Vacancy: MEAL Consultant

Closing date: Oct, 03rd, 2024.
Career categories: MEAL, M&E, project management
Job years of experience: 5 years minimum
Job type: short-term consultancy
Job duration: approximately 20 days spread over 3 months period.
Location: remote (at least 3-4 hours overlap with CET)
Estimated starting date: October 2024. 

 

Background

IMPACT-Civil Society Research and Development e.V is a Berlin-based non-profit organization, with offices and teams in Europe, Turkey, Iraq, and Syria.  IMPACT’s mission is to empower civil society to become a driver for change and a guarantor of human rights and good governance. To that end, IMPACT develops and implements a variety of connected programs including research, civil society support, diaspora engagement, and peacebuilding & governance. 

Through those programs, IMPACT works in partnership with numerous stakeholders, including NGOs, local CSOs and grassroots initiatives, development agencies, academic institutions, individual experts, and more. 

Within this framework, a strong reliable MEAL framework is essential to ensure relevant, effective, efficient, and impactful programming; and to guarantee adherence to both internal and external (donors and legal) compliance requirements. 

IMPACT has identified the need for a review of its existing MEAL system, to ensure and enhance its robustness, relevance, and effectiveness. Therefore, IMPACT is seeking a short-term MEAL consultant to carry out this review. 

The consultancy:

The MEAL consultant’s role is to support enhancing the MEAL organization, approaches, methodologies, and tools within IMPACT, and most particularly for WIAAM III Program. The MEAL consultant will work closely with the MEAL coordinators, the programs’ director, project managers, and other IMPACT staff members with the following specific goals: 

• Develop a comprehensive up-to-date MEAL strategy based on a review of existing systems and practices. 
• Improve and enhance the utility of the existing tools and frameworks, especially by recommending modern digital tools and methodologies. 
• Identify priorities and dares of improvement for MEAL team capacities. 

Main tasks and responsibilities:

1. Coordinate and lead the development of a comprehensive context-relevant MEAL strategy, including operational guidelines and a work plan based on existing frameworks, practices, and tools.
   1. In close coordination with the program and MEAL staff, the consultant will be tasked with reviewing current MEAL methodology and frameworks, previous MEAL policy documents, and used tools and templates for various projects/programs. 
   2. Identify strengths and weaknesses of existing practices, and identify areas of development, taking into consideration the nature of projects carried out by IMPACT, operational limitations, and available resources. 
   3. Draft and update MEAL strategy including SoPs, operational guidelines, structure, workflow, and roles & responsibilities of MEAL and program teams.

2. Develop a framework and strategy to enhance systematic evidence-based learning in IMPACT, in order to enhance accountability, support program design and fundraising.
   1. 2.1. In consultations with program and MEAL staff, identify potential areas and channels for systematic and continuous knowledge-based learning on program level and across programs.
   2. 2.2. In line with the MEAL strategy (task 1), develop a learning framework and tool for IMPACT, that ensures the utility of knowledge and evidence generated through the M&E for program design, implementation, and fundraising purposes.

3. Review existing MEAL practices and tools and provide recommendations to enhance the quality and effectiveness thereof. 
   1. 1. Conduct an assessment of data collection and other MEAL tools in use for the various ongoing projects. 
      2. Provide recommendations and work closely with MEAL staff to enhance the quality and effectiveness of data collection, tracking, and reporting tools. 
      3. If applicable, provide recommendations for use of technological and innovative solutions for optimization of data collection and monitoring tools.

4. Identify capacity development needs for the MEAL team and develop a capacity-building plan accordingly. 
   1. 1. 1. Conduct a participatory assessment of the team’s capacities, with a focus on the mid-management level (MEAL coordinators and team leaders). 
         2. Identify capacity-building priorities (essentials) and other areas of development (desirable) for the MEAL team members. 
         3. Provide a list of recommendations including potential resources (such as digital tools, training, materials, and readings) that can be used to address the identified priorities. 

Deliverables: 

1. Detailed methodology and work plan: including desk review plan, internal consultation schedule, and detailed timeframe.
2. Draft MEAL strategy: based on the desk review and internal consultation process, a draft MEAL strategy as described in task 1 of the scope of work, to be shared with the program’s director and the IMPACT’s management for review and feedback. 
3. Final MEAL strategy: incorporating feedback on the draft version (deliverable 3). 
4. A complete set of new or revised tools and templates resulting from task no. 2. Along with a recommendation list for further developments, including potential incorporation of digital platforms/tools, if applicable. 
5. MEAL Capacity assessment report including a list of identified priority areas for capacity development, as well as suggested additional areas of improvement. The report should also include a list of recommendations for capacity development resources (task 3.3). 

 

Consultant’s profile: 

Essential requirement: 

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a field related to Project Management, international development and/or social sciences. 
• Minimum 5 years of mid- or senior-level experience in the field of MEAL (specialist, expert, manager, consultant). Or a minimum of 7 years’ experience in case of no academic qualification. 
• Proven experience in developing and designing MEAL strategies, frameworks, and operational plans as well as accountability and learning frameworks. 
• Excellent command of written and conversational English and Arabic. 
• Solid understanding of various Donors’ requirements including USG, EU, and European member state donor agencies.  
• Proven experience working in conflict settings. Prior knowledge and understanding of the Syrian context are highly advantageous. 

Personal traits: 

• High levels of integrity and demonstrated ability to follow standard practices and policies.
• Strong coordination and communication skills. 
• Meticulous attention to detail, and ability to perform with minimal supervision. 
• Commitment to ensuring the protection of participants and data sources.
• Strong sense of security management and willingness to follow security guidelines and regulations.
• Flexibility, time management, and remote working skills. 

How to apply: 

Interested Consultants, Individuals/Firms are invited to submit a technical and financial proposal to [email protected] no later than Oct 03rd, 2024 at 00:00 UTC as follows:

1. Updated CV or profile if applying as a team or firm
2. Technical proposal: should highlight the consultant’s approach to implementing the tasks included in this ToR, a work plan outline, and a timeframe. The technical offer should include a direct reference to the number of estimated working days needed to complete all tasks listed in this ToR
3. Financial proposal as per the RFQ form providing a daily rate inclusive of all costs.
4. Conflict of interest declaration form must be signed.
5. ToR must be signed with supporting documents that demonstrate skills/competencies, otherwise the proposal will not be considered.
6. Writing sample: one or two documents from previous similar work. 
7. References: names and contact information of two references.

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks after the closing date, please assume your application is unsuccessful.