Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning Officer

Near East Foundation-Lebanon

Title:               Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning Officer (national position)

Unit:               MEAL, Near East Foundation in Lebanon

Reports to:     MEAL Coordinator

Location:        The position is based in Beirut

Travel:            Frequent travel between project sites within Lebanon

Start date:       15/11/2024

The Near East Foundation (NEF) is seeking candidates for a Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning Officer to be based in its ‎Lebanon office in Beirut. For 100 years, NEF has worked to build more sustainable, prosperous and ‎inclusive communities in the Middle East and Africa through education, governance, and economic ‎development initiatives. Working through a network of country offices and local partners, NEF ‎currently operates in ten countries. Its programs are organized around three themes: Inclusive Economic Development; Climate Resilient Development; Stabilization and Peacebuilding.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The MEAL Officer is a member of the Near East Foundation team in Lebanon, reporting to the MEAL Coordinator. The purpose of the MEAL Officer is to ensure all MEAL responsibilities are performed to the highest standards and according to donor and NEF guidelines.  The post-holder also assumes communication and visibility responsibilities for the Lebanon operation.

The MEAL Officer will be responsible for all data collection and collation for NEF’s Programs.  The Officer will be in regular contact with field staff to monitor the collection of data and ensure accuracy and timeliness. Furthermore, the Officer will contribute to weekly/monthly progress and implementation reports under the supervision of the MEAL Coordinator.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support in the areas of data collection and internal reporting with guidance from the MEAL Coordinator and in close collaboration with departmental and field teams.
• Provide support in monitoring and evaluating ongoing projects at the field level.
• Monitor the field activities based on the project implementation plan using NEF monitoring and evaluation tools and procedures.
• Assist in developing operational monitoring tools (e.g., checklists, questionnaires, databases, interviews, and survey forms, etc.)
• Collect, enter, and analyze data on monthly basis, depending on project requirements, while ensuring data accuracy and reliability
• Provide timely inputs to the management team for new initiatives and on improvements on MEAL issues.

• Data entry on Activity-Info and other data reporting platforms.
• Support research (desk and/or field) and study activities on MEAL related issues.
• Operationalize all the NEF MEAL procedures and tools (e.g., KOBO, smartphones, NEF Database, etc.).
• Train, support and supervise the volunteers and field agents (NEF and partners) implementing the vulnerability assessments, baselines, follow-up and end-line surveys (with KOBO tools) and collect project activities data (in NEF Database).
• Conduct regular field monitoring visits and follow-ups, and carry out focus group discussions with NEF beneficiaries, as requested.
• Review and ensure the quality and accuracy of the data collected and stored (data cleaning and entry).
• Treat and analyze the data against performance indicators and inform promptly when progress against project indicators is ahead or behind target.
• Assist in the finalization of quarterly, annual and final reports.
• Assist in the statistical analysis (using excel or equivalent tool) for impact assessments.
• Support in the processes for mid and/or final term evaluations.
• Support in the program learning activities and analysis.
• Contribute to the design and development of future project proposals.
• Support the implementation of accountability mechanisms to ensure affected populations can provide feedback, including managing feedback and complaint systems, and assisting in the timely response to concerns raised by beneficiaries.
• Assist in integrating accountability standards into project activities, ensuring transparency with beneficiaries regarding project objectives, selection criteria, and available channels for providing feedback or grievances.
• Collect and prepare communication and visibility materials (project overviews, project fact sheets, success stories, website material, etc.).
• Prepare and accompany field visits of NEF and external visitors, photographers, journalists, or media.
• Perform other duties as required and requested.

QUALIFICATIONS 

The successful Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Officer must be a self-directed individual with the following qualifications: 

Basic Qualifications: These are the qualifications that are necessary for someone to be considered for the position. 

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, humanities, quantitative/qualitative research methods, public health, or any other related field;
• At least 2 years relevant work experience in data collection preferably in social work, community development, non-government, and/or outreach organizations.
• Fluent in English and Arabic, both written and spoken.
• Proficient in MS Office applications, including Word and Excel.
• Experience using Digital Data collection applications (e.g., KoboCollect).

Position Success Criteria:

• Effective team player, able to develop and maintain effective working relationships within a distributed and dynamic team.
• Able to read and analyze documents and communicate with others as necessary to perform job duties effectively.
• Solid written and verbal communication skills.
• Good interpersonal and cultural sensitivity skills.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel to the field and engage with vulnerable communities.

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible before October 24, 2024. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis; NEF reserves the right of conducting interviews before the closing date and can close the advertisement earlier in case of finding a suitable candidate.

To apply:

Please apply by submitting the following documents:

1. Cover letter outlining relevant experience and availability
2. Curriculum Vitae
3. List of three references

Applicants are strongly encouraged to familiarize themselves with the Near East Foundation by visiting the NEF website at www.neareast.org.

The Near East Foundation promotes Equal Employment Opportunities for all applicants seeking employment and NEF employees.

please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Pre-employment Checks:

Any Employment with the Near East Foundation will be subject to the following checks prior to start date:

• A satisfactory Restricted Party Screening.
• Receipt of satisfactory references.
• Proof of eligibility to work in the national location for this role.