Purpose of the Role

The MEAL Officer is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) system for the project. The role ensures the collection, analysis, and reporting of high-quality data to support evidence-based decision-making, donor compliance, accountability to stakeholders, and continuous programme improvement.

The MEAL Officer leads project monitoring activities, manages data collection systems and reporting processes, supports organizational capacity assessments, coordinates accountability mechanisms, and contributes to project evaluations and learning initiatives.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. MEAL System Development and Management

• Develop, implement, and maintain the project MEAL framework, including indicators, data collection methodologies, reporting requirements, and accountability mechanisms.
• Design and update data collection tools, monitoring templates, and reporting instruments.
• Establish and manage digital data collection and management systems.
• Ensure consistent application of data collection standards, methodologies, and data disaggregation requirements across project locations.
• Build the capacity of project staff and partners on MEAL tools, systems, and reporting requirements.

2. Monitoring and Data Management

• Coordinate routine monitoring activities and ensure timely collection, verification, and consolidation of project data.
• Maintain project databases and ensure the accuracy, completeness, confidentiality, and integrity of data.
• Conduct data quality assessments and verification exercises to strengthen data reliability.
• Monitor progress against project indicators, targets, and results frameworks.
• Produce regular monitoring reports, dashboards, and performance analyses to support project management and decision-making.

3. Assessments, Research, and Organizational Capacity Development

• Lead and support baseline assessments, organizational capacity assessments, surveys, and other data collection exercises.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data and prepare assessment reports and findings.
• Support the use of assessment results to inform project planning, adaptive management, and organizational strengthening initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of evidence-based recommendations and lessons learned.

4. Accountability and Learning

• Establish and manage project feedback, complaint, and response mechanisms to ensure accountability to beneficiaries and stakeholders.
• Monitor and document feedback, complaints, and responses in accordance with organizational procedures.
• Escalate safeguarding or serious complaints through appropriate reporting channels.
• Facilitate learning activities, reflection sessions, and knowledge-sharing processes across project teams and partners.
• Promote the integration of lessons learned and best practices into programme implementation.

5. Evaluation and Reporting

• Support the planning and management of project evaluations, reviews, and learning exercises.
• Coordinate with external evaluators and support evaluation processes, including data collection, documentation, and logistics.
• Contribute to donor reporting by preparing MEAL-related analyses, indicator updates, results narratives, and evidence of achievements.
• Ensure timely submission of MEAL inputs for project reports and management reviews.

6. Coordination and Capacity Building

• Provide technical support and mentoring to project staff and partners on monitoring, data management, reporting, and accountability systems.
• Promote data-driven decision-making across the project team.
• Coordinate closely with programme, finance, and operations staff to ensure integration of MEAL processes into project implementation.
• Support organizational efforts to strengthen MEAL systems and practices.

7. Other Duties

• Perform any other duties related to the position as assigned by the Senior Program Manager or Program & Operations Director / Country Manager.

Required Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Social Sciences, Statistics, International Development, Research Methods, Monitoring and Evaluation, or a related field.
• A Master's degree is considered an advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of four years of relevant MEAL experience within NGOs, international organizations, or development programmes.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing MEAL systems for donor-funded projects.
• Experience with organizational capacity assessments, surveys, evaluations, and data collection methodologies.
• Experience contributing to donor reporting and results-based management processes.
• Experience supporting accountability and beneficiary feedback mechanisms is highly desirable.

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning principles and methodologies.
• Experience using digital data collection platforms such as KoBoToolbox, ODK, or similar systems.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel; knowledge of SPSS, STATA, Power BI, R, or other analytical software is an asset.
• Experience with results frameworks, indicator tracking, and performance measurement systems.
• Strong report writing, presentation, and data visualization skills.

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to translate complex data into practical recommendations.
• Strong facilitation, communication, and capacity-building skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet reporting deadlines.
• Commitment to accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.

Languages

• Fluency in Arabic and English, both written and spoken, is required.
• Knowledge of Kurdish is an advantage.

Please submit a complete application package including ALL the requirements in the following application form link below- incomplete applications will not be considered:

• A current Curriculum Vitae (CV) in English or Arabic, maximum 4 pages.
• A cover letter of maximum one page, tailored to this specific position and demonstrating how your professional experience meets the essential requirements. Generic or untailored cover letters will not advance in the review process.
• Contact details for three professional references (previous employers or direct supervisors). References will not be contacted without advance notice to the candidate.

Link of the application form here >> Application Form