Head of MEAL for Moldova
Country Programme: Moldova
Contract Length: until December 2025 with possibility of extension
Base: Chisinau with frequent travels to field offices
Starting date: ASAP
Line Manager: Country Director
People in Need (PIN) is a Czech-based international non-governmental organization (NGO) that has provided humanitarian and development assistance across more than 20 countries since 1992. Today, PIN stands as one of the largest organizations of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe, supporting vulnerable communities in Asia, Africa, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe. PIN empowers civil society, advocates for human rights, and promotes social inclusion both at home and abroad.
About the Moldovan Programme of People in Need:
People in Need (PIN) has been working in Moldova since 2003, providing development assistance and emergency support to the population in areas of civil society and inclusive governance, emergency response and recovery, social inclusion and protection, rural development & livelihoods, and human rights & media literacy. Since the onset of Ukraine Russia war, PIN has been providing emergency aid in the form of protection and legal assistance, and cash transfers to thousands both from Ukraine and Moldova. Protection assistance focuses on psycho-social support for refugees and hosting population and support through local civil society organizations who are working with refugees. PIN managed to reach every tenth inhabitant in country with assistance, including through collaboration and partnerships with 146 organizations throughout the time. Current country portfolio is funded by European Commission, ECHO, FPI, Czech Development Agency, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic, UNICEF, and PIN public collections.
About the role:
The Head of MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning), under the strategic guidance of the Country Director, is responsible for the overall coordination of all MEAL related processes and activities across PIN’s Country Programme in Moldova; lead the MEAL department in developing quality MEAL related deliverables in compliance with donors’ guidelines and PIN’s internal guidelines. The lead role and responsibilities in MEAL will be performed in close collaboration with the Head of Emergency, Head of Programmes, Head of Systems and Operations, Desk Officer and HQ-based advisors, in particularly with MEAL advisors.
Main Duties & Responsibilities:
Lead the monitoring, evaluation duties and assist-in in accountability and learning processes at the Country Programme:
- Lead implementation of the ethical principles in all MEAL processes at the Country Programme.
- Draft and regularly update MEAL CP workplan and oversee preparation of MEAL project plans and data collection plans at the Country Programme. Agree workplan with stakeholders across the organization (Country Programme and HQ).
- Support Country Director, program/project teams in developing accountability mechanisms, including the Community Feedback and Response Mechanism (CFRM) and assist in analysis.
- Support project teams in developing quality standards for all key program interventions to strengthen the compliance and quality aspects.
- Promote and strengthen the understanding of the importance of MEAL within the organization.
Ensure technical, programmatic or strategic consultancy in MEAL assignments to the program personnel at the Country Programme:
- Set up an adequate monitoring and evaluation system applicable for the whole Country Programme and particular projects and support MEAL Focal Points in drafting MEAL plans for each and every project according to PIN QSC in regards to MEAL.
- Provide MEAL related inputs to project proposal, review the logframe/Theory of Change (ToC) and the logic of intervention. Review project budget to ensure implementation of adequate high-quality monitoring.
- Oversee planning, preparation, organization and conducting of monitoring and evaluation activities for all projects (including and where relevant routine/random monitoring activities, baseline and end-line studies, Post Distribution and Post Intervention Monitoring, mid-term and post-project evaluation etc.) and provide support to external evaluators as required.
- Ensure implementation of high-quality MEAL process and ensure delivery of adequate MEAL products at the Country Programme.
- Analyse existing monitoring and evaluation tools and generate new ones if need arises.
- Manage and supervise MEAL team at the Country Programme to ensure they deliver on all internal and external MEAL requirements in a timely manner and with high quality information.
- Support in beneficiary verification and assist in preparing tools for data collection; when relevant collect data and process it.
- Help design and review data collection/tracking tools/formats/databases to ensure data quality, reliability and consistency throughout project implementation. Support project teams in implementing innovative solutions and assist in setting it up, e.g. Humansis (Beneficiary Management System).
- Contribute to periodic projects’ review (e.g. monthly grants review meetings) process in cooperation with relevant programme staff.
- Support implementation of electronic, mobile data collection systems and tools in MEAL processes (e.g. KoBo).
- Oversee and provide guidance to CFRM Focal Point in conducting analyses on complaints and feedback and preparation of adequate reports.
