MEAL Assistant

Responsibilities and Duties of MEAL Assistant:
- Support the MEAL officer and/or MEAL Manager in the development, maintenance and update of results-based M&E plans and systems by the identification of baseline data, targets, and data sources and data collection methods.
- Conduct regular field visits to provide guidance to and support the M&E needs of field staff, with support from MEAL Officer and/or MEAL Manager.
- Support in monitoring policies compliance and evaluate implementation and program procedures.
- Draft monitoring reports in collaboration with the MEAL officer; assess the extent of the use of evaluation findings as well as lessons learned.
- Assist in drafting program reports as needed.
- Assist in managing the accuracy of information flow and ensure deadlines are met.
- Assist in the training of relevant staff on MEAL procedures.
- Carry out other relevant MEAL tasks requested by the MEAL Officer and/or MEAL Manager.

Design
- Assist the MEAL officer and/or MEAL Manager in the development of project results frameworks, log frames, MEAL plans and detailed implementation plans for MEAL activities collaboratively with program staff.
- Assist in the development and refinement of project related MEAL tools collaboratively with the MEAL officer and/or MEAL Manager.

Monitoring
- Field test MEAL tools and modify as necessary with close coordination of the MEAL officer and/or MEAL Manager.
- Assist in the maintenance of efficient data collection systems with the help of field and partner staff and assist in preparation of monthly/quarterly reports to donors in collaboration with the MEAL officer and/or MEAL Manager.
- Assist in the development and maintenance of information tracking systems (tracking sheets or databases).
- Assist the MEAL officer and/or MEAL Manager in the analysis of data which will be used to share progress, trends, gaps with program staff and develop improvement plans as needed.

- Ensure timeliness of MEAL activities.

Evaluation/Assessments
- Assist in the design of methodologies and tools for internal assessments, surveys, and evaluations.

Accountability
- Assist the MEAL officer and/or MEAL Manager to collaboratively develop and adapt feedback mechanisms based on beneficiary preferences for how to provide feedback to partner organizations and CRS in coordination with the MEAL officer.
- Assist the MEAL officer and/or MEAL Manager in incorporating accountability into regular MEAL activities, such as assessment, design, monitoring and evaluation and other learning activities such as regular reflection sessions.

Learning
- Support the MEAL officer and/or MEAL Manager to ensure that lessons learned and best practices are identified and incorporated into current programming and new project designs as applicable.
- Support the MEAL officer and/or MEAL Manager to catalogue lessons learned and achievements in the field for better programmatic design and decision making, and for donor reporting and cultivation.

QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, development, or related discipline; a Master’s degree is a plus.
- Formal training in monitoring, evaluation, and learning methodologies is an asset.
- Up to 2 years of relevant experience in MEAL or field data collection; experience with NGOs is a plus
- Experience in data collection, entry, basic analysis (quantitative and quantitative) and reporting.
- Familiarity with data management and digital data collection tools such as Excel, KoboToolbox, ODK, CommCare, and/or Power BI is a plus.
- Strong interpersonal skills and proficiency in English and Arabic.
- Advanced interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic
- Good organizational and time management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines.
- Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and community members.