Roving MEAL Coordinator At Save the Children

ROLE PURPOSE:
Save the Children is Grantee for Education Cannot Wait (ECW) Seed funding, an innovative model for education in emergencies programming. The objective of the PMU is to coordinate (including disbursement of funds) with selected organization for implementation of the Multi Year Resilience Programme (MYRP) for Iraq. The PMU will manage and coordinate disbursement of Education Cannot Wait funding $12M over 3 years. The MYRP Theory of Change focuses on conflict-sensitive interventions, that move communities from emergency to recovery and towards development. The funding for MYRP will ensure that out of school children (OOSC) in priority areas have flexible, responsive routes into learning opportunities, that support their transition into further levels of education and that support their holistic wellbeing and development. The MYRP in line with ECW priorities focusses on interventions targeting 3-18 years especially refugees, IDPs, returnees and host communities

The MEAL coordinator will be focal point for the partners and will work under the technical guidance of Head of MEAL coordinating rollout of the MEAL systems and disseminate ECW MEAL guidance to selected organizations.

Under the guidance of the PMU Manager, Head of MEAL and Education Specialist, the MEAL coordinator will ensure that MEAL Systems are implemented by partners in a coordinated, harmonized and aligned manner, in line with donor requirements and commitments.

The MEAL Manager will be responsible for supporting the PMU Manager in submission of timely and regular progress reports to the in-country MYRP Steering Committee as well as participate in the SC meetings as requested.

In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to: PMU Manager with dotted line to MEAL team based in CO
Staff reporting to this post: None
Budget Responsibilities: None

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
Monitoring:
* In close collaboration with the Consortium Partners, track and oversee the implementation of harmonized monitoring tools and aligned indicator definitions for the project.
* In close collaboration with Consortium Partners, put in place an operational MEAL plan for ECW including mechanisms to monitor and document the progress of implementation of Programme activities, Specifically;
* Lead the design/ review of MEAL pack, to include the Indicator Performance Tracking Table, Log frame, Activity Tracking Table and MEAL plan. Maintain an updated Indicator Performance Tracker (IPT) and Output tracker, in additional other report requirements as may be requested.
* Provide technical guidance and lead capacity building of the Consortium Partner staff, and stakeholders on implementation of MEAL within the Programme; to include capacities for data collection, storage, indicator definition and reporting.
* Input to the development of aligned Quality Benchmarks for the Education Consortium activities to guide monitoring and ensure actions plans agreed on after QB monitoring are implemented in timely manner.
* Review Programme data collection tools to ensure that tools provide required information on programme indicators
* Enhance use of digital data management with in the program, this may include use of Kobo and ODK among other programs.
* Conduct routine data quality assessment and continuous quality improvement of the program to ensure program implementation and report quality.
* Participate/coordinate the design of quantitative and qualitative participatory Programme evaluations (baseline, annual and final evaluations), assessments, reviews and other special studies
* Work closely with the National Consortium Unit Manager to ensure that performance indicators are regularly tracked and that activities implemented are well aligned with the indicators
* Support implementation of programme MIS and integration of Geographical Information System (GIS) in programme reporting. Support GIS mapping and dissemination of MIS/GIS reports. Provide MIS content/requirements and feedback to MEAL team and document progress on indicators/achievement of targets.
* Where applicable, roll-out mobile data collection and monitoring systems and document learning and suggestions for improvement.

Evaluation:
* With the PMU Manager, and coordinate the development of Terms of Reference for the programme evaluations.
* Coordinate the logistics of project evaluations as necessary and ensure data collection, analysis and write-up is in line with SCI and donor standards as well as set timelines.

Accountability:
* Work alongside partners to ensure a functional Complaints, Feedback, Response and Feedback is in place in line with SCI’s standard and expectations, the Standard Operating Procedure for the programme and donor expectations.
* Collect and manage complaints and feedback in close coordination with Programme team. Track timeliness of response to complaints and maintain an updated Programme complaints tracker.
* Build capacity of partner organisations with regards to Accountability to Affected Communities.

Learning:
* Establish information sharing mechanisms for partner staff to document and share examples of good and bad practice and learning.
* Document learning on interventions and share with key stakeholders.
* Identify opportunities for research and learning questions in collaboration with the Partners and Technical Specialists.
* Facilitate documentation of programme results, impact, best practices and significant changes. Document learnings and best practices; disseminate learnings, reports, publications and participate in learning sessions, and ensuring that the lessons learnt are utilized to inform programming and advocacy.

Communication, Coordination and Networking:
* Be available for and responsive to questions, queries and requests for information and support from Partners.
* Create and sustain positive working relationships internally with other technical staff; externally with the district local government and CSO partners, and other stakeholders, and also maintain an up to date understanding of key development trends in the Programme area.
* Representing the programme in Education coordination fora at the district as may be requested by the line manager.
* Ensure coordination with the government activities and structures in the implementation Consortium activities.
* In collaboration with PMU Manager, provide routine periodic partner monitoring and provide regular guidance and support to ensure partner’s effective implementation of MEAL according to best practice and donor requirements
* Coordinate monthly or needs based MEAL Working Group meetings with MEAL representatives from partners, minutes are shared with key stakeholders and follow-up on recommended action points.

BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice)
Accountability:
* Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values
* Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities – giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.
Ambition:
* Sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves and their team, takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages their team to do the same
* Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others
* Future orientated, thinks strategically and on a global scale.
Collaboration:
* Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, Members and external partners and supporters
* Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength
* Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.
Creativity:
* Develops and encourages new and innovative solutions
* Willing to take disciplined risks.
Integrity:
* Honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of integrity

QUALIFICATIONS
* University Degree in Statistics/Computer Science/Information management or related fields.
* Four years’ experience working in MEAL roles.

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
* Experience of working on database/information management in humanitarian/development programs or private sector.
* Capacity to do basic statistical analysis.
* Experience working with systems implementation and creating effective feedback loops, as well as data quality checks.
* Experience in coaching and training staff, including design of short training sessions.
* Ability to work well in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
* Fluency in English, Arabic both written and verbal communication.
* Commitment to Save the Children values and willingness to abide by Child Safeguarding Policy.
* Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation and coaching.
* Highly developed cultural awareness and ability to work well in an international environment with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
* Strong results orientation, with the ability to challenge existing mind-sets.
* Experience of solving complex issues through analysis and action planning.
* Ability to present complex information in a succinct and compelling manner.
* Ability and willingness to work in challenging circumstances, to change work practices and hours, and to work with incoming surge teams, in the event of emergencies.
* Experience in both emergency and development contexts;
* Experience of working on all elements of MEAL including designing, rolling out and managing systems;
* Experience with education and child protection, including CPIMS and EIMS preferred;
* Experience in designing Terms of Reference and successfully managing evaluations.
* Experience of working with communities in participatory activities, including confidence in working with children and an understanding of child-friendly participatory methodologies.

The Organisation
We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:
* No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
* All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
* Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Application Information:
Please apply using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document. Please also include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations.

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Save the Children does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.