- Support project staff in needs assessments studies; assist in designing the tools for needs assessment and support in carrying out quantitative data collection exercises.
Support internal learning, capacity building and facilitate quality improvement in relation to domain of MEAL:
- Regular updates to CD and SMT on MEAL implementation, suggested amendments and new needs identified;
- Carry out or assist in trainings, learning events in regards to MEAL and contribute to MEAL team members capacity development, including trainings for enumerators and MEAL officers.
- Share knowledge and experience in MEAL and program-related knowledge based on MEAL activity.
- Promote internal learning via sharing findings from MEAL activities and reflection on lessons learned related to MEAL domain. Help in adapting them and tracking recommendations from PIM, PDM, other monitoring activities, evaluation for future learning processes, usage and improvements.
Establish appropriate MEAL structures; verify, consult, participate and assist in establishing the division of roles at the Country Programme in Moldova between MEAL and other staff. Lead the MEAL processes and manage staff in tasks related to MEAL:
- Review existing structure dedicated to MEAL; set objectives for the employees; assess the workload and performance of MEAL employees.
- Facilitate recruitment of staff dedicated for MEAL processes.
- Update job description of MEAL staff and in cooperation and support of Country Director and relevant Head of Units ensure division of roles between MEAL personnel and other staff.
- Contribute to proposal writing to ensure resources for MEAL tasks/processes, including the relevant budgeting of MEAL necessary costs.
- Sets time for one’s own capacity building, including people management skills.
- Allocates time for the annual staff retreat and other team building activities.
Safety & Security
- adhering to the PIN Safety and Security Policy and country-relevant procedures;
- strives for the maximum safety and security of MEAL staff and assets and ensures an awareness of risks and mitigation strategies;
- ensures a balance between the accepted level of risk and the urgency of MEAL operations;
- ensures that the Do-no-harm approach and maximum protection of PIN’s beneficiaries is applied;
And fulfils any other tasks as required.
Main requirements:
- Bachelor's or Master's degree in social development, social studies, economics, mathematics, or equivalent
- Experience in the NGO field with a focus on civil society development or emergency programs
- Minimum 8 years of experience with 4 of management and MEAL experience
- Experience in both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis
- Experience with transfer of knowledge, organizing trainings or mentoring
- Experience in research, big-data management and geographical information systems is an asset
- Knowledge of safeguarding, GDPR and confidential investigation is an asset
- Planning & Organizing – Ability to plan own work and manage conflicting priorities
- Good communication (spoken and written) skills, including ability to explain and present complex information and prepare written documents/communications in a clear, concise style
- Ability to undertake regular field visits
- Teamwork – Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relations with people in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity
- Excellent command of English.
We offer:
· Working environment in a well-established humanitarian organization in a challenging context;
· Salary & Benefits: Salary based on PIN’s salary scale and HR policies; expected salary range between 2900 - 3200 EUR super gross (based on experience).
· Additional allowances include:
- Monthly Subsistence Allowance of 1440 EUR;
- Accommodation provided by PIN/Monthly Housing Allowance
· Time off and Rest:
- 25 days of holiday annually;
- 10 sick days
· Travel benefits:
- Reimbursement of travel expenses with travel to the country of residence once every 6 months of work;
- Reimbursement of costs of visas and vaccinations; assistance with the visa application procedure;
- Reimbursement for the medical check-up before and after the deployment;
- Travel health insurance covering medical care, incl. the repatriation;
· Health and Well-being:
- 24/7 Medical Support available online;
- Free psychological consultations available online;
· Professional Development: Free access to e-learning platforms and PIN Learning Hub; PIN’s global Induction Training, and tailored capacity-building opportunities
· This positions is unaccompanied.
How to apply:
If you are interested in this position, send us your CV and short cover letter via our application form.
Please note only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Interviews will be conducted on rolling basis and the vacancy will be closed when filled.
People in Need is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct and is committed to promoting the welfare of children and adults with whom People in Need involved. People in Need expects all staff to perform job duties and responsibilities in accordance with People in Need code of conduct and key policies (available at: https://www.peopleinneed.net/key-policies-4142gp). People in Need Staff will undertake the appropriate level of training.
All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks.
We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organization and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.