MEAL Manager for North-West Syria

Starting date: ASAP
Country Programme:Syria Response
Base: Gaziantep, Turkey
Line Manager: Area Director
Coordination: M&E Coordinator, Accountability Coordinator
Line-Managing: Northwest Syria MEAL Team

About PIN Northwest Syria:

People in Need’s programs for war-affected Syrian population focus mainly on livelihood/food security, rural rehabilitation and emergency education. PIN operates several programs across Northwest Syria (Idlib, Aleppo) with its offices and field staff in Syria. Cross-border operations are managed from Turkey where PIN’s main office is established serving as administrative and logistics support of program implemented directly or through partners in Syria.

About the role:

Under the strategic guidance from Area Director and in close cooperation with Programs teams and Whole of Syria MEAL and program advisors the position is responsible for the overall coordination of all MEAL related processes and activities across PIN’s Area Programme in Northwest Syria, lead the MEAL department in developing quality MEAL related deliverables in compliance with donors’ guidelines and PIN’s internal guidelines.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Lead the monitoring, evaluation duties and assist-in in accountability and learning processes at the Country Programme:

• Lead implementation of the ethical principles in all MEAL processes at the Area Programme.
• Draft and regularly update MEAL workplans and data collection plans at the Area Programme.
• Support program/project teams in developing accountability mechanisms, including the Community Feedback and Response Mechanism (CFRM) and assist in analysis.
• Support project teams in developing quality standards for all key program interventions to strengthen the compliance and quality aspects.

Ensure technical, programmatic or strategic consultancy in MEAL assignments to the program personnel at the Country Programme:

• Promote and strengthen the understanding of the importance of MEAL within the organization.
• Set up an adequate monitoring and evaluation system applicable for the whole Area Programme and particular projects and and ensure planning of M&E activities for each project in accordance with the projects‘ overal M&E Plans.
• Provide MEAL related inputs to project proposal, review the logframe/Theory of Change (ToC) and the logic of intervention.
• Plan, prepare, organise and conduct monitoring and evaluation activities for all projects and provide support to external evaluators as required.
• Ensure implementation of high-quality MEAL process and ensure delivery of adequate MEAL products at the Area Programme.
• Analyze existing monitoring and evaluation tools and generate new ones if need arises.
• Manage and supervise MEAL team at the Area Programme.
• Support in beneficiary verification and assist in preparing tools for data collection.
• Help design and review data collection/tracking tools/formats/databases to ensure data quality, reliability and consistency throughout project implementation. Support project teams in implementing innovative solutions and assist in setting it up, e.g. Humansis (Beneficiary Management System).
• Contribute to periodic projects’ review process in cooperation with Deputy Area Director of Programmes, M&E Coordinator, and other relevant staff.
• Implement electronic, mobile data collection systems in MEAL processes.
• Conduct data and feedback analysis, secondary sources overview when adequate and prepare adequate reports.
• Support project staff in needs assessments studies; assist in designing the tools for needs assessment and support in carrying out quantitative data collection exercises.

Support internal learning, capacity building and facilitate quality improvement in relation to domain of MEAL:

• Carry out or assist in trainings, learning events in regards to MEAL and contribute to MEAL team members capacity development.
• Share knowledge and experience in MEAL and program-related knowledge based on MEAL activity.
• Promote internal learning via sharing findings from MEAL activities and reflection on lessons learned related to MEAL domain.

Establish appropriate MEAL structures; verify, consult, participate and assist in establishing the division of roles at the Area Programme in Northwest Syria between MEAL and other staff. Lead the MEAL processes and manage staff in tasks related to MEAL:

• Review existing structure dedicated to MEAL; set objectives for the employees; assess the workload and performance of MEAL employees.
• Facilitate recruitment of staff dedicated for MEAL processes.
• Update job description of MEAL staff and in cooperation and support of Area Director and M&E Coordinator.
• Carry out other duties assigned by direct supervisor.

Suitable candidates for this position should possess:

• At least 3 years of professional experience within a humanitarian and/or development organization with at least 1 year of experience as M&E Manager.
• Demonstrated experience in leading the M&E development and roll-out for multisector programming in complex emergencies.
• Demonstrated experience in leading monitoring and evaluations for core donors (ECHO, USAID etc.), Experience with team management and supervision, interest and experience in building the capacity of national teams.
• Excellent communication skills, including fluent spoken and written English, Arabic is an significant advantage.
• Strong organizational, critical analysis and problem solving skills, experience of working in complex and volatile context, including familiarity with the humanitarian context of Syria or the Middle East, would be an advantage.

People in Need offers:

• Working environment in a well-established and growing humanitarian organization
• Salary and benefits according to PIN salary scale and HR policies, 3,100 – 3,200 EUR salary
• 25 days of paid leave annually
• Reimbursement of travel expenses with travel to the country of residence once per every 6 months of completed work
• Reimbursement of costs of visas and vaccinations; assistance with visa application procedure
• Free medical helpdesk and psychological consultation available on line
• Travel health insurance

How to Apply?

Are you interested in this position? Great! Send us your CV and short cover letter via this link. Please note only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted on rolling basis and the vacancy will be closed when filled.

People in Need staff are expected to perform job duties and responsibilities in accordance with People in Need Code of conduct and key policies (available at: www.peopleinneed.cz/policies).