Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Manager

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that assists people forced to flee. Established in 1946, NRC operates in over 40 countries and employs around 15,000 staff members. The organization focuses on providing vital and long-term assistance to millions of people affected by crises, advocating for the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons. NRC has been active in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 2001, implementing programs in various sectors including education, rapid response to population movements, protection against violence, shelter and habitat, water, hygiene and sanitation, and legal information, advice, and assistance for displaced populations.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Manager will play a crucial role in ensuring the effective implementation of the MEAL strategy and standard operating procedures (SOPs) within the country. This position involves strengthening the capacity of the team and developing necessary tools and systems for operationalization. The MEAL Manager will contribute to the country strategy and key competencies/programs by analyzing performance, conducting post-distribution monitoring surveys, and evaluating needs assessments. The role also includes improving project management systems, ensuring the availability of updated information for decision-making, and supporting the recruitment and induction of MEAL staff. The MEAL Manager will represent NRC in technical reference groups and ensure that MEAL activities align with NRC policies and procedures. This position requires a strategic thinker who can work collaboratively and communicate effectively with various stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Ensure the implementation of the MEAL strategy and SOPs in the country, enhancing capacity and developing necessary tools and systems.
• Monitor human, financial, and technological resources to ensure optimal functioning of the MEAL and Information Management (IM) department.
• Contribute to the country strategy and key competencies/programs through performance analysis, PDM surveys, needs assessment reports, and other relevant sources.
• Review and identify needs for information-sharing mechanisms and facilitate practical solutions.
• Contribute to project design, ensuring integration of theories of change, monitoring and evaluation plans, logical frameworks, and adequate staffing in program proposals.
• Improve project management cycle systems, including trackers and monthly data reports, and enhance team capacity for data reporting and interpretation.
• Ensure updated information is available for NRC management to make evidence-based decisions and support program implementation.
• Contribute to the recruitment and induction of MEAL staff, and manage performance and capacity building of MEAL, IM, and Community Feedback Mechanism (CFM) staff.
• Lead the development of the country evaluation plan and ensure evaluations are conducted in accordance with NRC evaluation policy and manual. 1
• Provide technical support and guidance to program staff on methods, including establishing systems for tracking recommendations and conducting multisectoral needs assessments. 1
• Represent NRC in technical reference groups and ensure consortium M&E activities align with NRC policies. 1
• Act as the focal point for communication with M&E focal points in other national and regional offices to develop best practices and facilitate knowledge sharing. 1
• Ensure the integration of NRC's Safe and Inclusive Protection Standards (SIP) in MEAL activities, tools, and methodologies.

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of 5 years of confirmed experience in management, design, implementation, and supervision of monitoring, evaluation, and research for large or medium-scale international projects or programs.
• Advanced degree in economics, research methods, social sciences, or a related field.
• Technical expertise and prior experience in implementing various program evaluation methods and approaches.
• Excellent analytical, communication, interpersonal, writing, collaboration, problem-solving, planning/organization, and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency in spoken and written French is required. Practical knowledge of spoken and written English is also required.
• Experience supporting M&E for at least two of NRC's key competencies is an asset. Previous experience with NRC is a plus.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in economics, research methods, social sciences, or a related field. This educational background is essential for understanding the complexities of monitoring and evaluation in humanitarian contexts and for effectively contributing to the design and implementation of evaluation frameworks and methodologies.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of confirmed experience in management, design, implementation, and supervision of monitoring, evaluation, and research for large or medium-scale international projects or programs. This level of experience is crucial for ensuring that the MEAL Manager can effectively oversee the MEAL strategy and contribute to the overall success of NRC's programs in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Languages:
Proficiency in French, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a practical knowledge of English, also spoken and written, is required. This bilingual requirement is essential for effective communication within the organization and with external stakeholders, ensuring that reports and evaluations can be understood by a wider audience.

Additional Notes:
The position is a fixed-term contract for 12 months, classified at NRC scale

• The duty station is Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo. This role offers an opportunity to align your career with a critical cause, working alongside some of the best professionals in the field. NRC promotes a work culture that encourages employees to share ideas and take on responsibilities, fostering an environment where innovative solutions to complex problems can be developed. Candidates are encouraged to apply if they are passionate about helping refugees and displaced persons.