Job Description

TERMS OF REFERENCES

Position: MEAL Officer

Operation Areas: Hargeisa, and field work

Reporting to: Program Manager

Duration : 1 year with possibility of extension  

1.      ABOUT NAFIS NETWORK

NAFIS NETWORK against FGM/C in Somaliland (NAFIS) is a non-political, non-governmental, and humanitarian network established in November 2006 in Hargeisa, Somaliland by several local NGOs. NAFIS is committed to eradicating FGM/C through coordination, networking, policy framework, research documentation, capacity building, and media awareness. Currently, NAFIS has 20 member organizations operating in all regions of Somaliland.

2.      ABOUT THE POSITION

The MEAL Officer will be responsible for implementing and overseeing the monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning processes for NAFIS programs. This includes working alongside the Program Manager to support in the development of project proposals, fundraising efforts, and managing partnerships to advance the Network's objectives.

3.      KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1.                        Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E)

• MEAL Systems Development

·         Design and develop comprehensive MEAL frameworks for NAFIS Network’s programs, including setting clear indicators, establishing data collection methods, and identifying key performance areas for each project.

·         Ensure that all projects have an integrated MEAL system that is designed to collect, analyze, and report data regularly to monitor progress and ensure accountability.

• Monitoring Project Progress

·         Oversee the monitoring of project progress against work plans, targets, and key performance indicators (KPIs).

·         Ensure effective and timely collection of monitoring data using standardized tools and methodologies.

·         Regularly track program outputs and outcomes, providing feedback to program teams for adaptive management and improvements.

• Evaluation & Impact Assessment

·         Design, plan, and lead both internal and external evaluations of NAFIS Network’s projects, including baseline assessments, midterm reviews, and final evaluations.

·         Analyze evaluation results, document findings, and ensure lessons learned are disseminated to stakeholders.

·         Lead the creation of evaluation reports, ensuring they are comprehensive, clear, and actionable for all stakeholders.

3.2.                        Accountability

·         Establish and manage beneficiary feedback systems to ensure accountability to the communities NAFIS Network serves.

·         Develop and maintain robust accountability mechanisms to promote transparency and ensure that project activities meet the needs and expectations of beneficiaries.

·         Promote a culture of continuous learning within the organization by facilitating the documentation and sharing of lessons learned, success stories, and challenges encountered in program implementation.

·         Regularly organize learning events, feedback sessions, and internal reviews to enhance organizational learning and knowledge sharing.

3.3.                        Learning and Reporting:

·         Lead the documentation of lessons learned, best practices, and challenges encountered during program implementation.

·         Support the development of regular reports for internal and external stakeholders (donors, partners, government bodies) as per the program requirements.

·         Ensure that learning from M&E activities is incorporated into future program design and decision-making.

·         Organize and facilitate learning events (e.g., workshops, reviews) to share key insights and improve the quality of programming.

3.4.                        Proposal Writing and Fundraising

·         Lead and contribute to the writing of project proposals, including the development of logical frameworks (log frames), work plans, and monitoring & evaluation components.

·         Ensuring proposals meet donor requirements, align with NAFIS Network’s strategic goals, and incorporate appropriate monitoring and evaluation strategies.

·         Work closely with program teams to gather relevant data, project plans, and other inputs to develop high-quality proposals for donor submission.

·         Support the preparation of timely, accurate, and high-quality donor reports on the status of project activities, outputs, and outcomes, ensuring they align with reporting requirements.

·         Provide technical assistance in writing narrative and financial reports for donors and other stakeholders.

3.5.                        Capacity Building:

·         Provide technical guidance and support to NAFIS Network staff and partner organizations on monitoring, evaluation, and accountability processes.

·         Design and deliver MEAL training workshops and capacity-building activities for staff, partners, and beneficiaries.

·         Develop MEAL tools, templates, and guidelines for use across NAFIS Network’s programs.

·         Provide ongoing mentoring and coaching to project staff to ensure effective use of monitoring tools and data collection systems.

3.6.                        Data Management and Reporting

• Ensure the timely collection, entry, and analysis of project data, including quantitative and qualitative data.
• Work with the program team to ensure data is appropriately analyzed, interpreted, and presented for decision-making and reporting purposes.
• Prepare regular and ad hoc reports on monitoring and evaluation activities, highlighting key findings, trends, challenges, and recommendations.
• Ensure the dissemination of key monitoring and evaluation reports to stakeholders, including donors, government entities, and community leaders.

3.7.                         Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

·         Work closely with program teams, advocacy teams, and senior management to ensure MEAL systems are effectively integrated into project design and implementation.

·         Collaborate with external consultants and evaluators to coordinate evaluations and other MEAL-related activities.

• Engage with external stakeholders, including donors, government representatives, and other NGOs, to share MEAL-related findings and contribute to the development of joint strategies.

Experiences and Qualifications

1.1.                        Education:

• A Bachelor's or master’s degree in social sciences, Development Studies, Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management, Statistics, or a related field.
• Additional certifications or training in Monitoring and Evaluation, Data Analysis, or Proposal Writing are an advantage.

1.2.                        Experience:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in the field of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL), preferably in the non-profit sector or development programs.
• Experience working in women’s rights, gender-based violence, human rights, or similar thematic areas is highly desirable.
• Proven track record in designing, implementing, and managing MEAL frameworks and systems for complex projects, especially in the context of community-based organizations.
• Experience in proposal writing for donor-funded projects, including developing logframes, budgets, and donor-specific reporting.
• Demonstrated ability to carry out qualitative and quantitative data collection, analysis, and reporting.
• Experience in conducting evaluations, surveys, needs assessments, and baseline studies.

1.3.                        Skills and Competencies:

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage large datasets and extract actionable insights.
• Excellent writing, communication, and presentation skills, with the ability to translate technical data into accessible and impactful reports.
• Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation tools, methodologies, and best practices, including experience with participatory M&E approaches.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and experience using data management and analysis tools (e.g., SPSS, STATA, or similar software).
• The ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven experience in training and mentoring staff and partners on MEAL processes and tools.
• A strong commitment to gender equality, human rights, and accountability, with the ability to work with diverse stakeholders, including community members, local organizations, and donors.
• Fluency in English, Somali, both written and spoken. Proficiency in additional languages is a plus.

Skills Required

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