MEAL Assistant

1. Purpose

CARE established its presence in Lebanon in 2006 and has been responding to the Syrian Crisis since late 2012. Among CARE’s key imperatives is putting people it serves first through implementing cutting edge programming in areas it operates. CARE currently carries out activities in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, Akkar, North Lebanon, South Lebanon, and the Beqaa Valley. CARE implements both emergency and development projects contributing to livelihood, food security and agriculture, gender and protection, shelter, water, sanitation, and hygiene. It targets the most vulnerable people and populations, both host communities and refugees. 

In Lebanon, CARE’s program strategy for the upcoming years will focus on strengthening and expanding its emergency response and capacity to provide basic assistance services while pursuing development projects in areas of food security and livelihood support, gender and protection. CARE intends to maintain its presence in all areas of Lebanon.

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Officer is tasked with overseeing information management, reporting processes, and product creation to ensure the delivery of professional, high-quality communication regarding Care International in Lebanon's programmatic activities and outcomes. A key aspect of this role involves enhancing information management and data quality, as well as fostering knowledge sharing and learning throughout the organization. The MEAL Officer will take on the responsibility of managing the entire monitoring and evaluation cycle for CARE's projects, crafting suitable methodologies and tools to enhance accountability. Additionally, the officer will contribute to developing evidence-based insights into both the positive and negative impacts of the program on the communities we engage with.

2. Reporting Lines

Senior MEAL Officer

3. Specific Duties and Responsibilities

1. Data Collection and Management
   1. Gather data through surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews in field settings.
   2. Perform data cleaning to ensure accuracy and reliability of collected information.
   3. Maintain organized records of all collected data for easy access and future reference.
2. Data Analysis Support
   1. Assist in analyzing data using software like Excel or SPSS to produce descriptive statistics and identify trends.
   2. Support the MEAL Officer in interpreting results to inform program improvements
3. Report Preparation
   1. Contribute to the preparation of reports by compiling data and drafting sections on monitoring activities and findings.
   2. Assist in writing brief summaries of data insights for internal stakeholders.
4. Field Monitoring
   1. Conduct site visits to observe and document project activities, ensuring alignment with planned objectives.
   2. Identify and report any deviations or challenges observed in project implementation.
5. Feedback and Accountability Mechanism
   1. Collect feedback through Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM), exit interviews, and other feedback mechanisms during field visits.
   2. Record, categorize, and share feedback to relevant team members for action and response.
6. Capacity Building
   1. Provide guidance to volunteers and junior staff involved in data collection to ensure quality and consistency.
   2. Attend training sessions to build capacity in data collection, MEAL methodologies, and report writing.

4. Qualifications / special skills or knowledge

a. Skills & knowledge:

• Proficiency in data collection techniques such as surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
• Basic knowledge of data analysis tools like Excel, SPSS, or any other statistical software to support reporting and analysis.
• Attention to detail in record-keeping to ensure data accuracy and completeness.
• Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation principles, particularly in the NGO and humanitarian context.
• Experience or willingness to engage in field work and directly observe project implementation.
• Knowledge of basic MEAL concepts, frameworks, and processes.
• Awareness of humanitarian principles and standards, such as Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS), Sphere Standards, and Protection against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) principles.
• Knowledge of various feedback channels and their importance in ensuring accountability to affected populations.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills to interact effectively with team members, partners, and participants.
• Capacity to handle challenges in field settings, adapt to changing circumstances, and propose practical solutions.
• Ability to respond to feedback constructively and work in diverse and dynamic environments.
• Proficiency in Arabic, as well as in English, for reporting and communication.
• Strong organizational and time management skills to handle multiple tasks and maintain timely reporting.

b. Experience:

At least   0-1  years of relevant experience, especially at NGOs, academic organizations, standard-setting bodies, public agencies focused on MEAL

c. Academic background:

Highschool degree or any relevant experience.

4. Languages:

English and/ or Arabic are the working language of CARE International in Lebanon.

Knowledge of other languages is an asset.

6. Other contract elements

Benefits: Social security/Health Insurance & Transport allowance.

The direct supervisor reserves the right to adapt this job description at any time during employment according to needs.

Any extension of this contract is dependent on performance review and funding availability.

PSEA and Save Guarding Child policy

CARE International in Lebanon is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

CARE International in Lebanon and its employees and stakeholders abide by the CARE International Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) and Child Safeguarding Policies.