Working under the direct supervision of the MEAL Manager & in collaboration with the grant project implementation teams the MEAL Officer, will ensure the development and implementation of an effective and coordinated MEAL framework & system for World Vision Lanka(WVL) Grants & Private Non Sponsorship (PNS) projects within his/her portfolio in line with organizational standards, policies & procedures & donor specific requirements. He/She will develop & execute grant/donor specific MEAL design, methodologies & play an advisory role in advocating best practices and provide strategic guidance to project teams in the implementation of multi-sectoral programs across the country.
As a key contributor to the Grant Acquisition & Management (GAM) team the position will play a vital role in enabling rigorous accountability for performance for WVL projects & the development of an evidence base to strengthen program practices, project proposals in line with WVL programmatic priorities for the well-being of children in the communities we serve.
Design & implement project/donor specific MEAL Systems for Grants & Share lessons learnt with project Teams- 60% of time
- Lead the design of MEAL systems and processes at project level (for all grants across the country), conducting independent research to create relevant SMART systems aligned to best practices for grants and multi-sectorial technical areas where necessary.
- Responsible for leading planning and implementation of all MEAL activities at for 40%-60% of the WVL grant portfolio (% may vary based on units caseload)
- Responsible for ensuring implementation of MEAL frameworks by project teams at each individual project level (Provide follow-up, set timelines, hold teams accountable, back stopping support field level data collection).
- Conduct frequent field visits to assess the effectiveness of project and monitor progress in close collaboration with grant project implementation team.
- MEAL systems and adoption of WVL MEAL strategy at the grant level, providing tailored advice to improve quality, compliance and to strengthen systems.
- In an effort to support WVL’s transition to Horizon systems, conduct quality checks to validate H3 system data on a regular basis and provide instructions/guidance to relevant teams to meet gaps in knowledge base maintenance.
- Contribute to GAM efforts to support a culture of review, reflection, learning and compliance across all grants
- Lead in analyzing MEAL findings and contribute findings to preparation of reports, publications and other documents.
- Provide clear and goal-oriented guidance to project teams to ensure implementation of MEAL processes
- Any other duties as assigned by the MEAL Manager according to the evolving requirement of the GAM team.
Develop quality proposals for successful bids working with relevant stakeholders effectively - 35% of time
- Promotion of a positive team culture rooted in knowledge sharing and evidenced practices that generate successful bids for WVL program priorities
- Ensure project teams are capacitated on donor/grant relevant MEAL process, systems and standard (grant projects) by developing and delivering donor/grant relevant capacity building trainings to all project teams
- Lead design workshops, develop TOC and logical frameworks for new proposals and projects designs. Liase with responsible staff within the GAM department, Operations and Finance to integrate TOC/Logical frameworks with project budgets and narratives.
- Provide project-level leadership in developing evidence based strategies for grants across the country
- Escalate challenges and identified bottlenecks in grant portfolio to department heads to ensure timely and compliant project implementation
- Plan and host donor visits in relation project monitoring and evaluation as required
Ensure quality programming in compliance with WV policies, procedures & legislative/statutory requirements while work towards professional & personal capacity enhancement relevant to the position- 5% of the time
- Increasing demonstration and understanding of and commitment to World Vision’s Core Values in the approach to work and relationships.
- Comply with WVL policies, procedures, practices and quality systems & processes
- Ensure compliance with role specific policies/procedures and all relevant documentation are kept current and available for access in a timely manner, especially donor audits and program reports
- Update knowledge & capacity on new partnership initiatives, country development trends etc.
- Participate for the trainings related to MEAL and other necessary training/workshops as required.
- Attend and participate in scheduled events of spiritual nurture & maintain good work & family balance
- Minimum of 5 years’ experience in MEAL, research, statistical analysis with at least 3 years in community development with hands on experience in handling baseline, impact evaluation & related research exposure preferred
- An analytical mindset with experience in evidence based impact analysis that will support the development of an effective & efficient MEAL system
- High level computer skills including data entry and using various MS applications such as MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel, including the use of formulae and data analysis functions & macro, and the preparation of pivot tables, charts, and tables.
- Able to handle digital base data collection tool development and data collection Ex-ODK, Tangarine
- Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, reporting in English and at least one of Sinhala/Tamil.
- Understand poverty issues, development theories and holistic development preferred
- Excellent Computer skills in MS office, SPSS, Epi info and other statistical packages
- A team player with demonstrated collaboration skills &the ability to mobilize and work as part of a diverse team to achieve desired goal
- Good training and facilitation skills with proven leadership skills
- A team player with cross-cultural sensitivity, & commitment to World Vision Core Values and Mission Statement
- Ability & willingness to travel up to 50% of the time