Senior MEAL Officer

SUMMARY
The main role of the SMO is to manage the information system regarding M&E frameworks, plans and tools. The system in place will support monitoring of the progress and evaluation of the impact of Concern’s projects in Lebanon. The SMO will build digitized forms based on the recommendations of the MEAL Manager and relevant Programme Managers and conduct regular field visits to monitor the quality of data collection and to ensure the teams collecting data understand the process well, as well as to address their technical questions. The SMO is also responsible to ensure data collected through ODK [and other digital data gathering software] is analyzed in a timely manner. In doing so, the SMO will generate information that facilitates constructive decision making on the programme design, implementation and reporting. The SMO will also liaise with different departments by offering technical expertise and further compliment the work of the MEAL Manager in charge of structural MEAL set-up and analysis.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Within limits of delegated authority, the SMO may be responsible for the following duties:
 Assist in revision of existing M&E tools; assist in application of procedures for the M&E of project activities. This will include reviewing the project logical framework, particularly in the areas of the objectives hierarchy, indicators and monitoring mechanisms.
 Collaborate with the MEAL Manager to guarantee that project teams understand the logical framework, key project performance indicators and are implementing the M&E tools designed to measure progress against pre-approved indicators.
 Assist in implementing a plan for project-related capacity-building on M&E and for any computer-based support that may be required.
 Set up an electronic beneficiary database system and ensure all beneficiaries within the projects are included.
 Design and maintain an updated database for tracking quantitative data progressively as project implementation progresses to support the regular reporting.
 Undertake regular visits to the field to support implementation of M&E activities like the routine data collection and support participatory review meetings with communities.
 Verify that field officers and partners are using the data collection tools properly and capturing information without compromising data quality, and provide hands-on support where necessary.
 Support learning and review meetings at project and national level. This includes supporting preparation of appropriate information/ reports to be shared in such meetings.
 Assist with all preparations related to impact evaluation, including but not limited to the following tasks:
 Prepare data collection tools, with guidance from the MEAL Manager and assist in preparation of all survey protocols
 Script quantitative surveys in ODK or any other comparable software
 Carry out and supervise data collection [baseline and endline surveys, focus group discussions, key informant interviews etc.] and data entry
 Recruit and train data collectors
 Perform analysis of quantitative and qualitative data, draft reports presenting the results of the analysis, and share the findings in an appropriate format
 Monitor the entire data collection process, from manual drafting, training of enumerators, and monitoring of field work to ensure data quality
 Contribute to data cleaning and collaborate in the analysis of data
 Report to and alert the project team on a regular basis regarding any anticipated project issues, risks and any emerging opportunities and threats to the project implementation related to this role
 Ensure all MEAL-related data and files are properly organized and stored
 Share relevant MEAL findings with projects teams in an appropriate format and follow-up on their implementation
 Support in the design and management of evaluations, including: the coordination of field-based data collection activities, review of evaluations reports, sharing of evaluation findings and recommendations with intended audiences
 Participate in programme development activities like strategy reviews and contextual analysis, other specific studies as required.
 Actively support the broader Concern Lebanon and Concern Worldwide organisational initiatives within the context of knowledge management, planning monitoring and evaluation and sharing innovations and learning from Concern interventions.
 Adhere to the standards of conduct outlined in Concern’s safeguarding policy and Code of Conduct.
 Participate in and contribute to relevant inter-agency efforts to agree and develop coordinated/ joint M&E and accountability frameworks and mechanisms as relevant.
 Support Concern’s work in Lebanon by undertaking other tasks as appropriate and required.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
 Master’s degree [statistics, information technology, economics etc.] in a relevant field of study from a recognized university
 At least 3 years of relevant professional experience working in MEAL or an associated field
 Demonstrable experience of gathering, analysing and presenting quantitative and qualitative data
 Fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic
 Proven ability to work effectively with others
 Strong interpersonal skills
 Detail-oriented, able to organise and manage various programme files
 Good organisational and coordination skills
 High degree of computer literacy, particularly with Microsoft Office [strong Excel skills essential]
 Ability to work under pressure, to prioritize and meet deadlines
 Ability to write code in XLSForm, Java, SQL, VBA, other
 Potential and flexibility of attitude to learn

REQUIRED
 Experience with mobile data collection technology and software e.g. ODK tools
 Experience working on the development, management and/or maintenance of databases
 Practical experience using participatory and result-based management approaches in MEAL