Overview

Job title: MEAL Officer

Location: Blantyre, Malawi

Reporting to: Country Director

Starting Date: As soon as possible

Local recruitment: Malawian Nationals only

Deadline: 6th of February 2024

BACKGROUND

IsraAID is an international non-governmental humanitarian aid organization headquartered in Israel. Our teams have been providing aid in emergency and long-term development settings in over 60 countries worldwide since we were founded in 2001. Our mission is to help communities affected by crises rebuild their lives and futures together. We respond quickly to emergencies such as hurricanes, refugee crises, and global pandemics, and work closely with communities to help them become self-reliant in preparing for and responding to emergencies and crises. IsraAID started its emergency and development activities in Malawi in March 2023, in response to Cyclone Freddy, to provide immediate relief and access to basic services. Over time, the program has expanded to focus on long-term development and resilience initiatives.

JOB PURPOSE

The primary function of the MEAL Officer is to contribute to the effectiveness and impact of the Country Program through the development and incorporation of MEAL plans, tools, and methodologies. The position entails initiating and carrying out data collection, analysis, learning and reporting activities, ensuring accountability to local communities, and promoting continuous learning and improvement.

The MEAL Officer also plays an active role in planning, designing, implementing, and administrating IsraAID Malawi’s programs and Country strategy, under the leadership of the Head of Program.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Support program design & develop MEAL plans, tools, and methodologies.

  • Carry out specific background research providing useful information for the design of new programs.

  • Assist in the elaboration and refinement of Logical Frameworks and theories of change in prioritized projects.

  • Facilitate the creation of MEAL plans to measure and evaluate progress and effects of programs as well as Country strategy, detailing indicators and measures, selection of appropriate data collection tools, types of analysis, learning and reporting procedures.

  • Work closely with the Head of Program and country project teams, to design appropriate data collection tools and methodologies including questionnaires, interview and focus groups’ protocols and more.

  • Contribute to the advancement of IsraAID’s global MEAL approach, procedures, methods, and templates, engaging in IsraAID’s global peer learning, capacity development and information exchange activities.

Data collection, analysis, learning and reporting.

  • Lead transparent, accurate and timely collection of data by administering surveys, conducing desk reviews, and facilitating diverse and participatory data collection activities. This includes the collection of digital data, as well as data aggregation (and reporting through LogAlto dashboards).

  • Facilitate and carry out quantitative and qualitative data analysis, including participatory analysis exercises.

  • Train data collectors and Liaison officer on data collection tools and reporting.

  • Regularly communicate with programmatic staff intermediate findings, to discuss lessons learned and help adapt programs accordingly.

  • Support the development of bi-monthly Program Updates for internal and external stakeholders.

  • Contribute to the compilation of Project Completion Reports and Interim Reports to donors, as per the guidance and management of the Head of Program.

  • Prepare weekly/monthly schedules of monitoring and evaluation related activities.

  • Support commissioning of short-term, contractual M&E evaluators and experts as required.

  • Facilitate learning processes to identify gaps and needs and contribute to ongoing improvement of programming, working closely and communicating results to program teams and country management.

Accountability Framework & Communication with Communities

  • Under the overall responsibility of the Country Director and Head of Program, ensure that IsraAID Country office maintains and follows an updated Accountability Framework for collecting feedback and inputs from the community. This includes responsibility for a Complaints Handling Mechanism, consistent with IsraAID complaints handling policy.

  • Facilitate the incorporation of and further development of platforms and methods that promote 2-way communication with local communities – that is, regularly collecting information from and responding and providing feedback to local communities.

Required experience and competencies.

  • Bachelor’s degree in Social Science, Development Studies, Business Administration or other relevant field is a MUST. A Master’s degree is an advantage.

  • Minimum 3 years’ progressive experience in MEAL, program design, monitoring and/or evaluation with an INGO, multi-lateral body and/or another highly relevant NGO is a MUST

  • Excellent knowledge and skills working with local communities and monitoring local community projects.

  • A high level of written and spoken English

  • Advanced skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)

  • Skills in advanced data analysis software (e.g. SPSS) – an advantage

  • Understanding of protection-related programming – an advantage

To apply for this position, please upload your CV (Max 2 Pages) and cover letter on this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Sj0_tW4XJcF8HKlteSmzoDFq5o6ZPxImUgj3Eul5VA/edit?vc=0&c=0&w=1&flr=0

Please note that CVs longer than 2 pages will not be considered

We regret to report that only candidates eligible for an interview will be notified

If you experience any technical challenges, please contact us on: malawi@israaid.org . Note: We will not be accepting applications through the email address, this contact is for the purpose of inquiries.