MEAL Assistant - South Lebanon (prospective)

Job Overview: 

The MEAL Assistant contributes to the success of the emergency food and cash assistance project in South Lebanon, by supporting the MEAL Officer and Manager in various Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) tasks. This includes developing and maintaining results-based M&E plans, conducting field visits, monitoring policy compliance, and drafting reports. The role involves assisting in the creation and refinement of project frameworks, MEAL tools, and data collection systems, as well as ensuring the accuracy of information flow and meeting deadlines. Additionally, the MEAL Assistant helps design assessment methodologies, develop feedback mechanisms, and incorporate accountability into MEAL activities. They also support learning by identifying  lessons learned and best practices for program improvement and donor reporting.

Responsibilities and Duties

• Support the MEAL officer and/or MEAL Manager in the development, maintenance and update of results-based M&E plans and systems by the identification of baseline data, targets, and data sources and data collection methods.
• Conduct regular field visits to provide guidance to and support the M&E needs of field staff. 
• Monitor policies compliance and evaluate implementation and program procedures. 
• Draft monitoring reports in collaboration with the MEAL officer; assess the extent of the use of evaluation findings as well as lessons learned. Assist in drafting program reports as needed.
• Assist in managing the accuracy of information flow and ensure deadlines are met.
• Assist in the training of relevant staff on MEAL procedures.
• Any other relevant MEAL tasks requested by the MEAL Officer and/or MEAL Manager.

Design

• Assist in the development of project results frameworks, log frames, MEAL plans and detailed implementation plans for MEAL activities collaboratively with program staff and the MEAL officer and/or MEAL Manager.
• Assist in the development and refinement of project related MEAL tools collaboratively with the MEAL officer and/or MEAL Manager.

Monitoring

• Field test MEAL tools and modify as necessary with close coordination of the MEAL officer and/or MEAL Manager.
• Assist in the maintenance of efficient data collection systems with the help of field and partner staff and assist in preparation of monthly/quarterly reports to donors in collaboration with the MEAL officer and/or MEAL Manager.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of information tracking systems (tracking sheets or databases).
• Assist the MEAL officer and/or MEAL/Manager in the analysis of data which will be used to share progress, trends, gaps with program staff and develop improvement plans as needed.
• Ensure timeliness of MEAL activities.

Evaluation/Assessments

• Assist in the design of methodologies and tools for internal assessments, surveys, and evaluations.

Accountability

• Assist the MEAL officer and/or MEAL/Manager to collaboratively develop and adapt feedback mechanisms based on beneficiary preferences for how to provide feedback to partner organizations and CRS in coordination with the MEAL officer.
• Assist the MEAL officer and/or MEAL/Manager in incorporating accountability into regular MEAL activities, such as assessment, design, monitoring and evaluation and other learning activities such as regular reflection sessions.

Learning

• Support the MEAL officer and/or MEAL/Manager to ensure that lessons learned and best practices are identified and incorporated into current programming and new project designs as applicable.
• Support the MEAL officer and/or MEAL/Manager to catalogue lessons learned and achievements in the field for better programmatic design and decision making, and for donor reporting and cultivation.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, development or a related field. Master’s degree is a plus.
• Training in Monitoring and Evaluation such as university courses, workshops, certificates etc...
• 2+ years of experience in program management within a non-profit or international development context.
• Experience conducting analysis for quantitative and qualitative data
• Experience managing data sets (coordinating data entry, ensuring data quality, managing data confidential storage).
• Strong background in MEAL systems, with demonstrated ability to manage projects towards impactful results.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, able to work well with a range of partners, stakeholders, and internal teams.
• High level of integrity and accountability to the communities served.
• Proficiency in English and Arabic.

Physical Demands: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to be able to sit and stand for extended periods of time, and frequently travel primarily within South Lebanon (Tyre District) for field work.  

Work Environment: 

The work environment characteristics are conducive to conditions in both an office and community environment.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job responsibilities.  

Anera is an equal opportunity employer that embraces and encourages applications from candidates representing diverse backgrounds. Anera staff maintain a steadfast commitment to upholding ethical work standards and adhering to the Staff Code of Conduct including Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse.