Position Title: MEAL Advisor
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted. Due to the urgency of this position, applications will be short-listed regularly, and we may offer this post before the closing date.
Please note that this is an unaccompanied position.
The Health Support Organisation (THESO) is a South Sudanese-based 501 (C) (3) registered non-profit organisation dedicated to saving lives and relieving suffering through evidenced value-based humanitarian and developmental programs.
For over 15 years, THESO has been a beacon of hope, transforming lives in developing countries through evidence-based, sustainable humanitarian and development programs. We offer a strategic platform for donors to invest in impactful initiatives across health, education, WASH, nutrition, and livelihoods because we see the strength and resilience of our beneficiaries. We believe in their potential and strive to create a world where they can access the essentials for a dignified and prosperous life. Partnering with THESO means collaborating with a trusted, results-oriented organisation that delivers lasting change for millions through our diverse programs in health, education, WASH, and more, we empower beneficiaries with the tools and opportunities they need to build a brighter future for them. Our comprehensive expertise in health, education, WASH, and more, combined with our deep understanding of local contexts, creates fertile ground for innovative partnerships that deliver transformative impact.
THESO stands as a committed partner in achieving national development goals as we stand beside governments and communities on their journey towards self-sufficiency and dignity. We align our programs with government priorities, providing evidence-based, culturally sensitive interventions that complement and strengthen existing systems. Our expertise in key areas like health, education, WASH, and food security empowers communities and contributes to sustainable economic growth.
At THESO, you're not just an employee, you're a changemaker. You're part of a dedicated team driven by a shared passion: to alleviate suffering and empower communities. We offer a dynamic and fulfilling work environment where your expertise and talent make a tangible difference in the lives of millions.
Make a difference by volunteering your time and skills with THESO and experience the transformational power of hands-on service. Whether you're a medical professional, educator, engineer, or simply someone with a generous heart, your contribution counts. We offer diverse volunteer opportunities across various sectors, allowing you to connect with communities, share your knowledge, and be a catalyst for positive change. Let's work together to build a brighter future by co-creating a future where no community is left behind, and where health, education, and dignity are fundamental rights for all.
THESO is seeking to recruit an MEAL Advisor for its South Sudan program to be based in its Operations Office in Juba working closely with the administrative office in Washington DC.
The role of the MEAL Advisor is to establish and implement systems to promote evidence-based decision-making, and program and project performance; support and strengthen the capacity of MEAL staff; promote program accountability and learning; provide advice on strategic objectives by supporting service delivery to beneficiaries through effective and innovative communications; ensure compliance with donor requirements and standards.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Developing MEAL framework
- In close collaboration with the Program Director, lead the MEAL system and process development, by creating a framework and procedures according to the projects’ strategies and log frames.
- Define the detailed responsibilities of the MEAL team
- Lead the training of MEAL staff
- Maintain and further develop qualitative and quantitative practices and processes.
- Put in place systems and mechanisms for collecting data to monitor the development of defined indicators under the comprehensive reporting framework;
- Propose any relevant adjustments for the set-up of the MEAL Department to the line manager;
Implementing the Monitoring & Evaluation plan per project
- Contribute to defining methodologies and tools for assessment, monitoring, and evaluation exercises for each project, including data collection and analysis tools and processes, in coherence with mission policies;
- Keep track of all projects and grants monitoring and evaluation schedules and implementation of monitoring and evaluation procedures;
- Ensuring quality, accuracy, and confidentiality of data and the serious follow-up of available guidelines.
- Ensuring good communication with operational teams on the preparation of activities, implementation, results, and aims of the MEAL team.
- Report immediately any incident report – transmitted by the managed teams – to the line manager, while ensuring the confidentiality of it.
- Conduct field visits frequently to THESO project sites in Kenya and South Sudan to monitor community/stakeholder participation, and project activities, provide technical assistance, and troubleshoot.
