MEAL Manager – Based in North East Syria

  • Contract
  • Jordan
  • TBD USD / Year
  • Salary: TBD

Save the Children

MEAL Manager – Based in North East Syria

The Opportunity

The MEAL department at SCI is a critical and integrated component of the programs team, collaborating to ensure the quality, effectiveness, appropriateness, safety, and accountability of all our programs, providing data to develop and adapt evidence-based programming, and bringing immediate and lasting changes in the lives of children in program areas. Special attention should be paid to the positive and negative impact that interventions have in communities, marginalised and disabled persons.

The NES MEAL Manager will lead on MEAL system development and implementation for all projects in the Area Office (AO), with support from the MEAL Coordinators and field teams, and, together with the Senior MEAL and Research Manager based in Amman, ensure those systems align with SCI MEAL strategies and frameworks, Quality Benchmarks, and programmatic Common Approaches; all through a child-friendly, and Age/Gender/Diversity (AGD) lens.

At the AO level in NES, the MEAL Manager will be responsible for leading on all reviews and evaluations of projects, MEAL budgeting, and recruitment, as well as supporting the Senior MEAL and Research Manager in Amman on proposal writing, logframe development (including providing targets in collaboration with the Technical Advisors in the programs team), and timely and quality reporting on NES figures. The role will also ensure that all SCI partners are supported in their MEAL work, with support from the MEAL Coordinators. Another core aspect of the role is to capture local and contextualised lessons learned, ensure alignment with the SRO Learning and Research Agendas, and reflect and communicate this information in various capacities to improve on-going and future programming. It is also expected that the MEAL Manager will take a leading role in the roll out of safe and secure data management systems at field level, with the support of the IM Coordinator in the main office, and will support the Head of Programs and Senior MEAL and Research Manager on improving data reporting processes. They will also be ultimately responsible for ensuring compliance of all SCI data protection and security policies in the NES MEAL Team.

Central to the MEAL department is the accountability function, and the MEAL Manager will work closely with the Accountability Manager in the main office to ensure programs are accountable to affected populations, and participatory. The MEAL Manager will ultimately oversee the implementation of accountability mechanisms in the AO, acting as a key enabler for the wider system of accountability, investigation, and audit at SCI.

The MEAL Manager will directly manage a MEAL Coordinator, and will lead on building capacity of staff across the MEAL team, and partners, on all aspects of MEAL but particularly on accountability and participation, with a specific focus on children.

SCOPE OF ROLE:
Reports to: Head of Programmes
Technical reporting line to: Senior MEAL and Research Manager
Staff reporting to this post: MEAL Coordinator in NES Area Offices
Technical Lead: At Field Office provide technical supervision to MEAL Coordinator, Officers, Assistants and Information Management Officers (14 Staff in total)

