VPRU MEAL Specialist Job Opportunity at International Rescue Committee

Job Title: VPRU MEAL Specialist – Join Our Team!

Welcome to a challenging yet rewarding opportunity with the International Rescue Committee (IRC). We are on the lookout for a dedicated VPRU MEAL Specialist to join our Violence Prevention and Response Technical Unit (VPRU). If you have a passion for protection programming, women’s protection and empowerment, child protection, and protection rule of law, this role is tailor-made for you.

Position Overview:

As a VPRU MEAL Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in independently managing and implementing MEAL systems for a portfolio of protection technical projects. You’ll collaborate closely with VPRU technical advisors, specialists, and country program staff, contributing to the improvement and innovation of protection programming.

Major Responsibilities:

1. Direct Technical Support:

• Lead MEAL activities for VPRU-led grants.
• Independently handle key tasks, including project learning plans, data collection and management, and project-level adaptations.
• Provide ongoing training and capacity building in MEAL to VPRU TAs/Specialists, country program staff, and partners.

2. Learning Strategies and Guidance:

• Offer ad hoc support for MEAL-related tasks to other VPRU team members.
• Support the development and implementation of intervention-specific data toolkits and learning agendas.
• Contribute to MEAL guidance and resources for VPRU teams.

Job Requirements:

Demonstrated Skills and Competencies:

• Strong experience in data collection and analysis for multiple MEAL methods, including mobile data collection and Excel analysis.
• Proficiency in qualitative data collection and management, qualitative data analysis, and/or mixed methods evaluations.
• Ability to generate high-quality MEAL deliverables with attention to detail and understanding of best data practices.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to balance multiple priorities across a diverse portfolio.
• Some experience with protection-specific MEAL or related sector/humanitarian MEAL combined with knowledge of protection-specific considerations.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate with diverse nationalities and backgrounds.
• Excellent writing and editing skills for proposal and technical resource development.
• Flexible work demeanor: the ability to work well both in a dynamic, globally diverse team and independently.
• Proven dedication to anti-racism and equity work.

Preferred Experience & Skills:

• Degree in social sciences, humanitarian assistance, or related field (monitoring & evaluation concentration preferred).
• Experience with ODK-based mobile data collection applications (CommCare, Kobo, Ona, etc.) strongly preferred.
• Experience with additional analysis software (e.g., PowerBI, Dedoose, NVIVO) strongly preferred.
• Experience working with local or national-level organizations desirable.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in French, Spanish, and/or Arabic is an asset.

Working Environment:

• Based in an IRC office willing to host HQ staff.
• Standard office work environment with up to 25% international travel.
• This role may require full-time remote work.

Compensation:

We offer competitive pay ranges based on various factors, including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience, and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

US Benefits:

Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• 10 sick days and 10 US holidays.
• 20-25 paid time-off days (role and tenure-dependent).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options.
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, childcare, and commuter costs.
• 403b retirement savings plan with matching contributions.
• Disability and life insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program for counseling and support.

How to Apply:

Ready to embark on this exciting journey with us? Click here to apply.

Expert Tips to Be a Successful Applicant

1. Tailor Your Resume:
   • Align your skills and experiences with the job requirements.
   • Provide quantifiable achievements to showcase your impact.
2. Highlight Cultural Competency:
   • Emphasize experiences working in diverse environments.
   • Showcase your ability to collaborate across cultures.
3. Demonstrate Learning Agility:
   • Share instances where you quickly adapted to new situations.
   • Highlight your ability to learn and apply new skills effectively.
4. Illustrate Results Orientation:
   • Discuss projects where you achieved measurable outcomes.
   • Quantify your contributions to showcase your results-driven approach.
5. Show Passion for IRC’s Mission:
   • Express your dedication to humanitarian assistance and protection.
   • Share instances where you aligned with IRC’s values and mission.
6. Emphasize Collaboration:
   • Provide examples of successful collaboration with diverse teams.
   • Highlight your ability to contribute positively to team dynamics.
7. Communicate Effectively:
   • Showcase strong verbal and written communication skills.
   • Provide clear examples of your ability to convey complex information.
8. Detail Your Commitment to Equity:
   • Discuss experiences where you actively contributed to anti-racism initiatives.
   • Illustrate your commitment to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment.
9. Address Remote Work Experience:
   • Share experiences working remotely and your ability to stay productive.
   • Highlight any remote collaboration tools or skills you possess.
10. Prepare for Behavioral Questions:
    • Anticipate questions related to your past behaviors and experiences.
    • Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.

