MEAL Manager (Only open for nationals)

The MEAL Manager will provide leadership and technical expertise to the Country programme team in line with the Country Programme Strategy (CPS) and the relevant project/programme documents. The role shall provide the Implementing Partners (IPs) capacity-building support to ensure the effective monitoring, evaluation and learning of the country/sub-region programmes. The role will also be required to represent CAFOD at relevant meetings with clusters and other stakeholders.

This role reports directly to the Country Representative.

Key Responsibilities

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Design and Oversight:

• Oversee the development of the country’s MEAL strategy in coordination with the CMT, programme team and the IPs.
• Roll out the MEAL strategy, ensure effective collection of ongoing programme data, and coordinate data analysis and use with relevant Programme Managers and the Program Development Funding Officer.
• Support and coordinate the rollout of innovative MEAL technology and software.
• Design and manage the implementation of the project MEAL system in line with CAFOD and donor programme requirements.
• Design, coordinate and implement quantitative and qualitative surveys, assessments, and longevity surveys/studies to build evidence of the impact of the country programme.
• Contribute directly to achieving the country programmes’ strategic objectives and components by implementing an agreed country-integrated monitoring and evaluation system.
• Develop papers, prepare briefs, and write up to management based on evaluation and review results to ensure informed decision-making and identify sub-regional and national priorities.
• Develop an effective orientation programme to facilitate the country programme team and the IPs to understand and become familiar with the country MEAL system/framework.
• Liaise with programme PMs/Leads at country and partner levels to ensure internal and external MEAL requirements are scheduled and budgeted in every project/programme budget.
• Ensure all MEAL indicators are followed up and reported on.
• Ensure cross-cutting issues, HIV/AIDS, gender, environment, Beneficiary Accountability, conflict sensitivity/”do no harm” approach is incorporated, monitored, and evaluated.
• Ensure a harmonised MEAL framework and systems in the country programme from data sheet collection to the database.
• Coordinate and supervise MEAL activities and ensure MEAL framework (indicators, tools, and methodologies) and practices are aligned to standards and compliant with CAFOD and donor requirements.
• Facilitate capacity development of the country programme team and the IP staff in MEAL.
• Manage continuous monitoring and periodic evaluations of the country projects/programmes as designed in work plans and provide consolidated reports to Program Managers and leadership team that summarise implementation progress, trends, variances, and learning.
• Facilitate periodic review of performance metrics with programme teams to ensure projects/programmes are within the design and implementation principles of the MEAL framework.
• Provide MEAL technical support to IPs as they adapt, design, and implement projects/programmes.
• Development, training and maintenance of the project’s MEAL reporting templates, training manuals and standardised tools to enhance monitoring and reporting.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Management:

• Work with the programme team and the IPs to develop and standardise surveys and other data collection tools for monitoring projects/programmes.
• Coordinate recruitment of consultants and oversee recruited consultants during surveys, baselines, and evaluations.
• Promote measures to safeguard MEAL institutional memory by advising on reporting, data management and communicating lessons learned from MEAL.
• Follow up on necessary action points from the monthly/quarterly programme review and strategy meetings.
• Train programme team and IP staff on MEAL tools, data collection and analysis and basic surveying and sampling techniques. Assist project staff in managing programme data for regular monitoring of programme progress.
• Develop monitoring plans for all proposals in collaboration with Programme Managers and the PDFO.
• Provide additional support to programme management activities. Input into developing/reviewing the country strategy, new projects and donor proposals.
• Review IP proposals and advise on the suitability of the MEAL framework.
• Conduct IP capacity needs assessment regarding MEAL.
• Work closely with the IPs and support them in developing a functional MEAL system.
• Organise and conduct periodic MEAL training for the IP programme staff to equip them with the relevant skills required for accountability and effective delivery of programmes.

Capacity Strengthening of IPs:

• Support IPs and build their capacity on accountability and community feedback mechanisms.
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor implementation, ensure compliance with operational procedures, and assess progress, as well as deliver technical support to field staff, provide resources, and make clear recommendations on ways to strengthen the program and share learning across programs.

