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Position Title: Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Lead
Location: Niamey
Country: Niger
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
CARE is a leading humanitarian organization dedicated to fighting global poverty and social injustice. Established in 1945, CARE operates in over 100 countries, employing thousands of staff members who work tirelessly to improve the lives of vulnerable populations. The organization's mission is to save lives, defeat poverty, and achieve social justice. CARE focuses on empowering women and girls, ensuring food security, and providing emergency assistance in times of crisis. With a commitment to sustainable development, CARE collaborates with local partners and communities to create lasting change.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Lead position is crucial for the successful implementation of a USAID-funded Resilience Food Security Activity (RFSA) in Niger. This role involves establishing and managing a comprehensive MEAL system that aligns with CARE's global standards and donor requirements. The MEAL Lead will work closely with Program Management and teams to develop a robust framework that captures relevant data, promotes learning, and ensures accountability to beneficiaries and donors. The position is expected to contribute significantly to improving food and nutrition security for vulnerable populations by addressing the root causes of food insecurity and malnutrition. The MEAL Lead will oversee the project's monitoring mechanisms, ensuring that activities are tracked against the results framework and that lessons learned are documented and shared. This role is essential for enhancing the project's impact and ensuring that it meets its goals effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Lead will be responsible for a wide range of duties, including: developing the overall framework for project MEAL systems, including requirements, reporting, baseline, and evaluation surveys; monitoring the project Performance Management Plan (PMP) to document outcomes systematically; ensuring alignment of MEAL activities with program goals; conducting field visits for Data Collection and validation; ensuring timely compilation and reporting of data; capturing and documenting lessons learned; crafting and executing annual program plans; overseeing the project's monitoring mechanisms; providing guidance and supervision for the MEAL function; ensuring budgetary allocation for MEAL activities; promoting gender equality and social inclusion; leading the MEAL team through coaching and Capacity Building; providing technical leadership and support to project staff; coordinating mid-term and final evaluations; and ensuring adherence to USAID guidelines regarding Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA).

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in statistics, Data Management, public health, international development, project management, economic development, or a related field. Additionally, 8-10 years of relevant senior experience in international development as a MEAL Director, program director, or in a senior management role on large humanitarian or Development Projects is required. Proven experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods, survey Design and implementation, and statistical data Analysis is essential. Formal certification in project management and M&E management is desired, along with demonstrated MEAL experience in food security, Agriculture, and resilience building. Strong knowledge of USAID M&E guidelines and systems is also necessary.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field such as statistics, data management, public health, international development, project management, or economic development is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to effectively manage MEAL systems and contribute to the project's success.

Experience:
Candidates should have 8-10 years of senior-level experience in international development, specifically in roles related to monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning. Experience as a MEAL director, program director, or in a senior management role on large humanitarian or development projects is crucial. Proven expertise in quantitative and qualitative research methods, survey design, and statistical Data Analysis is also required, along with experience in managing teams and building relationships with stakeholders.

Languages:
Fluency in both French and English is mandatory, with strong oral and written communication skills in both languages. This bilingual proficiency is essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders and for ensuring that project information is accessible to all relevant parties. Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills are also important for fostering collaboration and partnership.

Additional Notes:
This position is classified as Key Personnel and is subject to USAID approval, as well as project award and funding. The anticipated duration of the project is five years, with a budget range of $50-$100 million. The MEAL Lead will be expected to travel within Niger as required, and the role may involve full-time commitment. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to the principles of Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion (DEBI), as well as a commitment to the Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Harassment, and Abuse (PSHEA).