BACKGROUND
The International Rescue Committee’s mission is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their future. Founded over 80 years ago, the IRC is a leading humanitarian and development organization with presence in more than 40 countries. Across contexts, the IRC is committed to delivering innovative, high-impact programs tailored to the needs of communities affected by crisis.
The International Rescue Committee began responding to the growing humanitarian crisis in Honduras since 2018. IRC Honduras has reached more than 243,745 people with integrated services including research-driven education interventions, gender-based violence response programs, child protection services, protection coordination, cash for families in crisis and increased access to trustworthy information. The IRC serves individuals and families who are internally displaced, returned asylum seekers and refugees, and survivors of violence especially women, girls, and the LGBTQ+ population. Where there are gaps in the delivery of humanitarian assistance for people identified as most at risk of harm, IRC delivers direct services and works to strengthen national systems.
SCOPE OF WORK
The IRC seeks a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Advisor for an anticipated five-year USAID Improved (Re)Integration Services activity. The project will increase sustainable (re)integration of returned Honduran migrants and internally displaced persons (IDPs) to reduce irregular migration to the US and ensure that returnees and IDPs find safety, as well as satisfactory social services and economic opportunities, within communities of origin. The $15.5M Improved (Re)Integration Services Activity will focus on empowering and enabling existing local government and NGOs to provide better services with more uniformity in the quality of services across the country, suggestions for policy improvement and execution related to inclusive services for returnees and IDPs, including case management, and improve community outreach interventions.
The MEAL Advisor will be responsible for developing and implementing the project’s monitoring, evaluation, and learning strategy, in accordance with IRC, USAID, and international best practices. S/he will work closely with the Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party, technical staff, technical and local partners to ensure that relevant data is collected, analyzed, and used to inform management and design decision, and to provide project updates, as required.
This position is contingent on the IRC being awarded funding and is anticipated to begin in November 2023. The position is based in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
- Develop, manage and implement a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning strategy for the project, including a system across all project components that leverages qualitative and quantitative methods, and draws from a variety of data sources to measure progress and evaluate impact, as well as support collaboration, learning, and adaptation;
- Participate and provide input to project strategy, including necessary adjustments or refinements to the project workplan;
- Develop, coordinate and strengthen capacity sharing partnerships with MEAL counterparts of partner agencies, technical partners, local organizations and Government entities;
- Support the commitment and contribution of MEAL teams and various partners at all stages of project implementation;
- Represent the project on MEAL aspects at internal and external meetings, forums, and other events;
- Champion design, access and use of data by leaders and partners for shared learning and evidence-based decision-making;
- Shape and implement MEAL systems and approaches that meet USAID and IRC’s standards and practices, project and program needs, enable accountability to clients, partners, and donors, and foster program learning;
- Promote technological and social innovation in MEAL;
- Reinforce integration of cross-sectoral priorities in MEAL, including gender, protection, safeguarding, disaster risk reduction, Gender Equality - Diversity – Inclusion, and Do No Harm;
- Develop and ensure compliance with procedures for collection and reporting of program performance data to provide quality and timely data;
- Support the implementation of beneficiary accountability processes throughout the project.
Technical Oversight
- Provide technical leadership for an efficient monitoring system and reliable processes throughout the project cycle from the design, implementation to close-out and learning including:
- Using learning and evidence from internal and external sources including previous projects to inform proposal design and Theory of Change;
- Developing and operationalizing, logical framework, MEAL plan, data collection tools, processes for data management, consolidation and back-up, clients feedback approaches, quality checks and audits, and data visualization;
- Conduct regular visits to project sites to provide on-site technical assistance, ensure proper monitoring of project activities and efficient implementation of project tools;
- Develop and advocate for adequate MEAL budget and staffing structure for the project;
- Producing high-quality data, analysis, reports, presentations, and dashboard of key findings that foster learning and decision-making and share in key meetings such as project cycle meetings and strategic senior management team meetings;
- Communicate information obtained through MEAL activities to program staff, and external stakeholders, including USAID, to enable informed decision making;
- Provide technical leadership for the design, method, and conduct of surveys such as baseline, midline and endline, and the commission of evaluations and surveys as required in coordination with program management, technical advisors, and consortium partners when needed;
- Lead and advocate for the expansion of standard mobile data technology and online dashboard to enhance timeliness and quality of data collection, analysis and visualization;
- Provide technical leadership to project efforts in meeting its internal and external accountability commitments through the implementation of sound accountability, client feedback, and response mechanisms.
Human Resources
- Promote the growth and development of others in the project team and partners by assessing proficiencies, developing and leading targeted learning and training strategy, providing coaching, mentoring and supporting M&E and MEAL staff, providing vital tools and resources, as well as on the job training;
- Supervise medium to large sized MEAL team across multiple sectors and geographical areas by setting clear performance objectives, managing staff work plans, establishing regular performance reviews, championing a positive working environment for professional development, fostering an inclusive and respectful team climate, where all staff are valued and respected and can contribute to their maximum potential;
- Support consortium partners, when necessary, on the recruitment of project MEAL staff, support their onboarding and training when required.
REQUIREMENTS
- Advanced degree (PhD or MA) from an accredited university in Social sciences, International development, Evaluation research, Statistics, or a related discipline required; equivalent experience may be substituted for graduate degree;
- Minimum of seven years of experience in MEAL experience on multi-million-dollar humanitarian or development projects in crisis-affected contexts, preferably for USAID;
- Experience with USAID’s collaborating, learning, and adapting (CLA) approach preferred;
- Significant previous experience working in conflict or crisis situations, preferably in North Central America and/or Honduras;
- Leadership experience and proven technical skills in setting up quality M&E and MEAL system that leads to evidence-based decision-making for multi-sectorial and multi-donor funded programs;
- Demonstrated ability to transfer knowledge to diverse audiences through training, mentoring, and other formal and non-formal methods together with strong presentation and reporting skills;
- Strong management and social skills and proven track record to work with diverse groups of people in a multicultural environment;
- Self-motivated with excellent organization, planning, and analytical skills - able to work without close supervision, including prioritizing work and multi-tasking;
- Proficiency and experience with mobile data collection such as Kobo, CommCare, ODK Collect as well as proficiency with Microsoft Excel, SPSS, STATA or other similar software;
- Knowledge of Tableau, PowerBi or GIS software are additional assets;
- Strong understanding of accountability and proven ability to build Client Feedback Systems is a distinct advantage;
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain productive working relationships with a wide network of partners and stakeholders;
- Experience working to incorporate issues of Government accountability, transparency, and equity in Education programs, including gender equality, diversity, and disability inclusion;
- Capacity to work well under pressure, and the ability to communicate appropriately and effectively cross‐culturally is critical;
- The candidate must be fluent in English and Spanish.
The IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable laws.
WOMEN, MINORITIES AND PEOPLE LIVING WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.
Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.
Gender Equality: IRC is committed to narrowing the gender gap in leadership positions. We offer benefits that provide an enabling environment for women to participate in our workforce including parental leave, gender-sensitive security protocols and other supportive benefits and allowances.
Professional Standards: The IRC and IRC staff must adhere to the values and principles outlined in IRC Way – Global Standards for Professional Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Anti-Workplace Harassment, Fiscal Integrity, and Anti-Retaliation.
Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
How to apply
Please apply on our website:
https://rescue.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/44869?c=rescue