Research and MEAL Officer

ABOUT ARK:

ARK is a social enterprise, empowering local communities through the provision of agile and sustainable interventions to create greater stability, opportunity, and hope for the future.

We believe that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional and international development and stability – and ultimately a safer, peaceful and more prosperous world. At ARK, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries since 2008. As a social enterprise we work in partnership with communities, our donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity and bring about sustainable change.

Learn more about our impact here: https://www.ark.international/impact

PURPOSE OF POSITION:

ARK is looking for a Research and MEAL Officer. The position will work on the UK-funded National Security Assistance Programme which seeks to strengthen resilience of the Lebanese army. The programme will prioritize sustaining and enhancing capabilities of the LAF to maintain stability and provide effective, accountable, security across Lebanon, particularly along the land border with Syria and around flashpoint areas.

The Research and MEAL Officer will be a part of the programme’s Strategic Analysis and Insights Group (SAIG), which provides strategic analysis and situational awareness, to inform HMG strategic thinking and rapid adaptation to a changing environment. SAIG works in close coordination with the donor and delivers periodic conflict, political and economic analysis, and thematic reports, at their request. In addition, SAIG establishes and manages a donor facing dashboard, which, updated regularly, is a ‘one-stop-shop’ for the country’s security situation. Additionally, SAIG supports the programme’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) activities.

The Research and MEAL Officer is a MEAL specialist. This role is responsible for managing the programme’s output, outcome, and other reporting data and producing first drafts of donor reporting. Additionally, this role provides secondary source research for SAIG’s research projects and website content.

This position is based in ARK Group’s office in Beirut.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the implementation of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) activities across the project, in close coordination with ARK’s MEAL Consultant.
• Develop research plans and methodology for MEAL programme activities.
• Oversee data collection, compilation, aggregation, and data quality.
• Produce the first draft of donor monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting.
• Monitor and ensure MEAL  system functionality.
• Support SAIG team in identification of project success stories.
• Provide support for SAIG research projects through secondary source monitoring and research.
• Assist SAIG team to help strengthen analysis and conclusions for all research projects.
• Produce clear, savvy, and easy to digest presentations that communicate research findings.

• Support other ad hoc research projects as requested.

SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential

• Minimum four years’ MEAL experience in international assistance programming;
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative primary source research including focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and surveys.
• Experience with data collection, data management, analysis.
• Experience producing first draft of donor project reporting in English.
• Experience conducting secondary source research from a variety of sources.
• Knowledge of digital and social media monitoring.

• Ability to work independently, and collaboratively in a cross-cultural team environment.
• Ability to respond to multiple priorities in a timely manner, delivering high quality products in a fast-paced environment and adhere to deadlines.
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, flexible with strong attention to detail.
• Bachelor’s degree in international relations, political science, social science, or related field.
• Full professional proficiency in English and Arabic

Desirable

• Refined design and report production skills.
• Knowledge of strategic communications.
• Experience working with the security sector.
• Master’s degree in international relations, political science, social science, or related field.

MORE ABOUT OUR COMPANY:

We believe that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional and international development and stability – and ultimately a safer, peaceful and more prosperous world. At ARK, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions validating this approach in over twenty countries since 2008. As a social enterprise we work in partnership with communities, our donors, and other implementers to build local capacities, generate opportunity and bring about sustainable change.

Our People

Our team covers a diverse range of professional backgrounds, from diplomacy, humanitarian, development and the military, to the UN, civil society groups, multilateral organisations, journalism and the private sector.

An ARK Person Is:

Smart: We think deeply about things. We’re proud of our institutional knowledge and our grounding in rigorous research, which we use to make informed decisions.

Humble: Our work leaves little room for pride or arrogance. Our operating environment is constantly evolving, and we recognise our limitations. We believe in and rely on the education and experiences of others while remaining quick to read, invite feedback, and ask sensible questions.

Accountable: Each of us want ARK, its partners, and beneficiaries to succeed. This means taking initiative, assuming ownership when necessary and never giving up on our beneficiaries. We are committed and accountable, to both our donors and the communities we serve.

Collegiate: We know we are stronger together, and that every contribution counts. We trust each other and always support each other.

Outspoken: We tackle diverse challenges, and we always want to find the best solution to a problem. We aren’t afraid to share our opinions and we want to hear those of others too.

ARK Group is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. ARK Group does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity and expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation. We welcome all kinds of diversity. ARK Group places human dignity at the centre of its development and stabilisation work and is thus committed to the protection from sexual exploitation and abuse of children and adults. All ARK Group employees and related-personnel are expected to share this commitment, and only those who also uphold these values will be recruited as part of our team. This vacancy is therefore subject to a range of due diligence checks.