Context

NRC has been working in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 2001 to provide assistance to people affected by conflict and displacement. Its interventions cover education, rapid response to population movements (RRM), protection from violence, shelter and housing, water, hygiene and sanitation (WASH), as well as information, counseling and legal assistance (ICLA).

NRC's programs in the DRC have a strong humanitarian, protection, and resilience focus. They aim to address life-saving needs and support sustainable solutions to improve early recovery outcomes through integrated programmatic responses. In this complex context, NRC is strengthening the quality, responsiveness, integration, and sustainability of its programs. Robust and high-quality MEAL systems are essential to ensure effective monitoring, inform evidence-based decision-making, and guarantee accountability to the populations we serve. NRC is seeking a dynamic, motivated, and qualified individual to fill the position of MEAL Manager and actively contribute to the development and strengthening of the humanitarian response in the DRC.

What we are looking for:

The incumbent leads the strategic direction and quality assurance of the MEAL function within the Country Office. The MEAL Manager designs and implements a strategy, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and a budget for the function to ensure the Country Office meets and exceeds NRC's minimum MEAL standards. Working closely with the Programs Directorate, this role drives the Country Office's learning agenda and the planning of assessments necessary to inform programmatic and strategic decision-making at key learning moments. As a functional lead, this position is part of a technical matrix structure and works collaboratively with the technical and operational structures at the Country and Area levels.

This position receives technical support and guidance from the Global MEAL Unit, which comprises four teams: MEAL Minimum Standards and Support , Global Results and Accountability , Evidence and Learning , and Digital Programme Systems .

What you will do:

• Support the design of theories of change, MEAL tools and indicators with the Programmes and Advocacy teams; ensure the development and implementation of MEAL plans, including needs assessments, baseline and final surveys and post-distribution follow-up; integrate Safe and Inclusive Programming (SIP) standards into MEAL activities, tools and methodologies.

• Participate in MEAL budget planning and advocate for adequate resources at the country office and field office levels.

• Contribute to the development of country office procedures, policies and guidelines in order to institutionalize the MEAL function throughout the mission.

• Promote MEAL as a strategic priority by contributing to country strategy processes and helping program specialists use MEAL data.

• Lead output and outcome planning sessions with program teams; support the development of data collection tools, analysis systems and information products; and provide technical support to ensure the quality and reliability of needs assessments, research and monitoring.

• Review outcome monitoring reports, post-distribution monitoring (PDM) surveys and other relevant sources; assist program teams in interpreting data; and ensure that results are documented and shared.

• Promote learning through assessments, after-action reviews (AARs) and lessons learned exercises planned in the learning agenda; facilitate regular learning opportunities; and integrate lessons learned into the various phases of project cycle management (PCM).

• Support program teams to adapt the MEAL framework to the context, in line with global guidelines, particularly for integrated programs, hard-to-reach areas, working with partners and development donors, and acute emergency situations.

• Collaborating with global MEAL teams to adapt best practices, receiving required technical support, ensuring compliance with global MEAL procedures and contributing to organizational learning from country office experience.

• Contribute to the Country and Key Competency/Programme strategy process through: performance outcome analysis, PDM surveys, needs assessment reports and any other useful source; proposals for revising Theories of Change; annual budgeting of MEAL activities and staff;

• Acting as the national focal point for digital programmatic systems, supporting their adoption, problem-solving, user feedback gathering and coordination with global teams, while ensuring compliance with data governance frameworks.

• Perform any other tasks related to the position or MEAL function assigned by the line manager.

Professional skills:

• At least six years of experience in MEAL, including at least three years in a management position within an international NGO, preferably in an emergency or post-conflict context, with experience working with displaced populations, particularly in camp settings or remote management.

• Bachelor's degree in statistics, information systems management, social sciences, development studies or a related field.

• Solid understanding of MEAL principles and current approaches in humanitarian and development contexts, including quantitative and qualitative methods.

• Strong skills in data analysis, trend interpretation and results communication to inform evidence-based decision-making; proficiency in R or Python is an asset.

• Experience with mobile and online data collection systems, as well as data management and analysis platforms.

• Experience in managing community feedback mechanisms and processing sensitive data, in accordance with data protection principles.

• Experience in coordinating with the United Nations system, international NGOs, donors and local authorities at the field level.

• Technical expertise in program evaluation methodologies and approaches, as well as the ability to facilitate participatory discussions, learning workshops, and capacity-building activities.

• Excellent command of spoken and written French; good professional command of English is an asset.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook); experience with Microsoft 365 collaboration tools, including SharePoint, Teams, OneDrive and Planner, is an asset.

Specific Professional Skills

• Good knowledge of the political and humanitarian context of the DRC, particularly in the East of the country.

• Experience in implementing MEAL systems in hard-to-reach, insecure or remotely managed areas.

• Experience in setting up or strengthening MEAL systems during the start-up of projects or emergency interventions.

• Experience in MEAL support for multi-sectoral or integrated programs, particularly in the areas of WASH/EHEA and cash transfers, is an asset.

• Good ability to write reports and project proposals

• Good knowledge of gender integration, safe and inclusive programming, accountability and environmental considerations in MEAL systems and activities.

• Minimum 3 years experience in team management.

• Experience in capacity building for local partners or consortium members in complex or sensitive contexts.

Behavioral Skills

• Managing insecure environments.

• Working with people

• Analyze

• Communicating with impact and respect

• Coping with change

Please find attached the JD MEAL ManagerDRCongo Goma.docx file.

What we offer:

• Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract with possibility of renewal

• NRC salary scale: Grade 9

• Location: DR Congo

• An opportunity to link your career to a compelling cause

• A chance to meet and work with people who are the best in their field

Learn about the benefits of working with NRC

How to apply

https://ekum.fa.em2.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_2019/job/21477