Terms of Reference (TOR)

Position Title: MEAL Consultant

Location: CARE Syria

Duration: 11 months, starting from 30 July 2024 until 30th June 2025.

LoE: 80 days over the period of 11 months. Envisaged 50% July and August with 3 weeks travel to NES, then 1 day a week ongoing until end of June 2025.

• It’s remote consultancy, with one expected trip to NES for August/September
• Consultant should work 8 hours per day, unless agreement is made to split the hours during the week, based on need and prior agreement with the NES MEAL manager
• Travel to NES required.

CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty and providing lifesaving assistance in emergencies. Founded in 1945, it is now a global confederation composed of 14 members and four affiliates, working in 104 countries around the world. CARE places special focus on working alongside women and children, who are often disproportionately affected by disasters, and assists them in becoming self-reliant and empowered, and attaining their basic rights and needs. When women and girls are equipped with the proper resources, they have the power to help lift whole families and entire communities out of poverty.

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) function is crucial within the organization as it ensures that the programs are effective, efficient, and accountable to our stakeholders. By systematically collecting and analyzing data, the MEAL function helps in making informed decisions, improving program design, and demonstrating impact. Accountability mechanisms ensure that feedback from beneficiaries and stakeholders is incorporated, fostering transparency and trust. Learning activities promote a culture of continuous improvement, enabling us to adapt and scale successful interventions. Overall, MEAL is integral to achieving CARE mission and maximizing the positive impact of its work.

With some transitions in the team, the acting MEAL Manager in NES is in need of a support from a MEAL Consultant to ensure the continuity and functionality of the MEAL system.

Objectives

The main objective of this consultancy is to support the Acting MEAL Manager in enhancing the MEAL framework and ensuring effective implementation of MEAL activities through clear strategy, planning, thorough documentation and analysis. The consultant will assist in the review and creation of a comprehensive MEAL plan, development and implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and other key tasks as detailed below.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a Master MEAL Plan: Conduct a thorough review of the current MEAL plan for the ongoing grants and generate a comprehensive Master MEAL plan document.
• Launch BHA project: Ensure that CO has the documentation, planning, and capacity to deliver BHA grant MEAL activities. Includes aligning indicators to CARE Turkiye ongoing grant, establishing MEAL plan and measurement framework, compiling and consolidating tools, training team on their usage.
• Data Management System Rollout: Act as technical backstop to Acting MEAL Manager in rolling out the new Data Management System.
• Global MEAL and CARE Vision 2030 Indicators: Align the MEAL activities with Global MEAL standards in CARE and CARE Vision 2030 indicators.
• Reviewing SOPs: Review and refine SOPs related to Verification, Third-Party Monitoring (TPM), Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDMs), MEAL Framework, and RACI (Responsible, Accountable, Consulted, and Informed).
• Support in Report Writing: Assist in the writing of MSNA/RNA (Multi-Sectoral Needs Assessment / Rapid Needs Assessment) reports, and significant donor reports (baseline and endline assessments, final reports), and training team to improve.
• FAM SoP and Action Plan Rollout: Act as technical backstop to acting MEAL Manager in the rollout of the new FAM SoP and Audit action plan.
• Learning Agenda: Support in the development of a CO Learning Agenda to capture and disseminate lessons learned.
• Staff Capacity Assessment: Conduct a staff capacity assessment to identify training needs.
• Staff Training: Provide training based on assessment, focusing on data analysis, and reporting.

Deliverables

1. Comprehensive Master MEAL Plan document.
2. BHA MEAL plan, data management package, data analysis plan, training to team
3. Successfully rolled-out Data Management System, and oversight of Responsible Data Management action plan.
4. Reviewed and updated SOPs related to (Verification, TPM, PDM, MEAL Framework, RACI)
5. MSNA/RNA reports as needed.
6. Implemented FAM SoP and action plan.
7. Developed Learning Agenda.
8. Staff capacity assessment report.
9. Training materials and sessions conducted.

Required Qualifications/Criteria

• Advanced degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in MEAL in the development or humanitarian sector.
• Proven experience in developing MEAL plans and SOPs.
• Strong data management and analytical skills.
• Excellent report writing and communication skills.
• Experience in staff training and capacity building.
• Familiarity with CARE’s global MEAL framework and indicators.
• Previous work with CARE Syria.
• Previous engagement with CARE NES.
• Experience of implementing BHA grants.
• Ability to travel to NES.
• Arabic language.
• HEAT trained.

Terms of payment:

Monthly invoice, based on number of days worked as agreed in advance, and on receipt of summary report.

Travel costs will be reimbursed on submission of receipts and based on CARE Per diem rate and policy .