MEL Coordinator

Job Posting Organization:
The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) is an independent humanitarian organization that assists people forced to flee. Established in Norway, NRC has been operational since 2001 in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and currently operates in over 30 countries worldwide. With a workforce of approximately 15,000 employees, NRC focuses on providing vital and long-term assistance to millions of people affected by crises. The organization is dedicated to defending the rights of refugees and internally displaced persons, ensuring that they receive the support they need during emergencies and beyond. NRC's mission is to help those in need, and it emphasizes a culture of responsibility, innovation, and professional growth among its staff.

Job Overview:
The MEL Coordinator position at NRC involves overseeing the implementation of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) strategy and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) within the country. The role requires strengthening the capacity of the MEAL department and ensuring the operationalization of necessary tools and systems. The MEL Coordinator will contribute to the country strategy and key competencies/programs by analyzing performance data, conducting post-distribution monitoring surveys, and evaluating needs assessments. This position also entails improving project management systems, ensuring the availability of updated information for decision-making, and supporting the recruitment and induction of MEAL staff. The MEL Coordinator will represent NRC in technical reference groups and ensure that MEAL activities align with NRC's policies and procedures. The role is crucial for integrating protection standards into MEAL activities and methodologies.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Monitor and implement the MEAL strategy and SOPs in the country, enhancing capacity and developing necessary tools and systems.
• Oversee 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 revising theories of change.
• Design projects ensuring the integration of theories of change, monitoring and evaluation plans, logical frameworks, and adequate staffing.
• Improve project management systems, including trackers and monthly data reports, and enhance team capacity for data reporting.
• Ensure updated information is available for NRC management to support evidence-based decision-making.
• Facilitate the recruitment and induction of MEL staff and manage performance and capacity building.
• Lead the development of the country evaluation plan and ensure evaluations comply with NRC's evaluation policy.
• Provide technical support and guidance to program staff on evaluation methods and tools. 1
• Represent NRC in inter-agency working groups and ensure alignment of consortium M&E activities with NRC policies. 1
• Act as the focal point for communication with M&E counterparts in other national and regional offices to share best practices. 1
• Integrate NRC's Safe and Inclusive Protection standards into MEAL activities 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, along with practical knowledge of spoken and written English.
• Experience supporting M&E for at least two of NRC's key competencies is an asset. Previous experience with NRC is also an advantage.

Educational Background:
Candidates must possess an advanced degree in a relevant field such as economics, research methods, social sciences, or a related discipline. 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 roles related to monitoring, evaluation, and research. This experience should encompass the design, implementation, and supervision of M&E activities for international projects or programs, demonstrating a solid understanding of the challenges and best practices in the field.

Languages:
Fluency in French, both spoken and written, is mandatory for this position. Additionally, a practical knowledge of English is required, which will facilitate communication with international teams and stakeholders. Proficiency in other languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

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

• The location of assignment is Goma, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. NRC encourages applications from individuals who are passionate about humanitarian work and are committed to making a difference in the lives of refugees and displaced persons. The organization promotes a culture of sharing ideas and taking responsibility, allowing employees to contribute meaningfully to the mission. Candidates are advised to apply with their CV in either French or English and ensure that they meet the minimum qualifications outlined in the job description.