Providing grant proposals and reports with accurate quantitative and qualitative data
- Support in the development of proposals and reports by collecting and analyzing quality and accurate data and by keeping an organized archive system for MEAL-related activities;
- Participate in the preparation of results frameworks, performance monitoring, and evaluation plans for new projects including the harmonization/standardization of indicators, data collection methodologies, timelines, and measurement tools;
- Send regular reports on the MEAL team activities to the line manager;
- Produce timely MEAL reports including narrative, statistics, data analysis, and proper recommendations according to the MEAL work plan reporting schedule;
- Contribute to other necessary reports upon request from the line manager
Capacity Development and Institutional Knowledge Building
- Organize regular lessons learned sessions with the implementation teams by presenting the results of evaluations and formulating recommendations/lessons learned;
- Participate in strengthening MEAL capacities through gathering of experience and sharing of best practices.
- Develop evaluation tools sampling methods and protocols
- Conduct qualitative and quantitative surveys of program impact to ensure the project goals are being met to enable THESO to constantly improve the quality of program implementation.
- Support the deployments of renewed MEAL policy in the implementation area.
Team management
- Follow up his/her team according to the HR policy missions’ Standards (daily management, performance evaluation, leaves management, etc.);
- Ensure performance evaluation of his / her team, and set up and follow up individual or team objectives
- Train his/her team and be proactive regarding internal or external training opportunities;
- Ensure a good communication, coordination, and information level of each member of the team through regular coordination meetings (or other if needed)
- Ensure efficient coordination with the other departments
- Participate in the hiring process for MEAL; as needed
Any other duties that may be assigned by the line manager
Note: the above-mentioned responsibilities are key ones, there might be other duties to be appointed by the Program Director.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE AND ATTRIBUTES
- Master’s degree in a relevant field (Statistics; International Development; Development Economics, Sociology, Project Management; Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, etc.).
- A minimum of five years experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning of programs in the development and or humanitarian sectors.
- Ability to coordinate complex monitoring and evaluation functions with regionally-dispersed partners in complex programs
- Strong verbal and written communication skills including experience in writing reports in English.
- Proven ability to analyse and synthesise complex issues.
- Experience with qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
- Strong interpersonal skills, excellent coordination, and guiding skills.
- Ability to think critically and strategically
- Demonstrated ability, tact, and sensitivity in working across institutional boundaries, business units, and teams in an effective and productive way
- Experience in operationalizing a human rights-based approach and integrating a gender perspective in project design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Experience and Knowledge of Grants management processes
- Very good analytical and writing skills
- A critical mind, and ability to ask questions and analyze situations.
- Strong understanding of project cycle management
- Good management capacities and team leadership spirit
- Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills;
- Strong communication and reporting skills;
- Ability to solve problems in the field with staff, local committees, and beneficiaries.
- Ability to manage remote teams.
- Good command of spoken and written English and Arabic.
- Excellent command of Excel and other database applications and ability to use software for database design
- Experience in programming Microsoft Excel and Access Databases
- Prior experience in SPSS, KOBO, or equivalent systems
Minimum Skills
- Three years of experience in a similar position.
- Experience in international non-profit organizations, and relief organizations.
- Good level / English
Desirable
Postgraduate training in project planning and management, monitoring and evaluation, or relevant field.
Knowledge and work experience from more than one country in the region.
Demonstrable experience working with an adaptive management approach, and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities.
The ability to understand, speak, read, and write in Arabic will be an advantage
Key Attributes
Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to cultural differences and gender issues, as well as the commitment to equal opportunities.
Ability to demonstrate an openness and willingness to learn about the application of gender/gender mainstreaming, women’s rights, and diversity for all aspects of development work.
Commitment to THESO’s safeguarding policies to ensure all people who come into contact with THESO are as safe as possible.
Organisational Values
Accountability – Our purpose-driven, results-focused approach means we take responsibility for our actions and hold ourselves accountable. We believe that others should also be held accountable for their actions.
Empowerment – Our approach means that everyone involved with THESO, from our staff and supporters to people living in poverty, should feel they can make change happen.
Inclusiveness – We are open to everyone and embrace diversity. We believe everyone has a contribution to make, regardless of visible and invisible differences.
Note to Candidates: Shortlisted Candidates will be assessed on our organisational values and attributes at the interview stage. The successful candidate(s) will be expected to adhere to our code of conduct.
How to apply
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send her/his CV with a cover letter and supporting documents addressed to the Operations Director, The Health Support Organisation (THESO). Email: hr@theso.org copying info@theso.org
THESO is an equal opportunity employer and qualified women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
NB: Only shortlisted applicants shall be contacted for interviews.