MEAL Assistant – Turkana

Job Title: (MEAL Assistant – Turkana)

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Position:

Job Identification: 10192
Job Category: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning
Posting Date: October 28, 2024, 10:18 AM
Application Deadline: November 10, 2024, 11:59 PM
Job Schedule: Full-Time
Location: Field Office – Turkana, Kenya

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Introduction

As a MEAL Assistant with Save the Children in Turkana, Kenya, you will join a team dedicated to making impactful changes in the lives of children across Kenya. This position is suited for individuals passionate about program quality assurance, accountability, documentation, and learning. The Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Assistant will work under the guidance of the Research and MEAL Specialist, contributing significantly to data collection, entry, analysis, and utilization at the sub-county level to guide informed decision-making and support program growth.

The role is pivotal, particularly in times of humanitarian emergencies, as it demands flexibility in working hours and the ability to adapt rapidly to evolving situations. Working at Save the Children offers opportunities for professional growth and meaningful contributions to the lives of children in marginalized areas. This role is an onsite position based in Turkana, designed for individuals with experience in program monitoring and strong analytical skills.

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Key Responsibilities

As a MEAL Assistant at Save the Children, your primary responsibilities will include:

1. Managing Data and Information
   • Maintain MEAL activity databases to ensure accurate and accessible data.
   • Organize field visits to assess program activities against Quality Benchmarks/Checklists, creating reports for both program and management teams.
2. Field Monitoring and Stakeholder Coordination
   • Support program staff to enhance collaborative planning and monitoring efforts with stakeholders.
   • Contribute to program design quality by reviewing log-frames, project plans, MEAL plans, and strategic plans.
3. Data Collection and Analysis
   • Participate in the collection of routine monitoring data to ensure programs are well-monitored and data integrity is maintained.
   • Analyze and input data using computer and mobile-based systems, helping resolve any data quality issues in coordination with MIS officers.
4. Stakeholder Collaboration and Capacity Building
   • Support data collection through Annual Surveys, Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM), and Quality Inquiry Surveys to ensure comprehensive data collection.
5. Quality and Accountability Monitoring
   • Assist in quarterly data review meetings and Routine Data Quality Assurance checks to ensure data accuracy.
   • Maintain a filing system for easy access to project documentation at the Sub-County level office.
6. Technology and System Innovation
   • Support the integration of relevant technologies to improve program efficiency, particularly in MEAL activities.
   • Strengthen Sub-County government M&E and Data Use Platforms through active participation and support during Data Quality Assurance, Review Meetings, and Mentorship and Supervision activities.
7. Support in Reporting and Documentation
   • Provide timely reports and data summaries to aid decision-making and planning.
   • Close feedback loops by following up on action items from monthly MEAL meetings, contributing to overall program accountability.

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Qualifications and Skills

To excel in this role, the following qualifications and skills are necessary:

Required Qualifications:

• Minimum of a diploma in Social Sciences, Public Health, Development Studies, or Population Studies with coursework in M&E, research methodologies, or statistical analysis.
• 1-2 years of experience in program monitoring and evaluation, preferably with INGO or UN agencies.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Certification in Monitoring and Evaluation from accredited institutions like UoN, AMREF, or KIM.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills with experience in data analysis software (e.g., STATA, SPSS, ATLAS.ti).

Experience and Skills Required:

• 3+ years of experience in INGO or UN Agency developmental or humanitarian programs, including 2 years in field positions.
• USAID project familiarity and experience in USAID/FFP M&E guidance.
• Demonstrated experience in program monitoring and community participation.
• Strong analytical skills with proficiency in data management software and mobile technology for data collection.

Essential Competencies:

1. Accountability and Integrity
   • Demonstrates ethical responsibility in decision-making and resource management.
2. Innovation and Adaptability
   • Applies creative problem-solving skills to evolving challenges.
3. Teamwork and Communication
   • Communicates effectively within multicultural teams and demonstrates sensitivity to cultural diversity.

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Company Culture and Values

Save the Children has a strong commitment to advancing children’s rights and welfare across Kenya. Through a blend of development and humanitarian programs, Save the Children provides critical support in areas like child protection, education, healthcare, and livelihood assistance. Employees at Save the Children enjoy a collaborative work environment that promotes creativity, integrity, and accountability.

Organizational Values:

• Ambition: Setting challenging goals to help realize the organization’s vision for children.
• Collaboration: Building effective relationships across teams and stakeholders.
• Integrity: Upholding transparency and honesty at all levels.

Save the Children also advocates for gender equality, encouraging female candidates to apply and supporting a diverse workforce.

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Apply Now for the MEAL Assistant Role

To take on this meaningful and impactful position with Save the Children in Turkana, submit your application via our website here. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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Expert Tips to Be a Successful MEAL Assistant Applicant

Based on over 30 years of recruiting experience, here are ten tailored expert tips to help you stand out as a candidate for the MEAL Assistant role:

1. Demonstrate Understanding of Program Monitoring
   • Show you understand M&E basics. Explain past experience monitoring projects, detailing data entry, report creation, and collaborative planning.
   • Example Answer: “In my previous role with XYZ Organization, I actively monitored project milestones by conducting field visits and ensuring data accuracy in routine monitoring systems.”
2. Emphasize Experience with Data Collection Tools
   • Highlight familiarity with data tools like SPSS, STATA, and ATLAS.ti and include examples of how you’ve used mobile technology in field monitoring.
   • Example Answer: “My experience includes using STATA to analyze survey data, which improved the accuracy of our annual reporting.”
3. Showcase Analytical Skills and Problem Solving
   • Detail your analytical approach to resolving data inconsistencies and troubleshooting digital reporting systems.
   • Example Answer: “I’ve worked closely with MIS officers to troubleshoot data discrepancies, using STATA to verify data quality and ensure completeness.”
4. Detail Past Collaboration with Stakeholders
   • Explain past experiences where you coordinated monitoring efforts with program teams and external stakeholders to support decision-making.
   • Example Answer: “At ABC NGO, I coordinated with both local stakeholders and program teams to align MEAL objectives, ensuring shared goals and effective outcomes.”
5. Discuss Knowledge of USAID Monitoring Requirements
   • If applicable, mention specific experience with USAID or USAID/FFP requirements, including compliance.
   • Example Answer: “I am well-versed in USAID M&E guidance, having contributed to quarterly reporting and compliance reviews for USAID-funded projects.”
6. Highlight Familiarity with Community Engagement
   • Emphasize experience in community engagement and accountability.
   • Example Answer: “In previous roles, I implemented feedback loops with local communities to integrate their perspectives into project evaluations.”
7. Illustrate Commitment to Ethical Standards
   • Detail how you’ve handled resources responsibly, adhering to ethical M&E practices.
   • Example Answer: “While overseeing M&E resources, I ensured compliance with Save the Children’s ethical guidelines and maintained transparency in data collection.”
8. Showcase Adaptability and Flexibility in Crisis Situations
   • Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to address unexpected challenges or emergencies.
   • Example Answer: “During an emergency response at XYZ, I adapted quickly, working extended hours to ensure data quality in challenging conditions.”
9. Focus on Communication Skills
   • Emphasize communication skills with multicultural teams and different stakeholders.
   • Example Answer: “I excel at cross-cultural communication and have successfully navigated diverse team environments, fostering open dialogues and mutual understanding.”
10. Tailor Your Resume to the MEAL Role and the ATS
    • Use keywords from the job description and include role-specific skills. Avoid irrelevant information that might hinder your ATS ranking.

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Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all backgrounds. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

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