MEAL Technical Officer

Location: Kathmandu with up to 40% field visits to project areas

Reports to: MEAL Manager

Expected joining Date: As soon as possible

Department/Project: MEAL Department (ECHO DRR III)

Contract end date: One year from the date of contract (with the possibility of extension)

No of Opening: 1

Introduction

People in Need (PIN) is a non-governmental, non-profit, international organization founded in the Czech Republic in 1992. PIN arrived in Nepal as part of a humanitarian response to the April 25, 2015 earthquake. Since its inception in Nepal, PIN has had a strong role advocating and addressing the needs of marginalized populations. This includes people who live in geographically remote areas of Nepal, people who are from historically marginalized ethnic groups, and those marginalized because of their age and/or gender identity (women and girls). PIN has also supported Nepal's post-earthquake reconstruction efforts ensuring that the most vulnerable people are not left behind with resilience (focused on shelter and resettlement) and inclusive education programming. PIN-Nepal is strongly committed for safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults, including persons with disabilities, in line with its safeguarding framework and child protection policy.

 Pratibaddha/ECHO DRR III proposed action builds on the successes of EU-funded projects "Pratibaddha 1: Risk-Informed Landslide Management in Nepal’s Hill Areas" (ECHO/-XA/BUD/2019/91026) and "Pratibaddha 2: Together for Disaster Preparedness and Early Action in Landslide Affected Hill Areas of Nepal" (ECHO/-XA/BUD/2022/91027). It focuses on Nepal's Lumbini, Karnali, and Sudhurpaschim provinces, targeting areas recently impacted by earthquakes (EQ), predicted EQ impacts, and susceptible to landslide risks. Furthermore, the existing geographical areas under (ECHO/-XA/BUD/2022/91027) in Bagmati province will be prioritized to develop a comprehensive exit plan and draw lessons for replication. The proposed action aims to strengthen at-risk communities', local and provincial governments' leadership and joint risk ownership in disaster mitigation, preparedness, and early action using a whole-of-society approach. Incorporating Gender Equality, Diversity, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and environmental considerations aligned with NEAT+, the action adopts a system strengthening approach aiming to build capacities of provincial governments (PG) and local governments (LG) to lead on developing a landslide disaster preparedness (DP) and early action (EA) framework, increasing the scope for its replication in non-targeted LGs in the case of future disasters. The action consists of three results: Result 1 (R1) reduces hazard exposure, Result 2 (R2) enhances multi-hazard EA for at-risk communities, LGs, and PGs, Result 3 and Result 3 acts as a crisis modifier (CM). With a total target of 183,169beneficiaries, the People in Need (PIN)-led consortium, comprising Community Self Reliance Centre (CSRC), Scott Wilson Nepal (SWN) and Save the Children (SC), will implement the action. Leveraging PIN's expertise in landslide EA, CSRC's competence in community reach, SWN's technical knowledge in landslide management, and SC's proficiency in SRSP, the action aims to empower communities, PGs and LGs in disaster risk management and response.

Scope of work

MEAL technical officer will be responsible for MEAL activities in the field, such as design, planning and coordination, capacity building of field team members and local partners, field data collection, cleaning and analysis in coordination with the MEAL Manager, Programme managers and local partners. S/he will be responsible for ensuring efficient information management, improving data quality, and strengthening the knowledge sharing and learning process across the organization, with partners and other stakeholders. He/She will work under the direct supervision of the MEAL Manager.

 Tasks and Responsibilities:

1. Project Monitoring and Evaluation

• In coordination with MEAL Coordinator, coordinate with the field team, both PIN and consortium, in the overall set-up and operationalization of PIN and project-specific MEL Framework and plans.
• Whenever required, support MEAL Manager in drafting key M&E tools such as ITT, result based framework, monitoring checklists etc. Ensure all tools are timely assessed and updated if required.
• Support in the coordination and collection of stories of change for the project underpinned by the Most Significant Change (MSC) technique.
• Ensure that the downstream partners are adequately trained and implemented MEAL requirements over the duration of the project.
• Identify gaps and facilitate the development of M&E-related capacities among colleagues and stakeholders to ensure participation, enable ownership and facilitate quality of data collection, its management and use.
• Support in design and refinement of baseline, endline, thematic and other relevant evaluations and assessments as relevant to the project
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data, prepare info graphs and summary reports.
• Support in the preparation and development of MEAL framework for the program, monitoring and evaluation reports and other relevant outputs of MEAL work.
• Under the guidance of MEAL Coordinator and in collaboration with the entire program team and beneficiary communities, monitor activities through regular site visits, remote data collection and use of participatory techniques.
• Work in strong collaboration and coordination with the partners’ MEAL team and program team to ensure the quality of project and MEAL activities.
• Lead enumeration team on conducting key monitoring tasks such as field data collection, baseline/endline surveys, need assessment, satisfaction surveys, etc.
• Coordinate with implementing partners and stakeholders and monitor/supervise field activities and ensure they are being implemented as per the project plan.
• Review the implementation status of project activities in the field and make necessary decision in consultation with line manager to improve project delivery and results.
• Take lead in conducting value for money, impact assessment and cost-benefit and cost-effective analysis of project interventions, including activities, outputs and outcomes.

