Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Coordinator

Near East Foundation (NEF) – Lebanon

Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Coordinator

Unit: Programs, Near East Foundation in Lebanon

Reports to: Program and Operations Director, NEF Lebanon

Location: Beirut, Lebanon

Travel: Regular travel to field sites in Lebanon.

The Near East Foundation (NEF) is seeking candidates for a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Coordinator to be based in Beirut, Lebanon.

NEF is a non-profit international development organization that has supported livelihoods recovery and community-based economic development in the Middle East, Africa, and Caucasus since 1915. NEF draws on local teams, experience, and partnerships in these regions to create community-led solutions to improve livelihoods and local governance among conflict and crisis-affected groups, while maintaining neutrality and ensuring inclusiveness in our approach. Working through a network of country offices and local partners, NEF currently has operations in ten countries: Armenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Mali, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, and Syria. Our programs are organized around three pillars: Inclusive Economic Development, Climate-resilient Development, and Stabilization and Peacebuilding.

Position Description

The MEAL Coordinator is a member of the Near East Foundation team in Lebanon, reporting to the Program and Operations Director. The purpose of the MEAL Coordinator 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.

Responsibilities

• Design and update the Projects’ Log frames and MEAL plans;
• Manage and report on the implementation of the Projects’ MEAL plans;
• Ensure an appropriate MEAL system is in place and is functioning satisfactorily. Periodically review and revise the system so that it is adapted appropriately to changing program and operating contexts.
• Ensure relevant and timely MEAL information is provided in user-friendly formats to partners, senior management, and HQ;
• Operationalize all the NEF MEAL procedures and tools (KOBO Application, NEF Databases, reporting tools, Tracking tools, Evaluation forms etc.);
• Train, support and supervise the volunteers and field agents (NEF and partners) implementing the socio-economic assessments, baselines, follow-up and end-line surveys (with KOBO Application), and collecting project’s activity data (in NEF Database);
• Conduct Partner Capacity Assessment (when needed) and focus groups in close collaboration with other team members;
• Conduct capacity building trainings for partner organizations as needed;
• Conduct regular field monitoring visits and follow-up, including carrying 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 are ahead or behind target;
• Provide feedback on project strategies and activities for improving performances and sustainability;
• Participate to the country coordination monthly calls organized by the HQ-based Program Officer;
• Facilitate the statistical analysis (using excel or equivalent tool) for impact assessments;
• Coordinate and facilitate the processes for mid-term and/or final evaluations;
• Contribute to the program learning activities and analysis;
• Participate in the design and development of future project proposals;
• Contribute and lead on projects’ narrative reporting requirements ensuring quality, data accuracy and analysis;
• Contribute and participate in donor meetings;
• Coordinate with the technical Regional MEAL Director for regional inputs, data, initiatives etc.
• Collect and prepare communication and visibility materials (project overviews, project fact sheets, etc);
• Prepare and accompany field visits of NEF and external visitors, photographers, journalists, or media;
• Perform other duties as required and requested by the direct line manager or technical supervisor.

Qualifications and Requirements:

The successful candidate must be a self-directed individual with the following qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Statistics, International Development, or related fields;
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in a similar capacity with humanitarian and/or development organizations;
• Knowledge of and experience with the Lebanon-specific humanitarian context;
• Experience using Data Analysis and M&E tools and software
• Demonstrated proficiency with MS Office applications, including Access, Excel, Word Power BI etc;
• Excellent in written and oral English and Arabic;
• Must be a Lebanese national or eligible to work and reside in Lebanon without sponsorship.

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;
• Requires 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.