MEAL Assistant

Position description

The Near East Foundation (NEF) is seeking candidates for a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Assistant position, to be based in Hasakah. NEF is a non-profit international development organization that has supported livelihoods recovery and community-based economic development in the Middle East, Africa, and Caucasus since 1915. NEF draws on local teams, experience, and partnerships in these regions to create community-led solutions to improve livelihoods and local governance among conflict and crisis-affected groups, while maintaining neutrality and ensuring inclusiveness in our approach. Working through a network of country offices and local partners, NEF has operations in ten countries: Armenia, Jordan, Lebanon, Iraq, Mali, Morocco, Palestine, Sudan, South Sudan, and Syria. Our programs are organized around three pillars: Inclusive Economic Development, Climate-resilient Development, and Stabilization and Peacebuilding.

Responsibilities

Data Collection

• Support data collection and internal reporting, ensuring tools are correctly understood and used by program and field teams, under guidance from the MEAL Officer .
• Collect, enter, and analyze data monthly, quarterly, and annually, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
• Identify challenges in the data collection process and report them to the MEAL Officer for resolution.
• Conduct monitoring field visits, phone verifications, and facilitate Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) using MEAL-developed tools and guidelines.
• Support in the training, guidance , and supervision of volunteers and field associates in conducting assessments and surveys (e.g., baselines, follow-ups, end-lines), using KOBO and/or AKVO tools.
• Document activities with photos, ensuring proper consent is obtained and filed according to MEAL guidelines.
• Assist the MEAL Officer by sharing field insights to ensure surveys and tools are suitable and appropriate for the local context.

Data Management and Analysis 

• Verify and ensure the accuracy and completeness of collected data in collaboration with the MEAL Officer .
• Maintain a clean and accurate database, including the Digital Lending Management System (LMS) and coordinate with the MEAL Officer and IM Coordinator for reporting.
• Assist in producing reports and tools to share with project implementation teams.
• Organize and maintain a filing system for all MEAL-related files and supporting documentation, prioritizing digital records.

Learning

• Provide input to the management team on new initiatives and improvements in MEAL processes.
• Collect and prepare visibility materials (success stories, case studies, etc.) in close coordination with the MEAL Officer .
• Integrate findings from data collection and analysis into learning documents in close coordination with the MEAL Officer .
• Support the implementation of lessons learned workshops in close coordination with the MEAL Officer.

Accountability:

• Conduct awareness sessions for staff and communities on the FCRM, ensuring understanding of available feedback tools.
• Ensure beneficiaries understand project objectives, selection criteria, and available feedback channels.
• Monitor Feedback and Complaint Response Mechanisms (FCRM), ensuring accessibility, cultural appropriateness, and confidentiality.
• Conduct spot checks with beneficiaries to assess satisfaction with NEF services and staff.
• Assist beneficiaries in submitting feedback or complaints, ensuring transparency and proper follow-up.
• Document accountability-related issues, including complaints, resolutions, and lessons learned, in coordination with the MEAL team.

Other Duties

• Perform additional responsibilities as required or requested.

Qualifications

The successful candidate must be a self-directed individual with the following qualifications:

Basic Qualifications

• University degree in Social Science or any relevant field of study and field experience dealing with data collection, management, analysis and reporting.
• At least one year of M&E experience in a development or humanitarian setting with a particular focus on data collection and management.
• Working knowledge of principles of results-oriented monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience using research methods with mixed-methods data collection and analysis skills.
• Ability to manage and analyze quantitative data in Microsoft Excel or similar software.
• Experience using Data collection tools such as smartphone-based data collection software, especially KOBO and AKVO software, and data bases
• Must be eligible to work and reside in Syria without NEF sponsorship.

NEF will accept rolling applications until the position is filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. 

Application instructions

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