 2. Documentation, Reporting and Knowledge Sharing

• Document and archive Pratibaddha/ECHO DRR III project’s MEAL tools, resources, approaches, lessons learned/success stories and good practices, including in ELO and Navison.
• Strengthen knowledge sharing and learning process by ensuring regular dissemination of results, lessons learned and good practices to the project team, partners, beneficiaries and other stakeholders.
• Support the project team to compile, arrange and archive activity reports and flag due reports to respective staff.
• Support project’s MEAL team to streamline accountability systems in project activities with support from the program team.
• Support to streamline data quality assessment process at the field level and help prepare initial DQA reports in partnership with the project team.
• Review, proofread and finalize project reports ensuring integration of relevant quantitative and qualitative data as relevant.
• Develop impact and success stories and other knowledge products and support in disseminating the lessons learned, achievements and good practices with a broad range of stakeholders.
• Support in carrying out PIN led research, study and assessment.

3. Data Collection and Information Management/Dissemination 

• Collect required data from field, in coordination with the project’s MEAL team/program team
• Maintain data and information confidentiality as set out in the Data Protection Policy.
• Design and implement a system for data verification in order to ensure that the quality of   information that partners are reporting is accurate, timely and relevant,
• Regularly update the Country Office, HQ and donors on the achievements and progress of the   project implementing partners

 4. Data Quality Assurance

• Monitor and analyze information and data systems and evaluate their performance to discover ways of enhancing them (new technologies, upgrades etc.)
• Regularly review data to assure quality and identify potential improvement areas
• Ensure data accuracy and consistency at entry and identify problems at various levels including the questionnaires, entry methods, interview, and software

 5. Complaint Feedback Response Mechanism (CFRM)

• Support in the development and implementation of CFRM framework for overall program of PIN in coordination with CFRM officer and MEAL Manager.
• Ensure the developed communication tools for CFRM are beneficiary friendly.
• Train and support staff on CFRM policy and ensure the effective communication of CFRM mechanism at community level.
• In case of complaint box installation at the community level, ensure its handled in a timely manner by the CFRM focal person at the field level.
• Support investigations, in cooperation with the CD, HoP, Safeguarding focal point and relevant HQ staff whenever needed.  
• Refer Safeguarding and Protection concerns received through CFRM channel to respective Safeguarding and Accountability Lead and GEDSI and Protection Lead.
• Provide support to Safeguarding and Accountability Lead and GEDSI and Protection Lead in resolving the concern as per required.

 6. Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion Mainstreaming

• Highlight GEDSI related results in monitoring and evaluation plan and reflect them in the reporting,
• Ensure GEDSI consideration in workstation, communication, and personal behaviour,
• Ensure the Project activities are planned and implemented in a gender sensitive and inclusive manner and that all implementing partners are sensitized and trained in monitoring and reporting of gender and social inclusion sensitive results.

Requirements

Education and years

• Bachelor’s degree (Masters’ degree preferred) in social science or development related fields, with good understanding of MEAL systems.

Relevant Experience

• Minimum of three years’ experience working in developing and supporting monitoring and evaluation, research, and complaint response mechanism, preferably with large development projects in I/NGO settings. Previous working experience with disadvantaged and vulnerable groups is a plus.

 Desired Knowledge, Skills and Competencies

• Strong computer literacy and data management skills
• Demonstrable skills in data analysis, visualization and report writing
• Outstanding communication skills- written and spoken
• Ability to analyze, interpret and organize large volume of quantitative and qualitative data
• Knowledge and skills on monitoring and evaluation tools and methodologies
• Ability to develop data analysis approaches, methodologies and databases
• Basic knowledge and understanding of GEDSI and Protection principles in data management
• Fluency in English and Nepali languages
• Strong critical thinking and ability to self-initiate
• Nepali typing skill is a plus

 Core Values 

• Respect diversity and inclusion  
• Have a high level of commitment and integrity 

How to Apply

Submit an updated CV and Motivation letter via our application form. Please note, that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and should a suitable candidate be found before the official closing date, the advertisement might be withdrawn before the deadline thus early submissions are strongly encouraged. No phone calls will be entertained.

PIN promotes equal opportunities. Women, Dalits, Minorities (ethnic, sexual & gender), Janajati, persons with disability, and candidates from Local Province(s) are strongly encouraged to apply!

People in Need is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behavior at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity, and financial misconduct, and is committed to promoting the welfare of children and adults with whom People in Need is involved. People in Need expects all staff to perform job duties and responsibilities following the People in Need code of conduct and key policies (available at: https://www.peopleinneed.net/key-policies-4142gp). People in Need Staff will undertake the appropriate level of training.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organization and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Note- If you need reasonable accommodation (especially for people with disability) to proceed with our recruitment process, please mention so in the cover letter.

EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS AND BENEFITS

• Salaries are according to People in Need Salary Scale. Candidates will be informed about the salaries in the beginning of the recruitment process
• Health insurance for both in-patient and out-patient care with maximum benefit limit of NPR 300,000.00 per year per person (Including dependents)
• Accident insurance for all injuries during work time NPR 3,000,000 per year (For Staff only)
• Compensation leave for working overtime when requested by the Line Manager
• Maternity, Paternity and mourning leave as per the labour law
• Communication or internet allowance on monthly basis (Reimbursable)
• Capacity Building program, both internal and external trainings - Induction training, internal online opportunities, such as access to e-learning platform and live webinars
• International environments with opportunities to learn from other country programs and HQ office in Prague
• Per diem for working outside of the duty town depending on the location. Full reimbursement of accommodation and transportation during business trips (as per the organization’s policy)
• Friendly and fair environment in small collective structure where everyone knows each other
• Work hours are from 9:00 am - 5:00pm, Monday to Friday with 30 mins break for lunch

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