About the job

The MEAL Coordinator has the responsibility of undertaking all MEAL activities to produce output, outcome and impact as defined in the MEAL Frameworks for the different projects. S/he will identify information gaps and make recommendations for the collection of data on all indicators as checks against processes and contexts to measure progress, results, and impacts.

The MEAL Coordinator will ensure that all MEAL activities shall result in timely tracking and documentation for project activities, quality data generated and processed in support of project reporting, increased accountability to different stakeholders, facilitates and uphold learning within the program and across the organization as described in the Knowledge Management and MEAL Plans.

The MEAL Coordinator will provide MEAL support to the whole ZOA West Nile program as well as implementing partners

Responsibilities

Monitoring

• The MEAL Coordinator works closely with Project and other MEAL teams as well as partners to create and operate a functional MEAL framework, system, tools and processes in alignment with ZOA guidelines, standards and localized MEAL contexts to gather performance data at output, outcome and impact level based on objectives and indicators contained in the MEAL Frameworks.
• Leads in the drafting and development of the program MEAL plans, Indicator plan, field Data Protocols/SOPs, ToRs, and data collection tools to facilitate field procedures and execution.
• Strengthen the utilization of technology and where feasible enhance data collection, analysis, and reporting considering the limited infrastructure and internet connectivity challenges of ZOA operation areas.
• Lead and facilitates local analysis, visualization, presentations and interpretation of contextualized MEAL information as inputs to regular narrative reports covering progress.
• Facilitate capacity building initiatives on MEAL for project staffs and partners ensuring they have the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively apply and implement MEAL system, frameworks, tools, and other MEAL processes to enhance activities, data collection, analysis, application of data and information for measuring progress, reporting, making necessary adjustments and improving program impact(s).
• Plan and undertake Data Quality Audits and Assessment exercises.
• Ensure visibility materials (pop ups, team clothing, project sheets, flyers, leaflets) to be used for meetings, contact with communities, donors, and partners are produced to high quality.

Evaluation

• Get involved in the drafting and design of ToRs for assessments, evaluations and other studies
• Participate in the evaluation of proposal bids and selection of individual consultants and firms for consultancy assignments.
• Coordinate internal and external assessments, studies, evaluations and other research for West Nile program in close collaboration with the MEAL Manager, PGM, DPGM, Coordinators, and PQ team.
• Drafting and/or reviewing evaluation reports for internal and external use.
• The MEAL Coordinator acts as the main contact person for the MEAL working groups in West Nile.

Accountability

• Oversee ZOA’s commitments to the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) in line with the project, ensuring that the Feedback and Complaints Mechanism (FCM) operated either at ZOA or project partner is fit for purpose and that complaints and feedback received are monitored and followed up appropriately.
• Promote participatory approaches and methodologies, engaging affected population to ensure their voices and perspectives are captured in order to address specific needs and expectations.
• Sensitize and educate team members and stakeholders (beneficiaries, service providers, partners, government authorities and others) on Feedback and Complaint Mechanisms implemented by ZOA Uganda.
• Ensure appropriate documentation of feedback and complaints received following correct reporting procedures and tools.
• Conduct regular analysis and presentation of feedback and complaints portraying context and trends in ZOA intervention to guide necessary improvements.
• Promote understanding to ZOA’s Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies, ensuring adherence to these policies at all times and that project activities are implemented with a “Do No Harm” approach.

Learning

• Lead drafting and development of West Nile program level Learning Agendas and Questions to guide relevant data collection and learning activities.
• Promote a culture of learning and knowledge sharing through utilization of project/program data collected, key assessments, evaluations, any other study findings and lessons learned for adaptive management, adjustments and improving impact(s).
• Documentation of good practices, success stories, innovative approaches and learning products to be utilized for programming, advocacy and other dissemination.
• Planning and organizing joint program monitoring, reviews, and learning workshops/events internally and externally sharing results with program teams and other stakeholders.
• Convene and chair regular meetings with program team involving other MEAL colleagues as well as partners using available platforms to collectively analyze and interpret MEAL information, discuss MEAL related issues, exchange MEAL expertise and experiences.
• Foster coordination and collaboration between program and MEAL teams as well as with key stakeholders (government authorities, UN agencies, NGOs, and implementing partners) in order to enhance MEAL practices through such as MEAL coordination mechanisms, networks, and working groups.

Any other

• Perform any other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Knowledge and experience

• Graduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g., Statistics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Sociology, Psychology, Population Studies, Anthropology, etc.)
• Postgraduate diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation, as well as in Project Planning and Management
• At least five (5) years of experience in:
  • Training of team, individuals and groups (e.g. for data collection)
  • Participatory assessment and monitoring
  • (Computerized) data processing and analysis, e.g. statistical software such as SPSS, STATA, etc)
  • Training of individuals and groups (e.g. for data collection)
  • MEAL system design, rollout and implementation
• Good understanding of the Uganda context; experience in West Nile and/or emergency operations
• Excellent facilitation and communication skills
• Ability to organize and train MEAL staff in ZOA, and within partner organizations
• Good contextual knowledge related to civil society/community assessment (i.e. Local community priorities, social and cultural constraints and local political and economic environment)
• Experience working with vulnerable people
• Experience of working with People with Disabilities is a plus

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills and writing ability in English.
• Innovative, creative and enthusiastic.
• Result oriented and possession of learning power.
• Good computer skills: Ms Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Self-motivator, able to take initiatives with limited supervision.
• Ability to drive a motorcycle with valid driving/riding license is a plus.
• Language skills in relevant local languages of the regions where implementation will take place is a plus.

Attitude/behaviour:

• High level of personal integrity.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Interpersonal and cross-cultural sensitivity.
• Able to work under pressures and meet deadlines.
• Able to work in a sometimes fluid and innovative environment.

Commitment to ZOA’s mission, vision and values (see https://www.zoa-international.com/corporate-identity)

Salary and other terms of employment

The MEAL Coordinator will be based in Arua, West Nile Program Area Office and up to 50% time will involve field visits to all the projects sites within West Nile program locations to provide real time monitoring.

The MEAL Coordinator may also visit ZOA Country and other program Offices for learning purposes and or interaction with other MEAL staffs within the organization for information sharing, training etc.

The role is 1.0 FTE (40 hrs/ week). Working hours are outlined in the ZOA Uganda Employee Handbook. Some flexibility on working hours may be required, e.g. for travel at weekends, or during reporting times.