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
Strategy
* Support strategic planning and development processes for MEAL at SRO and AO levels; including leading on situational analyses and context analysis for NES.
Quality
* Align NES MEAL approaches to SRO MEAL Framework, with technical support from the SRO Senior MEAL and Research Manager; including compliance with Quality Benchmarks, and Common Approaches.
* Actively participate in proposal design, in collaboration with other program staff and the Senior MEAL and Research Manager, and contribute to evidence-based programming, problem analysis, theory of change, log-frame (including targeting), MEAL plans, and MEAL specific budgets and tools.
MEAL Systems
* Support on the design, and lead on the project-based development, modification, and oversight of the implementation of all data collection, collation, storage, analysis, and reporting processes for the AO, ensuring that data is of a high quality, in coordination with the Senior MEAL Manager.
* Support on the design, and lead on the project-based development, training, and deployment of data collection tools and analysis of the results; including needs assessments and focus group discussions.
* Maintain and implement robust and efficient documentation, archiving, and information management systems with clear guidelines on data privacy and protection, in coordination with the Information Management Coordinator at MO level.
* Be the technical lead for all monitoring and evaluation processes in the AO. Support the design, implementation, and management of the entire process for internal and external M&E activities, including needs assessments, project trackers, baselines, midlines, and endlines.
* Manage Third Party Monitoring (TPM) processes, including coordinating with donors, members, the SRO, and TPM companies, drafting ToRs, managing the selection of firms in alignment with SCI procurement policy, and arranging access where necessary.
* Maintain, review, and oversee accountability systems and mechanisms, and ensure they are used for regular reporting and continued program quality, transparency, and learning.
* Oversee the FCRM, ensuring it’s fit for purpose, child-friendly, and culturally appropriate, and that feedback is fed back into programme design.
* Support the Accountability Manager to streamline SCI’s approach to accountability and participation, setting down the minimum requirements and ensuring that it complements and forms part of the overall MEAL system.
* Support the Accountability Manager in adapting relevant tools required to implement the accountability and participation minimum requirements to ensure that roll-out is standardised across operational areas (e.g. information posters, feedback databases/systems, child-friendly methodology/guidance, etc).
* Provide guidance to field teams to ensure that FRM systems function as intended during monitoring. This includes, among others, soliciting feedback from affected population on their experience, following up on implementation of FRM recommendations, and course correction.
* Ensure that staff at all levels, including SMT, understand and promote accountability to affected populations.
* Support the development of a strong learning agenda with the Senior MEAL Manager, and ensure that it is implemented in the AO, so that there is constant and high-quality transformation from implementation to organizational learning.
* Actively and effectively plan, practice, and promote learning from routine monitoring, evaluation, and accountability interventions within MEAL and project teams, including full overview of budget and participation in Awards Review Meetings.
* Support the development of a Research and Assessment agenda for the SRO, with the Senior MEAL Manager, and contextualise it to NES specifically, to ensure the SRO is planning and producing evidence for long term programming strategy and proposals.
* Respond to audit requirements and requests with MEAL inputs and, where needed, provide evidence/ documentation for projects and programs.
Reporting and analysis
* Manage process for the collation of data across field offices, and provide oversight on data quality reviews.
* Lead on timely data analysis, report writing, and review for all project reports in the AO, in close collaboration with other program team staff. Ensure quality and consistency before submission to SRO, members, and donors.
* Prepare routine analysis tools such as dashboards, coverage analysis etc to enable CMT to analyse and inform strategic decisions.
Data protection
* Participate in the design, contextualisation, and review of data protection strategies, policies, procedures, and tools with the Data Protection Focal Point, and Senior MEAL Manager.
* Manage the implementation of data protection and security policies across MEAL activities in the AO.
Management and coordination
* Effectively lead the MEAL team across field offices, ensuring technical and programmatic support to IM team, MEAL officers and MEAL Coordinator, to achieve team compliance with all MEAL systems.
* Prioritize and promote MEAL support, specifically staffing, budgeting, and resourcing. Enhance investment in technology and digital.
* Assess capacity building needs of the MEAL team, with a focus on building national capacity through face-to-face trainings, remote training, coaching and on-the-job support.
* Build capacity of MEAL and associated program teams in NES through mentoring, coaching, and training on required MEAL approaches, standards, and tools.
* Maintain a high-level of coordination with project staff, sector leads, and management in NES for MEAL. Ensure MEAL products are widely disseminated and engaged with. Engage with IT, and information management staff on day-to-day project interventions that require MEAL support.
* Manage the coordination with implementing partners to build their internal MEAL capacity, establish their MEAL systems and plans, and ensure data quality.
Integration of values
* Contribute towards the integration of MEAL within SCI, as a core component of the programs team.
* Contribute to safe MEAL and SCI activities, ensuring compliance with policies on child safeguarding, PSEA, anti-harassment and bullying, health and safety, security, equal opportunities, and non-discrimination.
* Contribute to child-focused programme implementation, promoting child-friendly methodologies across MEAL and SCI activities.
* Contribute to an approach of applied learning and adaptation based on evidence across MEAL and SCI activities.
* Contribute to people centred MEAL and SCI activities, that ensure that we respond to the needs of affected populations, maintain contextual relevance, and Do No Harm.
* Contribute to accountable and participatory MEAL and SCI activities, ensuring that accountability and participation are integral elements of all aspects of SCI’s approach to MEAL in NES.
* Contribute to data protection and security by design as a core approach to MEAL, IM, and SCI activities, ensuring that key international and local legislation, SCI policies, and industry best-practices are followed.
Any other tasks
* Any other tasks as requested by your Line Manager.
* Ad hoc requests as approved by your Line Manager.

QUALIFICATIONS:
Essential
* Minimum of 4 years’ experience working in similar position in MEAL including in a first phase emergency response
* Education to Masters level in relevant subject and/or equivalent field experience with a bachelors degree in economics, development, engineering, public health, or similar field.
* Previous experience of MEAL across multiple locations
* Previous experience in team management
* Previous experience of preparing and managing MEAL tools and reports
* Previous experience on online data collection and management systems
* Budget development and financial management skills around MEAL priorities
* Demonstrated experience in leading assessment activities and of designing, monitoring and evaluating integrated programs and sectors of education, child protection and nutrition programmes in emergencies for international NGOs.
* Proven capacity to supervise, train and coach staff in MEAL technical skills and in delivering training to partners
* Experience of representation, including on coordination mechanisms (e.g. Working groups)
* A high level of written and spoken English
* Excellent communication skills
* Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy
* Strong influencing skills and experience in leadership
* The capacity and willingness to be extremely flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes insecure working circumstances.
* Commitment to the aims and principles of SC. In particular, a good understanding of the SC mandate and child focus and an ability to ensure this continues to underpin our support

Desirable
* Experience or knowledge of working and living in relevant regions/contexts
Arabic/Kurdish language

The Organisation
We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:
* No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
* All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
* Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.
Application Information:
Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application, and include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations. A copy of the full role profile can be found at www.savethechildren.net/careers

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.
We encourage qualified women and persons with disabilities to apply.

How to apply

Please follow this link to apply: https://www.aplitrak.com/?adid=YS50YW1iYS43MjAwMC4xMjE4NUBzYXZldGhlY2hpbGRyZW5hby5hcGxpdHJhay5jb20