedback and Complaint Response Mechanism (FCRM), ensuring that feedback and complaints are received, documented, categorized, referred, followed up, and closed according to RI procedures and timelines. The Officer will manage hotline-related feedback and complaints, ensuring accurate recording and escalation of sensitive issues. Regular updates to the FCRM tracker, hotline log, and other documentation are essential, as is conducting community awareness sessions about project services and feedback channels. The MEAL Officer will compile and share regular accountability and FCRM summaries, coordinate with various teams to ensure timely responses to community feedback, and provide training and technical support to field staff on MEAL and accountability principles. Additionally, the Officer will collect, compile, and analyze health data, oversee data entry, maintain data archives, and ensure compliance with donor-reporting needs. Building strong relationships with stakeholders and facilitating MEAL and HIM activities will also be key responsibilities.

Required Qualifications:
The ideal candidate for the MEAL Officer position should possess a Bachelor's degree in information technology, Statistics, Public Health, or a related field. A minimum of 3 years of experience in health data management, MEAL activities, accountability systems, FCRM, hotline management, or community feedback mechanisms is required, preferably within an INGO setting. Strong skills in data analysis and proficiency in statistical tools for health and nutrition projects are essential. The candidate should also be proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and have familiarity with data visualization tools. Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and local languages are necessary, along with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines in challenging environments.

Educational Background:
Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as information technology, Statistics, Public Health, or a related discipline. This educational background is crucial for understanding the complexities of health data management and the principles of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL).

Experience:
The position requires at least 3 years of relevant experience in health data management, MEAL activities, accountability systems, FCRM, hotline management, or community feedback mechanisms. Experience in an international non-governmental organization (INGO) setting is preferred, as it provides the necessary context for understanding the challenges and requirements of humanitarian work.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, along with proficiency in local languages. Strong communication skills are essential for effectively engaging with community members and stakeholders, ensuring that feedback and complaints are handled appropriately and that project information is conveyed clearly.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and may involve working in challenging environments. The MEAL Officer will be expected to adhere to RI's code of conduct and safeguarding policies, promoting values of integrity, adaptability, collaboration, inclusivity, and sustainability. The role may require additional tasks as assigned by the line manager to support the effective implementation of MEAL, HIM, FCRM, hotline, and accountability activities.