CARE is seeking a Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Lead for an anticipated USAID-funded Resilience Food Security Activity (RFSA) in Niger. This Activity will aim to improve and sustain the food and nutrition security of vulnerable populations by addressing the underlying causes of food insecurity and malnutrition. The Activity will work at the individual, household, community, and institutional levels to address the underlying causes of food insecurity and malnutrition and strengthen transformative opportunities. It is intended to strengthen resilience in populations vulnerable to acute, chronic hunger, and malnutrition; recurrent shocks, stresses, and crises; and to reduce the need for ongoing or future emergency food assistance.
The MEAL Lead will be responsible for establishing and managing the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning system for CARE’s program, ensuring that it aligns with both the organization’s global standards and the specific requirements of the donor. The MEAL Lead will work under the leadership of the program management (COP and DCOP Program) and collaboratively with program teams to develop and implement a robust MEAL framework that captures accurate and relevant data, promotes learning, and ensures accountability to both beneficiaries and donors.
This activity is expected to be a five-year program in the $50-$100 million range.
This is a Key Personnel position, subject to USAID approval. It is also subject to project award and funding. This position will be based in Niamey.
Responsibilities:
- Develop the overall framework for project MEAL systems, including requirements, reporting, baseline, and evaluation surveys. Develop and monitor the project Performance Management Plan (PMP) to systematically document outcomes for project technical leads and leadership team.
- Ensure alignment of MEAL activities with program goals and contribute to the development of annual work plans to identify project targets and ensure inclusion of M&E and Learning activities.
- Monitor project activities and track these activities against the results framework.
- Conduct field visits for data collection, validation, and to monitor data quality. Ensure timely compilation and reporting of data. Capture and document lessons learned, and champion scaling up of best practices.
- Crafting and execution of annual program plans, setting performance benchmarks, and overseeing the project’s monitoring mechanisms. This includes periodic review and revision of the Theory of Change along with other key personnel and technical staff.
- Offer overarching guidance and supervision for the MEAL function, ensuring it aids the project in achieving its goals.
- Guarantee that MEAL activities have sufficient budgetary allocation and oversee the prudent and timely use of the MEAL budget.
- Promote gender equality and social inclusion in the design and implementation of program activities.
- Lead the MEAL team by providing regular coaching, supervision, performance assessments, and capacity building to enhance their skills and professional development.
- Oversee the deployment and enactment of the project’s MEAL strategies, protocols, and in-country activities, including organizing training sessions for both MEAL and relevant project staff.
- Provide technical leadership, capacity building and support to project and partner staff in planning and implementing MEAL systems and activities, data-based program decision-making, and results reporting.
- Support the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) Program to coordinate mid-term and final project evaluations.
- Ensure utilization of global best practices of USAID guidelines regarding Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA).
- Ensure that all activities are implemented in a way that will maximize return on investment to participants and the donor.
Qualifications:
- Master’s degree in statistics, data management, public health, international development, project management economic development or other relevant is required.
- 8-10 years of relevant senior experience in international development as MEAL director, program director or in a senior management role on large humanitarian or development projects.
- Proven experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods, survey design and implementation, and statistical data analysis.
- Formal certification in project management and M&E management desired (e.g. PD Pro, MEAL DPro)
- Demonstrated MEAL experience in food security, agriculture and livelihoods and or resilience building.
- Strong experience and knowledge of USAID M&E guidelines, systems, and reporting requirements including Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) principles, approaches, and their application to project learning and adaptation.
- Strong data visualization and report writing skills, and ability to translate technical information for non-technical audiences.
- Experience recruiting, developing, and managing staff and teams.
- Demonstrated skills building and maintaining relationships with project stakeholders, local partners, and local organizations.
- Fluency in French and English required (spoken and written).
- Strong oral and written communication skills; excellent demonstrated inter-cultural, interpersonal, and negotiation skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to PSHEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Harassment, and Abuse).
- Demonstrated commitment to principles of Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion (DEBI).
- Ability to travel and work within Niger as required.
