Assistant, MEAL

Job Summary
The Assistant, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) plays a crucial role in supporting the MEAL Officer to implement the MEAL work plan aimed at improving program quality and effectiveness. This position involves tracking program progress, collecting and analyzing data related to interventions, and conducting various field activities including monitoring, verification, baseline and endline assessments, needs assessments, and surveys. The Assistant ensures the accuracy and quality of data while fostering a culture of learning within the program.

Key Responsibilities
The Assistant is responsible for adhering to International Medical Corps (IMC) policies, guidelines, and procedures, with a strong emphasis on promoting Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) standards among staff and beneficiaries. Maintaining the organization’s positive image by upholding the Code of Conduct, ethics, and organizational values in all interactions is essential.

Using data collection tools, the Assistant gathers both qualitative and quantitative data at facility and community levels. They assist in developing and managing program databases, utilizing available technologies to ensure data is well-organized and accessible. The role requires applying basic monitoring and evaluation concepts aligned with MEAL objectives to support program effectiveness.

Field-level MEAL activities are a core part of the job, including post-distribution monitoring, data quality audits, surveys, assessments, and operational research. The Assistant performs data entry into electronic databases and supports gender analyses through careful data collection and analysis. They also translate MEAL tools and data as needed, ensuring that systems capture disaggregated data by sex, age, disability status, and other relevant categories.

Routine on-site data quality audits at various field sites and offices are conducted to maintain data integrity. The Assistant applies appropriate sampling techniques in consultation with supervisors and collects qualitative data, reviewing it for errors and performing regular data cleaning and quality checks.

Supporting mobile data collection efforts is another important responsibility, including the development of tools and data gathering using smartphones or tablets. The Assistant translates qualitative data between mission languages and English and uses basic data visualization techniques such as tables and graphs to present findings clearly.

Promoting internal learning by sharing timely feedback and documenting lessons learned is vital to improving program outcomes. The Assistant also performs additional duties as assigned to contribute to the overall success of MEAL activities.

Required Qualifications
Candidates should hold a diploma in social sciences, international development, or a related field, combined with relevant MEAL experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. A minimum of one year’s experience in data collection and entry within humanitarian settings is required, preferably with refugees or internally displaced persons (IDPs).

A solid understanding of basic monitoring and evaluation concepts and the purpose of MEAL is essential. Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and experience with database management and mobile data collection tools are necessary.

Strong organizational skills, effective time management, and the ability to meet deadlines are critical. Candidates must have good knowledge of the local context and the ability to coordinate with different departments. Effective communication skills, an active learning attitude, teamwork orientation, and cultural sensitivity are also required.

Demonstrated understanding of various data collection methods is important. Medium-level proficiency in English (speaking, reading, writing) and high proficiency in mission languages such as Pashtu and Urdu are mandatory.

Additional Requirements
The role demands a commitment to promoting a culture of compliance and ethics, including strict adherence to IMC’s Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies. The Assistant is responsible for reporting any violations related to ethics, fraud, harassment, or safeguarding concerns.

There is a shared obligation to protect vulnerable populations from exploitation, abuse, neglect, and trafficking. The position supports equal employment opportunities regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, disability, or veteran status.

International Medical Corps values diversity and is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants.