Meal Technical Adviser

Save the Children is the leading independent organization creating lasting change in the lives of children in need around the world. Save the Children has been operating in Lebanon since 1999 and is recognized for its commitment to accountability, innovation and collaboration.  Save the Children currently implements programs in Child Protection, Education, CRC, Health and Nutrition, Food Security & Livelihood, Shelter, and Emergency Response throughout Lebanon.   Save the Children is seeking qualified candidates to fulfill the following positions, for its Lebanon Country Office, in the following locations Beirut, Tripoli, Akkar and Bekaa: ROLE PURPOSE: Save the Children International is a 'dual mandate' organisation that seeks to inspire breakthroughs in the way the world treats children, and create lasting change in children’s lives. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) is a core function in all Save the Children International programmes globally, representing our commitment to accountability and transparency.   The MEAL Technical Adviser will provide leadership in ensuring quality and accountability standards are integrated into the regular MEAL of the Save the Children’s Emergency Response in Lebanon. S/he will accomplish this through leading the development and implementation of an integrated MEAL framework for Save the Children in Lebanon, focusing on building the capacity of relevant programme staff, as well as promoting and fostering a culture of shared learning and accountability, and promoting innovation within the country programme. This includes the development and integration of accountability, learning and programme quality standards in programme assessments, design, monitoring, review and evaluation (ADM&E), as well as consistent documentation of learning and progress in this area. KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY: Lead planning of needs assessments in coordination with other external sector agencies, ensuring assessment findings are documented and include an analysis of children’s needs. Lead development of Save the Children programme baseline surveys where required Working with the Director of PDQ to support senior technical colleagues in their development of sector logframes, plans, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks and plans. Contribute to development of programme plan/strategy Lead development of M&E systems (such as output trackers) and their roll out.  Support sector technical staff to carry out monitoring and evaluation of project activities as agreed in M&E frameworks and plans and to strengthen integration between sectors With support from senior technical colleagues, support fundraising, including contributing to proposal writing and review to ensure MEAL activities and costs are adequately covered. Develop standard guidance for incorporation of MEAL costs into proposals in specific responses Lead planning, implementation and follow-up of evaluations (real times, evaluations of humanitarian action etc.) Participate in evaluations were required. Set up systems to manage complex information generated by MEAL activities, such as complaints databases and qualitative outcome monitoring data systems.  Conduct statistical and qualitative data analysis and present and disseminate information to inform programme management at all levels of management within a response. Seek solutions for more complex data management requirements by working with IT colleagues, leading development of databases etc. With the HR team, identify MEAL staffing needs for emergency programmes, and lead rapid recruitment, induction, performance management and training. With support from other programme staff, identify MEAL activities supply needs and coordinate with the logistics team to ensure materials arrive in good time Support sector technical leads to develop monitoring & evaluation plans and required tools to ensure programme quality. Capacity build technical field staff in carrying out the work Design and ensure implementation of accountability mechanisms at field level, such as complaints response mechanisms – working on community assessment, design, implementation, review etc. Ensure that activities are carried out to raise awareness of prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse and handling of serious complaints in line with child safeguarding policy Support technical sector specialists to ensure that projects are carried out with participation from all disaster-affected communities (including children), that information is shared with affected communities (through traditional and high-tech solutions) and that they solicit and respond to community feedback Ensure that the minimum standards of humanitarian relief are maintained in accordance with the Sphere Charter and Red Cross Code of Conduct.   Staff Management and Capacity Building: Line manage staff as required, consistent with SCI HR policy Identify learning and training opportunities for MEAL and other staff and work as a mentor and role model for less experienced staff Conduct training and awareness raising activities for operations and programme technical staff at field and country-office level regarding MEAL priorities and quality standards   Representation & Advocacy & Organisational Learning: Participate in interagency coordinated joint MEAL activities (for instance, inter-agency RTEs) With support from senior programme staff, assist in advocacy activities that target decision-makers in-country. Develop a clear agenda and inclusive process for learning and reflection, which informs planning. Ensure the maintenance of a central database of research information and evidence about what works within our areas of programme implementation. Support internal lessons learned processes Support learning with communities through a participatory process with programme participants and key stakeholders, including children.  Ensure learning from relevant best practice and assess performance regularly against agreed programme objectives and indicators.   General: Comply with Save the Children policies and practice with respect to child protection, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Required Master’s degree in a relevant subject or equivalent field experience Significant experience in emergency response and fragile state contexts. Significant experience of undertaking a MEAL related role in an humanitarian context Experience of, and commitment to working through systems of community participation and accountability Previous experience of managing a team and managing projects Demonstrated strong monitoring and evaluation skills, including planning/participating in evaluations Ability to work both in an advisory and a hands on implementation capacity Proven capacity to supervise, train and coach staff Ability to write clear and well-argued assessment and project reports Excellent communication skills Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy A high level of written and spoken English The capacity and willingness to be extremely flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes insecure working circumstances. Commitment to the aims and principles of SC. In particular, a good understanding of the SC   mandate and child focus and an ability to ensure this continues to underpin our support   Desirable Experience of representation and advocacy desirable Language skills in Arabic highly desirable Experience or knowledge of working and living in Lebanon and/or the region highly desirable Experience in both implementation and design highly desirable Prior experience with Save the Children International desirable APPLICATION PROCESS   Please note that the closing date for applications is : For External applicants on June 3th.                    The selection committee will review all applications as they are received. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements described above, and those unable to meet these requirements will not be considered. No further information will be given over the phone.   Please note: due to the critical nature of this recruitment, applications will be reviewed as they are received and successful candidates contacted on an on-going basis.  Internal Applicants are given priority in the recruitment process.   STARTING DATE: Immediate.  We’re looking for people who can start as soon as possible or within the next few weeks.   Each application package should include the following: •           Job title for the role you are applying for in subject header of the email •           Cover letter with the applicant’s current contact information •           CV (including detailed work experience, education/degrees)  –  3pages maximum •           Professional References (minimum of three, with complete contact information) •           Kindly do not send supporting certificates and documents at this stage •           Letter and CV should be saved into one Word or PDF document and sent to Lebanon.vacancies@savethechildren.org   Applications not including all of the above information will not be reviewed. Only short listed candidates will be contacted.   We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.  All applicants will also be subject to Save the Children’s usual Child Safeguarding Policy and reference checking process.