BACKGROUND: 

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world’s worst humanitarian crises and helps people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and gain control of their lives. The IRC works with people forced to flee from war, conflict and disaster and the host communities which support them, as well as those who remain within their homes and communities. We began work in Ethiopia since 2000 and currently implementing emergency and development programs in health, water and sanitation, economic recovery and development (ERD), women’s protection and empowerment, education, child protection, and multi-sectoral emergency response. 

The IRC has a focus on narrowing the gender gap in humanitarian aid and ensuring that we contribute to gender equality, diversity, and inclusion in both our programs and operations by working to establish a context where our clients (including those from minority groups) enjoy the same rights and opportunities as well as an equal access to services. The IRC also has a strong commitment to creating an equitable and inclusive culture, where safeguarding is upheld in our workplace and programs. We are determined to protect our clients and staff from safeguarding violations through prevention and, where misconduct is alleged, to address it without fear or favor.

Job Overview

The position reports technically to Health & Nutrition MEAL Manager and administratively to the GAVI REACH Project Coordinator. The posts highly demand working in close collaboration with the Health and Nutrition program and IRC MEAL department to optimize monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning capacities and opportunities of IRC mission in Ethiopia, Addis Ababa Office, to ensure high-quality programming for the clients we serve and support the global ambitions of IRC Strategy 100, and the Country Strategic Action Plan. The Senior MEAL Officer oversees, leads, and implements MEAL activities and manages the GAVI REACH Project data collected from, six regions of 110 districts.

Major Responsibilities: 

Leadership and Partnership 

• Support all technical aspects and actions of MEAL to IRC and consortium partners of the GAVI Reach project and other health and nutrition projects; respond to program needs; foster high standards and practices for quality data collection, analysis, and reports. Enable accountability to clients, partners, and donors. 

• Implement and support MEAL system and approaches in your areas of expertise and foster learning as per the IRC MEAL Standards. 

• Represent IRC at technical meetings, forums, and other events & build partnerships within IRC and area of expertise. 

• Champion access and use of data for shared learning, sound decision-making, and data-informed programmatic adaptations.

Technical Oversight 

• Run the GAVI Reach MEAL system and processes in harmony with the MEAL Country and Global Strategies throughout the project cycle which include: 

• Develop logical frameworks, MEAL plans, digital data collection tools, processes for online data management.

• Ensure the collection and management of disaggregated client overview for the GAVI project. 

• Establish and ensure timely data flow, quality checks, and audits, and updating of data visualization.

• Undertake regular analysis of monitoring data and work closely with H&N MEAL Manager, GAVI Program Manager and Coordinators to facilitate decision-making for real-time program adaptation. 

• Produce quality reports and updating dashboards with key findings that foster learning and decision-making and share in project cycle management meetings and team meetings. 

• Support the use of standard mobile data technology and online dashboard to enhance timeliness and quality of data collection, analysis, and visualization. 

• Engage in the design, method, and conduct of surveys such as baseline and end-line, and the commission of evaluations in coordination with MEAL Unit and partners. 

• Contribute to the H&N MEAL Manager in the sector’s MEAL activities

• Provide documentation and dissemination of key findings stemming from monitoring, assessment, client feedback channels and other learning activities 

• Use learning, evidence, and data from previous projects to inform project proposal design 

• Identify, document, and share client feedback to improve services and results for our clients. 

• Join and contribute to IRC’s effort in meeting its internal and external accountability commitments through the implementation of sound accountability, client feedback, and response mechanisms. 

• Provide technical support to field offices when there is a need 

• Facilitate capacity building for program staff (especially the MEAL focal points/sector managers) on skill, and knowledge related to M&E, accountability, and learning, including IRC global initiatives. 

• Conduct monitoring visits to field offices, sub-offices, and intervention areas to provide training, technical assistance, and support, as well as to ensure that M&E and CRA tools and strategies are understood and being implemented effectively.

Safeguarding Responsibilities: - 

• Promote and actively participate in initiatives and efforts to build team engagement, inclusion, and cohesion in IRC [team/office]

• Work closely with the Safe Programming Team and Sectors to ensure gender equality and client safety.

• Foster ongoing learning, honest dialogue, and reflection to strengthen safeguarding and promote IRC values and adherence to IRC policies.

Human Resources 

• Lead and mentor the Roving MEAL Officer; foster timely and high-quality achievement, and an inclusive and respectful team climate. 

• Promote the growth and development of others in IRC teams and partners: present high-quality technical training and learning material for partners, colleagues, and junior staff. 

• Participate in the recruitment and onboarding of field incentive workers and enumerators. 

Key Working Relationships: 

• Position Technically reports to the Health & Nutrition MEAL Manager & administratively to the project coordinator.

• Supervise the GAVI REACH Roving MEAL Officer.

Other Internal and/or external contacts: 

• Internal: Program Coordinators/Managers throughout the Country program   

• External: Consortium partner MEAL focal, MoH, RHB, Zonal Health offices, UN-Agencies, Beneficiaries, and other key stakeholders. 

Job Requirements: 

Educational Requirements:

• BA/MA in Public health, Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Project Management, Economics, Development studies and related fields. 

Preferred experience & skills: 

• A minimum of 2 years of working experience (2 years for first degree or 1 year for postgraduate degree) in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning-related functions in an international NGO or EPI program/ humanitarian and development health program is preferable. 

• Demonstrated understanding of direct monitoring and evaluation experience specifically in the expanded program of immunization (EPI) in humanitarian and development contexts. 

• Possess basic technical knowledge of M&E approaches and techniques in the following areas: Outputs, Outcome monitoring; Theories of Change, Logical frameworks, Data collection, Basic data analysis, Accountability, Client feedback mechanisms. 

• Experience in conducting primary quantitative data collection and data entry. 

• Basic proficiency and experience with mobile data collection such as Kobo, CommCare, ODK is required, knowledge of Tableau, PowerBi, or GIS software tools are additional assets. 

• Good computer skills in MS Office, especially Excel; and Word – with experience in writing reports. 

• Self-motivated and pro-active attitude with good organization, planning, and analytic skills, including prioritizing work, multi-tasking, and attention to detail. 

• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and in constantly evolving work environments. 

• Demonstrated analytical, systematic thinking, and problem-solving skills are definite assets. 

• A strong understanding of accountability and proven ability to build Client Feedback Systems 

• Willingness to travel to various field-level offices/sub-offices or sites [60%] 

Language Skills: 

• Fluency in English (written and speaking)

How to Apply

Candidates meeting the above qualifications are encouraged to apply only through the below IRC online recruitment using THIS LINK

Please include 3 references from current and former employers.

Applications will not be returned. IRC discourages phone calls or personal visits.

Only applicants meeting the minimum qualification will be short-listed and contacted.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your application letter/cover letter must include the following information. 

• Name of the position you have applied for 

• Date of application 

• Summary of  your qualifications and experience 

• Motivation/objective of why you have applied for the job

• Permanent Address and present address (if different from permanent) and telephone number if possible also email address 

• Disclose any family relationships with existing IRC employees. 

IRC is an equal employment opportunity employer.  IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status or disability.

IRC strives to build a diverse and inclusive team at all levels who as individuals, and as a group, embody our culture statement creating a working environment characterized by critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity for us to achieve our aspirations as a team and deliver the best possible services to our clients. 

Professional Standards: 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 Anti-Retaliation and Combating Trafficking in Persons

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