MEAL Advisor

TERMS OF REFERENCE (TOR)/ JOB DESCRIPTION Position: MEAL Advisor Reports to: DCD Program Location: Based in Port Sudan, with frequent travel to the field in RI operational states Starting date: 01/11/2024 Direct Reports: MEAL Manager, Accountability Officer, MEAL Coordinator Indirect Reports: Field-based MEAL staff Budget Responsibilities: The MEAL Advisor is responsible for overseeing MEAL budgeting during proposal development and monitoring MEAL-related expenditures. This includes ensuring that appropriate resources are allocated for MEAL activities across all proposals ABOUT RI: Relief International is a leading global organization and home to teams of humanitarian activist-professionals committed to transforming adversity into renewal for the world’s most vulnerable populations. By partnering with beneficiaries and communities on the frontlines, RI innovatively bridges the gap between immediate relief and long-term community development. ROLE PURPOSE The MEAL Advisor will lead the design, improvement, and implementation of Relief International’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems in Sudan. The primary focus of this role is to ensure robust, accurate, and timely monitoring systems are in place for all projects. This includes performance tracking, data management, benchmarking, and accountability systems to ensure program quality. The MEAL Advisor will also oversee the consolidation of Country Office Program Quality Key Performance Indicators and contribute to quarterly and annual reports for donors and stakeholders. This role requires working closely with thematic leads to develop and refine log frames and results frameworks, ensuring that program indicators align with SMART objectives and contribute to program goals. The MEAL Advisor will lead efforts to develop a strong accountability system, ensuring timely follow-up on any issues raised by the community. The MEAL Advisor will also create processes for consistent data utilization and learning within the Country Office, enabling evidence-based decision-making for programme improvement. As a key member of the Extended Senior Management Team (ESMT), the MEAL Advisor will contribute to the overall vision of the Sudan Country Office through design and evidence, positioning Relief International as a leader in child survival, development, and protection. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Leadership - Develop and update the Country Office MEAL framework and standard operating procedures, aligning with RI’s MEAL standards. - Promote a culture that prioritizes program quality by championing MEAL’s role within the organization. - Ensure strong linkages to MEAL, across programmes, child safeguarding, and safe programming. - Liaise with Global and Regional MEAL teams to align with RI organizational MEAL requirements and standards and contribute to organizational development of MEAL systems and processes. Monitoring - Oversee and strengthen the monitoring systems, ensuring efficient, timely, and accurate data tracking. Establish and implement protocols for regular data quality assurance mechanisms and integrate digital technologies to improve efficiency. - Ensure systematic tracking of program achievements and progress towards objectives. - Collaborate with technical specialists to develop and implement sectoral quality benchmarks. - Standardize data collection methodologies across all projects to capture the specific vulnerabilities of different target groups. - Develop comprehensive MEAL plans in collaboration with program teams during project inception. - Regularly review and consolidate MEAL outputs, such as the Indicator Performance Tracking Table (IPTT), ensuring they are up-to-date and accurate. Research, Evidence, and Learning - Lead the application of RI’s Theory of Change by using evidence and learning to drive innovation in program implementation. - Collaborate with technical teams to identify knowledge gaps and research priorities that will contribute to the Evidence & Learning agenda. - Foster a learning culture by promoting the collection, analysis, and dissemination of evidence and lessons learned across the Country Office. - Lead in designing,conducting and overseeing studies, evaluations, and assessments to inform program design and implementation - Build partnerships with academic institutions and other INGOs to support research and information sharing. Accountability and Participation - Ensure all staff, including senior management, understand and promote accountability to beneficiaries, especially children. - Facilitate training on accountability systems, Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS), and Sphere Standards for staff and partners. - Establish systems to effectively manage feedback and complaints, ensuring transparent and responsive communication with communities. - Ensure project activities promote feedback mechanisms and awareness of safeguarding issues, including the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse. People Management and Development - Provide strategic leadership to the MEAL team, fostering a cohesive environment where staff can grow professionally. - Lead recruitment, training, and performance management of MEAL staff, ensuring they have the necessary skills to support program quality. - Provide technical guidance and support to field-based MEAL staff, ensuring they receive regular feedback and supervision. - Work with HR to identify and address capacity gaps within the MEAL team and implement effective capacity-building measures. BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice) - Accountability: Holds self and others accountable for decisions, ensuring the efficient use of resources, and delivering results aligned with RI’s values. - Ambition: Sets high goals for self and team, encouraging innovation and strategic thinking to achieve program goals. - Collaboration: Fosters strong relationships within the team and with external partners, valuing diversity and inclusivity. - Creativity: Encourages innovative solutions and is willing to take calculated risks to improve program quality. - Integrity: Upholds transparency, honesty, and the highest ethical standards in all actions. EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS Essential: - Advanced degree (MSc) in social development, economics, statistics, or a related field. - Minimum of 6 years of practical experience in MEAL, particularly in international NGOs. - Proven experience in data tracking, evaluation, and reporting, with the ability to support staff and partners on MEAL methodologies. - Familiarity with impact evaluation methods and established evaluation criteria. - Experience working in humanitarian response and recovery at a senior technical level. - Strong writing skills for preparing reports and assessments. - Proficient in Microsoft Office, statistical software (e.g., STATA), digital data management systems and PowerBI or other analytical platforms - Strong planning, coordination, and communication skills, with experience working in multicultural teams. Desirable: - Experience with proposal writing and budget oversight. - Experience working in the humanitarian sector in Sudan or similar contexts.