“Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer”

Brief description of Oxfam

Oxfam is committed to ridding the world of poverty and injustice. We have a conviction that people can build a livelihood without poverty on their own, once given the chance to do so. Which is why we support local projects in developing countries, why we lobby governments and companies to consider the interests of the poorest people, and why we campaign to involve citizens in our work. We work together with other Oxfam affiliates to increase our impact on development and humanitarian work.

Oxfam’s vision for Tunisia is that citizens, especially women and youth, are active to reduce gender and socio-economic inequalities in a framework of rule of law and an accountable state. The strategy focuses on gender justice, economic justice, and civic space.

Job Purpose 

We are looking for an experienced Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer 

The overall responsibility of the jobholder is to coordinate the development and the implementation of the Monitoring, Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) framework of AICS funded project called SUMUD – Resilience, innovation and sustainability for the Tunisian micro-small-medium enterprises in the agriculture, crafts and tourism sectors. 

SUMUD Project

The SUMUD initiative aim at sustain the Tunisian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and social enterprises (SEs) operating in tourism, crafts and agriculture in order to increase their resilience in the face of the economic crisis affecting the country, made even more acute by the Covid19 pandemic, as well as their ability to contribute to more inclusive and sustainable economic development. The intervention logic aims to create employment and sources of income through support to the private sector and the development and strengthening of regional and local public authorities and civil society. The Governorates selected for the implementation of the Action are Sfax, Mahdia, Siliana and Tozeur, indicated as priorities by the Ministries of Agriculture, Tourism and Crafts and characterized by the strong presence of MSMEs.

The project will focus on implementing activities along three pillars:

1. Implementation of a technical and financial support programme for Tunisian MSMEs and social enterprises with the aim of supporting them in developing innovative and crisis adaptation strategies that strengthen their resilience and sustainability, as well as their social and environmental impact.
2. Implementation of a participatory local development strategies, will promote socio-economic and employment generation plans for young people and women with the active participation of local authorities, in order to strengthen their technical skills in the field of participatory governance and in order to develop territorial policies for inclusive work.
3. Implementation of awareness-raising and advocacy actions in order to promote regulatory and operational changes on the theme of decent working conditions and inclusive work.

Consortium

The action is the result of the consolidated collaboration between five local and international organizations (Oxfam, AVSI Foundation, Tuscany Region, SHANTI and APAD-Association for Sustainable Agriculture), capable of mobilizing complementary and transversal skills in the field of socio-economic development.

Area of expertise

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning – MEAL, Economic Justice Themes, Support and Capacity Building for MSMEs and SEs, RBM (Results Based Management), Sustainability post project.

MEAL systems design, implementation, reporting 

• Develop and establish, in consultation and collaboration with partners and allies, project MEAL systems. 

• Ensure project’s MEAL framework are implemented as planned, and adapted as needed following lessons learned or changes in the intervention logic and/or context. 

• Ensure scientific and statistically viable usage of a range of qualitative and quantitative data collection tools and methodologies to measure the project impact.

• Assess the needs and capacity of partners and staff to deliver on MEAL objectives, and build their capacity to deliver.

• Mentor and monitor the progress and quality of the project.

• Support the preparation and dissemination of high-quality reports/ program documentation/ learning among key stakeholders in projects and programs. 

• Contribute to donors’ reporting obligations. Participate in the draft and submission of project annual plans and reports.

• In collaboration with relevant stakeholders develop empowering methods of measurement – such as participatory action research, most significant change stories, constituency feedback committees, etc. 

• Participate to the Steering committee and to the Project management unit for the MEAL component (present results, give recommendations, suggest solutions).

Data collection and analysis 

• Compile and analyze data – or manage partners who do this – from each of the project pillar/areas

• Ensure proper monitoring of the partners activities in the area of qualitative and quantitative data collection, database design, and other relevant activities. 

• Support project officers in the analysis of data and effective integration of monitoring activities into project activity plans ensuring that all program staffs contribute to and assist in implementing the M&E activities. 

• Conduct or organize baseline, progress assessments and end line evaluation based on project objectives for the use of current and future project activities. 

Learning, knowledge management and sharing:

• Assist the program staff and partners in extracting critical lessons learned as well as identifying and highlighting achievements of stated project objectives and outcomes.

• Elaborate and share semesterly reports.

• Take part and coordinate the Capitalization process together with the experts and project team.

• Organize annual learning events with consolidate data and results with the consortium.

Technical skills, experience and knowledge required for the position:

Essential 

• A Master’s degree or equivalent experience in development, social science, or other relevant fields. 
• Knowledge of social research methodologies and techniques with proven ability to manage and analyze data sets. 
• A minimum of three years of progressively responsible professional working experience in development especially in the area of monitoring and evaluation; working with learning initiatives. Proven experience in research and program development and management. 
• Strong skills of professional writing, facilitation, communication, data management and analysis, knowledge management, research and development, and M&E. 
• Knowledge and understanding of the rights-based approach to development. 
• Excellent command of written and spoken French and Arabic. English is an asset.
• Strong understanding and experience in policy and advocacy, international development, governance, economic justice, or related field. 
• Strong experience in building relations with research institutions, hiring consultants, and developing monitoring tools. 
• Experience of working in the field of resource development, reporting to donors and different constituencies. 
• Commitment to Oxfam’s values and ways of working and to Oxfam’s objectives to promote gender equity and diversity and the interests of marginalized people in all aspects of its actions.

Desirable 

• Ability to work independently with confidence and quality. 
• Ability to oversee the implementation, monitor and evaluate a specific project; 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks in an effective, pro-active and timely manner 
• Ability to lead the continuous improvement of database for project need and learning. 
• A team player who works well in a multi-cultural environment.
• Experience in integrating gender into project/program cycle.

Optional:

• Experience implementing and managing AICS grants/contracts (reporting, compliance, communication, etc.) and familiarity with AICS foreign policy and practice.

Interested individuals must apply on the following link before December 9th 2022 :     https://jobs.oxfamnovib.nl/job-invite/12644/ 

In case further clarifications are need before the applications submission date, please do not hesitate to contact us via email.

Applicants from diverse backgrounds and nationalities based in North Africa or elsewhere in the MENA, and/or have proven experience in this region, are encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will have their application acknowledged.

Oxfam is an equal opportunity organization

MEAL Officer