Documentation and Reporting:

• Lead in writing MEAL reports and coordinate documentation and dissemination of findings.
• Maintain adequate documentation and records for the project’s initiatives that ensure processes, activities and statistics are well captured and records kept in line with established MEAL policy and protocols.
• Support the codification and dissemination of best practices.
• Facilitate staff training on documentation and record keeping and enforce adherence to standards and protocols.
• Support MEAL elements of the proposal and report writing, including providing data, indicator progress and monitoring plans in cooperation with the programme team and the PDFO.
• Ensure data audits are planned for and performed regularly, lessons learned are drawn and shared, and course correction is undertaken to improve and strengthen the MEAL system.
• Review and analyse monthly monitoring data and work with project teams to identify and resolve variances.
• Coordinate with the Programme Managers and the PDFO in strengthening quality control of all project/programme MEAL data to ensure data integrity for analysis, tracking, and validation.
• Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with colleagues, partners, and relevant stakeholders.
• Represent and participate in relevant forums and working coordination meetings whenever nominated.
• Maintain a network of peers and professional contacts to exchange ideas and information.
• Maintain good public relations and promote the visibility of CAFOD work in Sudan.

Data Quality Assurance:

• Ensure data audits are planned for and performed regularly, lessons learned are drawn and shared, and course correction is undertaken to improve and strengthen the MEAL system.
• Review and analyse monthly monitoring data and work with project teams to identify and resolve variances.
• Coordinate with the Programme Managers and the PDFO in strengthening quality control of all project/programme MEAL data to ensure data integrity for analysis, tracking, and validation.

Networking and Representation:

• Develop and maintain strong collaborative relationships with colleagues, partners, and relevant stakeholders.
• Represent and participate in relevant forums and working coordination meetings whenever nominated.
• Maintain a network of peers and professional contacts to exchange ideas and information.
• Maintain good public relations and promote the visibility of CAFOD work in Sudan.

Staff Management

• Line-manage the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning Officers/Accompaniers and any additional temporary or surge capacity MEAL staff, including recruitment, day-to-day management, development and training, and appraisals following CAFOD People policies.
• Ensure line-managed staff receive supervision, mentoring and training to develop their personal and professional skills, knowledge and understanding. This may be through on-the-job training and taught sessions.
• Hold regular team meetings with the assigned programme support staff, reviewing team and individual objectives and ensuring team members are informed of issues relevant to their work.
• Promote the health and security of the monitoring and evaluation teams in the field by ensuring the application of security guidelines, provision of essential communication equipment, guidelines for health and safety in the workplace and healthy living conditions and practices.
• Proactively employ practices that lead to staff motivation and retention; and provide for succession.

Safeguarding for Children and Vulnerable Adults

(All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, and appropriate screening checks can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. CAFOD also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By applying, the job applicant confirms their understanding of, and consent to, these recruitment procedures).

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Understanding our context

A Understanding Catholic identity: understand and accept CAFOD faith-based identity.

B Understanding CAFOD: Actively supports CAFOD’s vision, mission and values

C Understanding international development

Working together

D Managing ourselves.

E Working with others; Able to deliver a professional MEAL management role to the country programme; Able to support local Implementing Partners to design and adopt MEAL systems in their operations based on CAFOD policies and donor requirements.

F Communicating: communicate clearly with all stakeholders

G Looking outwards

Making change happen

H Managing resources; Good administrative management skills, able to keep up-to-date accurate administrative and financial records; Good knowledge of IT systems, including Microsoft Office; Working knowledge of SharePoint

I Achieving results; Able to organise and maintain files, produce letters, spreadsheets etc.

J Managing our performance.

K Taking the lead: Provides line management and day-to-day supervision to the direct reports, etc

Job-specific competencies:

1. Proven experience in MEAL programming and management.
2. Knowledge of MEAL-related systems and procedures
3. Attention to detail and problem-solving skills
4. Knowledge of human resources management practices and procedures
5. Able to handle and manage the team budget
6. Excellent time management skills and ability to multitask and prioritize work
7. Excellent written and verbal communication skills
8. Good knowledge of IT systems and proficiency in MS Office Suite

Desirable Criteria:

1. INGO experience with outstanding MEAL experience and fluent in written and spoken English.
2. Please click here for a full list of CAFOD’s Staff Benefits.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit a complete application to selnour@cafod.org.uk