MEAL Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a prominent international humanitarian organization founded in Denmark in 195

• With a mission to assist refugees and internally displaced persons globally, DRC provides emergency aid, advocates for their rights, and works towards sustainable solutions for a brighter future. The organization has grown significantly over the years, employing over 7,000 staff and engaging around 8,000 volunteers. DRC operates in numerous countries, focusing on conflict-affected areas and displacement routes, and aims for successful integration and the possibility of returning home for displaced individuals. DRC's core values include humanity, respect, independence, neutrality, participation, honesty, and transparency, guiding all its efforts.

Job Overview:
The MEAL Manager position is crucial for enhancing the monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems within DRC Syria. The role involves close collaboration with the Programme Development and Quality Manager to ensure compliance with Core Humanitarian Standards and to strengthen the overall MEAL framework. The MEAL Manager will be responsible for developing strong indicators and logical frameworks for new projects, supporting the implementation of MEAL plans, and ensuring that all findings are documented and utilized for donor reporting. This position requires a proactive approach to data collection, analysis, and the sharing of findings with project staff and partners. The MEAL Manager will also lead the recruitment and capacity building of the MEAL team, ensuring that all staff are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to implement effective MEAL practices. The role is pivotal in fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the organization, ensuring that lessons learned are integrated into future programming.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Manager will have a comprehensive set of responsibilities, including:

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Assisting in the development of standard indicators and logical frameworks for new projects, supporting the creation of project logframes and MEAL plans, coordinating with field staff to improve data collection methods, organizing field data collection, and conducting assessments and evaluations.
• Accountability: Designing and implementing accountability systems for DRC projects, building staff capacity for effective accountability, and ensuring compliance with Core Humanitarian Standards.
• Learning and Project Quality: Acting as the donor focal point for MEAL components, participating in project meetings to highlight best practices, leading learning events, and presenting key findings to senior management.
• Team Management & Capacity Building: Leading the MEAL team, managing recruitment, providing capacity building for staff, and creating a suitable team structure.
• Budget Management: Managing MEAL budgets and ensuring adequate funding for effective MEAL work.
• Other Duties: Performing additional tasks as directed by the Head of Programmes and ensuring adherence to DRC policies and guidelines.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a minimum of 5 years of work experience in monitoring and evaluation, with at least 3 years in a management role. Experience with international NGOs, UN agencies, and local authorities in complex emergencies, particularly in refugee settings, is essential. Candidates should have a clear understanding of Core Humanitarian Standards and experience in developing information management systems for large humanitarian programs. Strong analytical and report writing skills in English are required, along with knowledge of gender and protection mainstreaming and a commitment to applying an age, gender, and diversity approach to MEAL.

Educational Background:
A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as development or social research is required, with a focus on monitoring and evaluation and compliance issues. A master’s degree in a relevant field is considered an asset, enhancing the candidate's qualifications for this managerial role.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience, with a strong emphasis on monitoring and evaluation practices. Candidates should have experience working in international settings, particularly with NGOs and UN agencies, and should be familiar with the complexities of working in refugee and migrant contexts. Experience in leading teams, conducting training, and facilitating workshops is also important, as is a proven track record in managing evaluations and assessments in humanitarian settings.

Languages:
Fluency in English and Arabic is mandatory for this position, as effective communication is crucial for the role. Knowledge of Kurdish is considered an asset, providing an additional advantage in engaging with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
The contract for this position is for one year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and available funding. The role is classified at the management level (Management-F) and is based in Damascus, Syria. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Interested candidates must submit a cover letter and an updated CV, both in the same language as the vacancy note, as applications consisting solely of a CV will not be considered. The application deadline is set for the 24th of April, 2025.