MEAL Specialist

The Danish Refugee Council (DRC), one of the world’s leading humanitarian non-governmental organizations, is seeking a highly qualified and motivated professional to join its team as MEAL Specialist. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to impactful, life-saving humanitarian operations in complex and challenging environments.

We are looking for a results-oriented individual with a strong commitment to humanitarian principles, operational excellence, and partnership development, who is ready to play a key role in strengthening Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) systems that support effective programme delivery.

Overall purpose of the role

Under the direct supervision of the MEAL Manager, the MEAL Specialist is responsible for providing technical support for the implementation and strengthening of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) systems across DRC programmes.

The role supports the development of MEAL tools, methodologies, monitoring systems, assessments, evaluations, and data analysis processes to strengthen programme quality, accountability, and evidence-based decision-making. The MEAL Specialist works closely with programme, MEAL, IM, and field teams to ensure harmonized MEAL approaches, quality data collection, and compliance with DRC and donor requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Results Monitoring & Programme Quality Support

• Support the integration of MEAL throughout the Project Cycle Management (PCM) process in line with DRC MEAL guidelines and donor requirements.
• Support and/or lead the development of logframes, Indicator Performance Tracking Tables (IPTTs), MEAL plans, and monitoring frameworks in coordination with programme teams.
• Support the development of standardized MEAL tools, data collection methodologies, and monitoring systems to support programme implementation and reporting.
• Support the review and technical quality assurance of programme assessments, monitoring tools, and data collection processes prior to implementation.
• Coordinate with Information Management staff to support digitalization of MEAL and programme tools where applicable.
• Participate in project kick-off, review, and close-out meetings to strengthen cross-project learning and programme quality.
• Support the implementation of DRC minimum monitoring requirements and indicator tracking systems across projects and operational areas.
• Conduct regular Data Quality Assurance (DQA) exercises and support verification processes to ensure data accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
• Ensure ethical standards, safeguarding principles, DRC Code of Conduct, and protection referral protocols are applied during MEAL activities.
• Support programme teams in the analysis, interpretation, and reporting of MEAL data for internal learning and donor reporting.

Assessments, Evaluations & Data Analysis

• Lead and support baseline, endline, Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM), post-implementation monitoring, verification exercises, assessments, and evaluations across programme sectors.
• Develop Terms of Reference (ToRs), data collection methodologies, questionnaires, and data collection tools for MEAL activities.
• Support the management of quantitative and qualitative data collection processes, including field monitoring and quality assurance.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using relevant software and tools such as Excel, Kobo Toolbox, SPSS, Power BI, or similar platforms.
• Develop factsheets, dashboards, presentations, reports, and other information products to support programme learning and evidence-based decision-making.
• Support external evaluations, assessments, and MEAL-related consultancies as required.

Accountability & Learning Support

• Support the implementation and strengthening of accountability systems and Community Feedback Mechanisms (CFM) in coordination with the Accountability team and programme staff.
• Support programme teams to ensure communities receive timely and accurate project information and are engaged in monitoring and feedback processes.
• Support the documentation of lessons learned, best practices, and success stories across programme activities.
• Contribute to learning events, reflection sessions, and knowledge-sharing initiatives across programme and operational areas.
• Support analysis of community feedback and accountability trends to inform programme adaptation and quality improvement.

Capacity Building & Technical Support

• Provide technical support and guidance to MEAL Officers, MEAL Assistants, and programme teams on monitoring methodologies, data collection tools, reporting requirements, and data quality standards.
• Support capacity strengthening initiatives for programme teams and partners on MEAL systems, accountability approaches, and evidence-based programming.
• Support troubleshooting related to field data collection, reporting challenges, and monitoring systems.
• Promote harmonized MEAL approaches and standardized tools across programme sectors and operational areas.

Coordination & Reporting

• Coordinate closely with Programme, Information Management (IM), Accountability, and Grants teams to ensure alignment between MEAL systems, reporting requirements, and programme needs.
• Support timely preparation and sharing of MEAL reports, findings, and analysis with relevant teams and management.
• Maintain MEAL trackers, assessment schedules, and monitoring databases to ensure accurate and up-to-date information management.
• Support donor reporting processes through data verification, analysis, and evidence generation.

Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Social Sciences, International Development, Public Health, or another relevant field. A Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Additional certifications in MEAL, Data Analysis, Information Management, or Accountability are an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum 3–4 years of relevant experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) within humanitarian and/or development programmes.
• Experience working with INGOs, UN agencies, or local partners in emergency or displacement settings.
• Proven experience supporting assessments, evaluations, monitoring systems, and data analysis processes.
• Strong understanding of MEAL principles, data collection methodologies, and accountability approaches.
• Experience using MEAL and data analysis software such as Kobo Toolbox, Excel, SPSS, Power BI, or similar platforms.
• Experience developing MEAL tools, indicator tracking systems, and reporting frameworks.
• Good understanding of accountability principles, safeguarding, and ethical data collection practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, ensuring high-quality data management and reporting.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and work under pressure.

Languages

• Full professional proficiency in English is required.
• Knowledge of Arabic or other local languages is an added advantage.

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