Remember, presenting a well-crafted application requires careful consideration and attention to detail. Tailor your approach to reflect the unique qualities that make you an ideal candidate for the VPRU MEAL Specialist position.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the core responsibilities of the VPRU MEAL Specialist role?

The VPRU MEAL Specialist is responsible for independently managing and implementing MEAL systems for a portfolio of protection technical projects. This includes providing direct technical support to VPRU-led grants, contributing to broader learning strategies, and offering guidance and resources for VPRU teams.

2. Can candidates apply if they don’t have experience in protection-specific MEAL?

Yes, candidates without direct experience in protection-specific MEAL may still be considered if they have related sector/humanitarian MEAL experience combined with a demonstrated knowledge of protection-specific considerations.

3. How important is fluency in English for this role?

Fluency in English is required for effective communication within the organization. Proficiency in additional languages such as French, Spanish, or Arabic is considered an asset.

4. Is remote work possible for this position?

Yes, this role may require full-time remote work, offering flexibility while ensuring productivity.

5. What skills and competencies are essential for success in this role?

Key competencies include strong data collection and analysis skills, proficiency in qualitative data management, excellent organizational skills, and the ability to balance multiple priorities. Interpersonal skills, dedication to anti-racism work, and flexibility are also crucial.

6. How does the IRC support employees’ well-being?

The IRC offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, retirement savings plans, disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program. These benefits contribute to the overall well-being of our employees.

7. What are the preferred qualifications for the VPRU MEAL Specialist role?

Preferred qualifications include a degree in social sciences, humanitarian assistance, or a related field, with a concentration in monitoring & evaluation. Experience with ODK-based mobile data collection applications and additional analysis software is highly desirable.

8. How is the compensation determined for this position?

Compensation is based on various factors, including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget. Offers are calibrated according to work location, individual candidate experience, and skills relative to the defined job requirements.

9. Are there opportunities for international travel in this role?

Yes, there may be opportunities for international travel, with up to 25% travel expected.

10. How can applicants demonstrate a commitment to equity in their applications?

Applicants can showcase their commitment to equity by highlighting experiences where they actively contributed to anti-racism initiatives. Illustrating a dedication to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment will strengthen their candidacy.

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Sample Cover Letter

Dear Hiring Manager,

I am writing to express my sincere interest in the VPRU MEAL Specialist position at the International Rescue Committee. With a strong background in data collection and analysis, coupled with a commitment to anti-racism work, I am eager to contribute my skills to support IRC’s mission.

In my previous role as a MEAL Specialist, I successfully managed and implemented MEAL systems for complex projects, showcasing my ability to balance multiple priorities and provide direct technical support. My experience with ODK-based mobile data collection applications and proficiency in additional analysis software aligns with the preferred qualifications for this position.

I am particularly drawn to IRC’s dedication to protection programming, and I am excited about the prospect of contributing to broader learning strategies and guidance for the VPRU team. My commitment to anti-racism and equity work is evident in my past contributions, and I am eager to bring this dedication to the IRC.

Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experiences align with the goals of the VPRU MEAL Specialist role.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

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#IRC #VPRU #MEALSpecialist #Humanitarian #ProtectionProgramming #AntiRacism #EquityWork #JobOpportunity #Career

Note: Ensure to replace “[Your Name]” in the cover letter with your actual name before submission.