MEAL OFFICER (AHEAD)

Danish Refugee Council, one of the world’s leading humanitarian NGOs, is currently looking for a highly qualified MEAL Officer – (AHEAD).

About the job

The MEAL Officer is responsible for leading the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities for the AHEAD project, a multi-year global initiative aiming to shift humanitarian response from reactive aid to proactive foresight. The primary focus of this role is to generate a robust evidence base that demonstrates the credibility, feasibility, and cost-efficiency of Anticipatory Action (AA) for conflict-induced displacement compared to traditional reactive responses.

Your main duties and responsibilities will be:

• Impact Evaluation & Analysis: Support the design and lead the country-level impact evaluation for AHEAD Somalia, including data collection tools, sampling strategy, statistical analysis, and complementary qualitative methods to assess the effectiveness of AA compared to reactive response.
• Data Management: Manage quantitative data collection using KoBo and qualitative analysis, ensuring all data is disaggregated by age, gender and diversity.
• Ground-Truthing & Validation: Facilitate the "ground-truthing" process by validating AI-driven machine learning forecasts against community-level early warning indicators provided by local peacebuilding and protection committees.
• Process Monitoring and Learning: Organize after-action reviews following each activation, contribute to country case studies, and participate in cross-country learning exchanges through the AHEAD MEAL Technical Working Group.
• System Building and Advocacy Document the co-design of AAPs and AA mechanisms, track endorsement at national coordination level, and identify opportunities where AHEAD evidence can influence response priorities and funding decisions.
• Accountability: Implement and manage Community Feedback Mechanisms (CFMs), including call centres and help desks, to track community perceptions and ensure interventions are safe and accessible for marginalized groups.
• Indicator Tracking: Monitor and report on specific project indicators, including forecasting accuracy (aiming for a 13% average error), stakeholder use of forecasts, and beneficiary perceptions of timely/dignified response.
• Value for Money (VfM): Conduct financial and output analysis to determine the cost-efficiency and VfM of proactive AA interventions compared to reactive ones.
• Hard-to-Reach (H2R) Analysis: Support H2R assessments to identify access strategies and specific vulnerabilities of populations in constrained conflict zones.
• Capacity Building: Train project staff, partners, and community committees on MEAL tools, data handling procedures (GDPR compliance), and conflict-sensitive monitoring.
• Learning & Dissemination: Compile evidence and learning reports to be shared at national Technical Working Groups (TWG) and global forums to influence policy change.
• Reporting: Provide high-quality data and narrative inputs for quarterly Global Snapshots, annual narrative reports, and donor-specific financial/narrative package
• Coordination Participate in bi-weekly calls with the Global MEAL Lead and monthly AHEAD MEAL Technical Working Group.

About you

To be successful in this role we expect you to have:

• Minimum Bachelor degree in a relevant field (Statistics, Economics, Social Sciences, Information Management, or International Development), Master’s degree in a related field is desirable.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in MEAL within a humanitarian or development context, preferably in fragile settings affected by conflict
• Relevant certifications in Monitoring & Evaluation, data analysis, or impact evaluation (e.g., SPSS, Stata, or R) are an added advantage.
• Minimum 2–3 years specifically in research and/or impact evaluation (RCTs, quasi experimental, or similar analytical work)
• Demonstrated experience in leading or co-leading impact evaluations and quasi-experimental studies, with a strong understanding of causal inference methodologies.
• Strong knowledge of designing and managing control and treatment group studies in humanitarian or development contexts, including sampling strategies, baseline comparability, and bias mitigation techniques.
• Advanced proficiency in digital data collection tools, specifically KoBo Toolbox and qualitative management platforms (e.g. Nvivo or Atlas.ti)
• Proven expertise in statistical analysis for impact evaluations, with hands-on experience using statistical software (e.g., SPSS, Stata, R, or Python) to conduct analyses such as regression modeling, propensity score matching, and outcome comparisons.
• Experience in data visualization and the ability to interpret complex forecasting models or earth observation data is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of Age, Gender, and Diversity Mainstreaming (AGDM) and conflict-sensitive "Do No Harm" approaches.
• Practical experience applying MEAL approaches in Anticipatory Action or Early Warning Early Action (EWEA) programming, including trigger-based frameworks, forecast accuracy assessment, and activation timeline monitoring.
• Familiarity with financial analysis or tracking Value for Money (VfM) indicators.
• Excellent organizational skills with close attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure with tight reporting deadlines
• Familiarity with humanitarian coordination mechanisms and key international standards.
• Commitment to and understanding of DRC’s aims, values and principles
• Languages: Proficiency in written & spoken both English and Somali

In this position, you are expected to demonstrate DRC’ five core competencies:

• Striving for excellence: You focus on reaching results while ensuring an efficient process.
• Collaborating: You involve relevant parties and encourage feedback.
• Taking the lead: You take ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.
• Communicating: You listen and speak effectively and honestly.
• Demonstrating integrity: You uphold and promote the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to our values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer

• Contract length: 1 year with the possibility of extension, subject to funding and performance.
• Employment Band: NM-H2
• Work location: Mogadishu
• Start date: 1st July 2026
• Reporting to: Project Manager (AHEAD)

Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s Terms of Employment for employees on national contract.

Application process

• All Applicants must upload a cover letter and an updated CV (no longer than four pages) in English
• Applications sent by email will not be considered
• Closing date for applications: 31st May 2026
• This Position is open to both internal and external candidates
• Qualified Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply

 

Apply Now