MEAL Assistant- Roster at Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS)

The Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) is an international Catholic organisation with a mission to accompany, serve and advocate on behalf of refugees and other forcibly displaced persons. JRS undertakes services at national and regional levels with the support of an international office in Rome. Founded in November 1980 as a work of the Society of Jesus, JRS was officially registered on 19 March 2000 at the Vatican State as a foundation. JRS programmes are found in 51 countries, providing assistance to: refugees in camps and cities, individuals displaced within their own countries, asylum seekers in cities, and to those held in detention centres. The main areas of work are in the field of education, emergency assistance, healthcare, livelihood activities and social services. At the end of 2016, more than 733,400 individuals were direct beneficiaries of JRS projects.

Job Summary

RS is currently looking for skilled and experienced MEAL Assistants to be included in a talent pool of candidates for the various locations within which JRS serves in Nigeria The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Assistant will support the MEAL Officer in the design, coordination and implementation of the monitoring and evaluation, research, accountability and learning framework of the project and report to the MEAL Officer. In support to the MEAL Officer, the MEAL Assistant shall ensure overseeing a functional MEAL system for the project as well as support the full-cycle monitoring and evaluation of programs, developing appropriate methodologies and tools to design evaluations.

Key Responsibilities of the position

Role/Mission

• Support to develop, implement, and assess monitoring frameworks for the project.
• Support the overall framework for project MEAL systems in collaboration with donor requirement and project staff. This shall include project requirements, reporting, baseline, and evaluation surveys; develop and monitor project management plan to systematically document performance.
• In line with project document, the MEAL Assistant shall support the design of “SMART” logic models, monitoring frameworks, and evaluation plans during semi-annual and annual work-planning process.
• Contribute to the development of annual work plans to identify project targets and ensure inclusion of M&E activities.
• Maintain existing/review indicator tracking tools; develop additional databases and tracking tools as needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of project interventions.
• Ensure adherence to specific monitoring and reporting requirements of donors.
• Analyze data for accuracy, flag quality issues, conduct field visits to carry out data validation and to monitor the quality and completeness of data sets; coordinate data collection (including ODK) at project sites to monitor program development, ensure timely compilation and reporting of data.
• Be responsible for capturing and documenting lessons learned; as well as championing and scaling up best practices.
• Carry out routine data quality assessment (RDQA) for all project implementation activities.
• Create and ensure to integrate infographics in routine reports and information to meaningfully visualize data.
• Set up a data corner and ensure availability/display of project infographics on a quarterly basis.
• Support in editing project content and presentation for all reporting and deliverables before submission for internal and external fora to ensure superior quality and professionalism.
• Contribute to developing and reporting of project reviews, assessments, surveys, and other analytic or evaluation processes and products.
• Support in providing technical leadership and support to project and partner staff in planning and implementing M&E systems and activities, data-based program decision-making, and results reporting; provide training as needed.
• Prepare Issues Log and Risk Log for the project.
• Support in organizing and coordinating mid-term reviews, learning workshops/review of program work plans.
• Ensure the accountability of project to beneficiaries and affected persons while adhering to compliance processes in line with project documents.
• Provide feedback to the MEAL Officer on project strategies and activities.
• Perform other duties as required.
• Promote PSEA and safeguarding standards within JRS and amongst the beneficiaries it serves.

Qualification

Bachelor’s degree required in statistics, demographics, computer science, social work or international development.

Experience and Skills

• Minimum of three (3) years of experience working in the field of monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) at a similar cadre.
• Proven success in designing, implementing, and operating MEAL systems from project initiation to project close out.
• Proven experience in strategic planning and performance management, including indicator selection, target setting, reporting, database management, and developing M&E and performance monitoring plans.
• Proven knowledge of major evaluation methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, mixed method, and impact) and data collection and analysis methodologies
• Experience in planning for and managing assessments/surveys, developing data collection tools, and with data quality assessments and oversight.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Fluency in English Language; excellent written and oral communication skills, including facilitation and cross-cultural communication.
• Have a knowledge of a local language including Kanuri and Hausa.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational and time management skills
• Proven computer proficiency in Microsoft office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)
• Proven skills in data management program and remote data collection methodologies (SPSS, STATA, NVIVO, Kobocollect, Survey CTO).

Qualities

• Adhere to JRS values and abide by the code of conduct and other policies.
• Proven work experience in multicultural and stressful environments.
• Trustworthiness, integrity, and accountability.
• Strong ability to work independently, organize work, meet deadlines, maintain composure, prioritize work under pressure, coordinate multiple tasks and maintain attention to details.
• Ability to adapt to working conditions and tasks that may change with the reality of the field.
• Demonstrate leadership skills, active listening skills, initiative, and personal discipline.

Method of Application