Monitoring & Evaluation Accountability and Learning Officer

Under the direct supervision of the Country Director, and in close coordination with the Program Department, the MEAL Officer support the development and implementation of a systematic approach to the planning, monitoring and evaluation processes at Taawon – Lebanon.

The MEAL Officer is responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems for Taawon, and will ensure that MEAL processes are in place and effectively implemented throughout the different programs.  More specifically she/he will undertake the following:

• Prepare MEAL plans for all projects/programs supported by Taawon, including frameworks for project review and monitoring as well as mid and final evaluation processes as needed; ensure proper and effective implementation.
• Support program team and management in the formulation of baseline measures and targets, preparation of log frames, and development of M&E work plans during the planning phase of the project as well as throughout project implementation.
• Verify the log frame of all projects and ensure they are logical, achievable and properly reflect the required and desired impact of the project interventions.
• Prepare data collection methodologies and tools, lead aggregation and analysis of data needed to meet all relevant reporting requirements on one hand and to measure impact of interventions and achievements against the performance indicators and log-frame on the other.
• Manage and conduct regular field visits to project sites to collect first-hand data from the field and gather feedback from the beneficiary community through interviews, small surveys, focus group discussions and observations, to verify achievement of targets and relay in-depth understanding of project performance.
• Conduct analysis of quantitative and qualitative data collected from the field. Produce monitoring and evaluation reports on actual performance of projects against plans and indicators highlighting significant findings. Disseminate results and recommendations as needed. Follow up on findings and recommendations and ensure continuous development and improvement of implementation in light of findings.
• Develop beneficiary tracking tools (Activity info); establish, maintain and regularly update a comprehensive data management system for the different programs and projects of Taawon.  Act as focal point for the data management system and beneficiary count reporting.
• Ensure and support implementation of accountability systems that are compliant with Taawon policies and procedures, standards as well as the requirements of the different donors. Visit accountability practices and monitor proper compliance with ethical standards and values; provide timely input and advise for course correction, improved programing and design change as needed.
• Establish feedback mechanism among partners and beneficiaries and ensure proper documentation.
• Document lessons learned and best practices and develop case studies to capture qualitative outputs of the different programs and projects.
• Lead and participate in training and other internal and external capacity building activities, including addressing Partners’ MEAL training needs.
• Work with program team to develop and standardize data collection forms for monitoring the projects and programs including field visit reports. Train program team on M&E tools, data collection and analysis, as well as on basic surveying and sampling techniques.
• Guide program team and encourage learning based on best practices, lessons and feedback captured from partner organizations and beneficiaries to guide future project design and implementation.
• Support program and management team in drafting and reviewing project updates, interim and donor reports to ensure high quality reports are submitted on time and as per donor format and requirements. Ensure that donor data queries are addressed in an accurate and timely manner.
• Conduct in-depth research including needs assessments on issues relevant to Taawon’s programs (health, education, disability, employment, etc.).  Summarise findings of research to feed in program development, design of projects and interventions and development of concept notes and project proposals for fundraising.
• Keep abreast of developments in grant/program changes and progress to advise and recommend tools and strategies to increase program performances and results and suggest ways to facilitate data collection and flow.
• Support the Communication team in the dissemination of the achieved results, success stories and testimonies at different levels and among partners and the different Taawon’s stakeholders.
• Support the Fundraising efforts at Taawon by providing essential information and sound evidence to feed in concept notes, project proposals and applications ensuring sound understanding of the theory of change.
• Liaise with the different concerned team members in the office and with partners as well as with the Knowledge Management team at Taawon’s main office.
• Represent Taawon as needed and present data and findings where relevant.

Required skills, experience, and knowledge:

• Advanced Degree in Administration, Information Management, Project Management, Public Health, or other relevant academic background
• A minimum of eight years of relevant work experience, out of which four years of monitoring and evaluation experience
• Experience in strategic planning and performance measurement, including indicator selection, target setting, reporting, database management, and developing M&E and performance plans.
• Knowledge of the major evaluation, data collection and analysis methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, mixed-method, and impact)
• A minimum of four years of work experience with non-governmental organization
• Good level of proficiency in Windows, Excel and quantitative analysis systems
• Proficiency in both English and Arabic languages both oral and written; capacity to produce high-quality briefs and reports in both languages.
• Willing to undertake regular travel within Lebanon and in the Palestinian refugee camps.

Skills and competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills and managerial capacity
• Excellent communication skills, sensitivity to and responsiveness to partners and beneficiaries
• Respectful and helpful relations with donors, partners and staff
• Demonstrates openness to change and ability to manage complexities in a positive, constructive attitude
• Demonstrated ability to train and build capacity of others