MEAL Specialist

(Yemen – Sana’a)

Who are we?

The Danish Refugee Council assists refugees and internally displaced persons across the globe: we provide emergency aid, fight for their rights, and strengthen their opportunity for a brighter future. We work in conflict-affected areas, along the displacement routes, and in the countries where refugees settle. In cooperation with local communities, we strive for responsible and sustainable solutions. We work toward successful integration and – whenever possible – for the fulfillment of the wish to return home.
The Danish Refugee Council was founded in Denmark in 1956, and has since grown to become an international humanitarian organization with more than 7,000 staff and 8,000 volunteers. Our vision is a dignified life for all displaced.
All of our efforts are based on our value compass: humanity, respect, independence and neutrality, participation, and honesty and transparency.

About the role

Overall purpose of the role: 

The Consortium MEAL Specialist, employed by DRC and reporting to the Consortium Manager will lead the Consortium’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) as well as Information Management (IM) efforts and initiatives and the coordination with Consortium partners to align MEAL efforts and ensure consistent collaboration across all stakeholders. The MEAL Specialist will work closely with the MEAL focal points from Consortium partner agencies and the program implementation teams to ensure effective MEAL practices are applied. The MEAL Specialist will provide technical leadership on related activities such as assessments, evaluations, learning events, and inter-agency accountability systems. The MEAL Specialist will provide technical oversight of the Consortium’s Information Management Officer and will closely coordinate its activities with the Consortium Management Unit (CMU) staff. The MEAL Specialist is based in the Country Office in Sana’a It is a roving position, moving between areas with Consortium programming. 

Main responsibilities:

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Ensure timely development, refinement and effective implementation of MEAL Framework for YDR program, including setting up of mechanisms to monitor and document the progress of implementation of program activities.
• Working closely with the Consortium Manager, take lead on program and outcome monitoring, and ensure regular tracking of progress on all targets and indicators, communicating progress and flagging concerns to the YDR CMU.
• In coordination with the YDR’s MEAL Technical Working Group (TWG), lead the design, review and development of harmonized data collection, monitoring and reporting tools and methodologies for YDR programming.
• Coordinate and oversee assessments, monitoring and evaluations across consortium partners, including the design of tools, data collection, analysis of findings, and report writing.
• Regularly present MEAL findings to the CMU, steering committee, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Assist Consortium Manager in producing high quality reports for internal consumption and donor reports as per contractual obligations and other ad-hoc reports asked by Consortium Steering Committee, DRC management and /or donors.
• Conduct regular joint quality field monitoring visits with partners to target sites.
• Contribute to proposal development with design of logical frameworks and MEAL inputs as needed.
• Assist the Consortium Manager to make timely decisions to adjust program design based on the MEAL data as necessary.

Information Management, Data and Information Products

• Coordinate with Consortium partners to conduct the Consortium Site Comparison Matrix assessment and lead data analysis and report production.
• Lead Consortium-level CFRM reporting by coordinating data consolidation, review, analysis, and report production, and provide feedback to partners to identify service gaps and improve programming. 
• In coordination with partner program staff, oversee the implementation and functionality of the referral pathway process through tracking, analysis and reporting.
• In collaboration with the Information Management Officer, coordinate the preparation of Consortium information products, such as reports, infographics, briefs, etc. and dissemination to relevant stakeholders, partners and beneficiaries.
• In collaboration with the IM Officer, design and improve the IM system that manages data on Consortium activities and provides support in data analysis, visualization, project tracking and reporting such as the ITT, CRFM and SCM dashboard, etc.
• Ensure that information systems and processes are compliant with applicable standards and guidelines related to information management, data sharing and data protection, including donor standards and requirements.
• Technically oversee the work of the Consortium Information Management Officer.

Research and Learning

• Develop a learning strategy and oversee its active implementation throughout the project.
• Document and disseminate learnings and best practices, and participate in learning sessions, ensuring that the lessons learnt are utilized to inform programming and advocacy.
• Lead and/or support the development of TORs and manage consultants as needed.

Consortium Partnership and Capacity Building

• Chair and lead the Consortium MEAL Technical Working Group meetings with MEAL representatives from consortium partners, share minutes with key stakeholders and follow-up on recommended action points.
• Provide technical support and capacity building to YDR partners on implementation of MEAL within the program. 
• Participate in project kick-off, review and closure meetings, YDR TWG meetings and other inter-agency meetings as needed, ensuring coordination and communication on tools, processes, and troubleshooting.

Other

• Participate in relevant cluster meetings, trainings, and other forums as required.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Consortium Manager to advance DRC's interventions.

Experience and technical competencies:

• Minimum of five years of work experience in monitoring and evaluation
• Experience working with INGOs, UN agencies 
• Experience working in monitoring and evaluation in an emergency and/or post emergency context. Knowledge of monitoring and evaluation of CCCM, Shelter, WASH and Protection sectors is an advantage.
• Experience working under projects implemented in consortia, including coordinating meetings and projects with MEAL-teams from other humanitarian actors
• Experience in developing and managing IM systems for large humanitarian programs.
• Ability to manage large quantities of data using established statistical analysis software.
• Excellent planning, analytical and report writing skills.
• High-level communication and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability in working in hardship environment, with extensive travel to the field.

Education: 

• A post-graduate degree in international development, business administration, social sciences, statistics, or related field. Training in Monitoring and Evaluation is an added advantage.

Languages:

• English (Fluent)
• Arabic (Highly Desirable)

All DRC roles require the post-holder to master DRC’s core competencies: 

• Striving for excellence: Focusing on reaching results while ensuring efficient processes.   
• Collaborating: Involving relevant parties and encouraging feedback.   
• Taking the lead: Taking ownership and initiative while aiming for innovation.   
• Communicating: Listening and speaking effectively and honestly.   
• Demonstrating integrity: Upholding and promoting the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct in relation to DRC’s values and Code of Conduct, including safeguarding against sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment.

We offer.

Contract length:  June 30 2026
Position Band:  This position will be placed in the non-Management (G2) band.
Start date: ASAP
Duty station: Sana’a, Yemen (with regular visits to Aden)
Salary and conditions will be in accordance with Danish Refugee Council’s National Terms of Employment.