Assistant, MEAL

Job Summary

The Assistant, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) plays a crucial support role to the MEAL Officer in executing the MEAL work plan aimed at improving the quality and impact of programs and projects. This position involves tracking project progress, collecting and analyzing both qualitative and quantitative data, and conducting various field activities such as monitoring visits, verification exercises, baseline and endline assessments, needs assessments, and surveys. The Assistant ensures the accuracy and reliability of data collection processes, contributing significantly to evidence-based decision-making within the organization.

Key Responsibilities

The Assistant is responsible for adhering strictly 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. Upholding IMC’s Code of Conduct, ethics, and organizational values is essential to maintain the organization’s reputation and credibility internally and externally.

Using various data collection tools, the Assistant gathers qualitative and quantitative data at both facility and community levels. They assist in developing and managing program databases, leveraging available technologies to ensure data integrity. The role requires applying basic monitoring and evaluation concepts aligned with MEAL objectives.

Field-level MEAL activities form a significant part of the role, including post-distribution monitoring, data quality audits, surveys, assessments, and operational research. The Assistant performs data entry tasks and supports data cleaning and quality checks to maintain accuracy. They also contribute to gender analyses and assessments by collecting, analyzing data, and translating tools as needed.

Ensuring data systems capture disaggregated information by sex, age, disability status, and other relevant categories is a key responsibility, particularly for vulnerable groups. Routine on-site data quality audits are conducted across field sites and offices to verify data accuracy.

The Assistant applies both probability and non-probability sampling techniques under management guidance and collects qualitative data, reviewing and correcting inconsistencies where possible. They assist in developing and utilizing mobile data collection tools and platforms and translate qualitative data between mission languages and English.

Basic data visualization skills, such as creating tables and graphs, are used to present data clearly. The Assistant promotes internal learning by sharing timely feedback and documenting lessons learned. Additional duties may be assigned to reflect the evolving nature of the role.

Required Qualifications

Candidates should hold a diploma in social sciences, international development, or a related field, with relevant MEAL experience. Equivalent combinations of education and experience will also be considered. A minimum of one year’s experience in data collection and entry within humanitarian settings is required, preferably involving work 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) is required, along with experience in database management and mobile data collection tools.

Strong organizational skills, including effective time management and the ability to meet deadlines, are necessary. Knowledge of the local context and the ability to coordinate with multiple departments is important. Effective communication skills, a proactive learning attitude, and the ability to work collaboratively across diverse cultures are expected.

Candidates must demonstrate familiarity with various data collection methods. Medium-level proficiency in English (speaking, reading, writing) and high proficiency in mission languages such as Pashtu and Urdu are required.

Additional Requirements

The role demands a commitment to fostering a culture of compliance, ethics, and safeguarding in line with IMC’s Code of Conduct and donor standards. The Assistant is responsible for preventing and reporting any violations related to ethics, fraud, harassment, and safeguarding policies.

There is a shared obligation to protect vulnerable populations from exploitation, abuse, and trafficking.

International Medical Corps is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or veteran status.