Duty Station:                              Project Management Unit District Swat

Minimum Experience:             At least 7 years’ experience in development sector in a reputable organization, preferably an NNGO/INGO. Must have at least 3 years’ experience of MEAL on Officer level position preferably in integrated projects with thematic focus on Climate change, DRR, agriculture, health and WASH.

Minimum Qualification:          Master’s Degree in social sciences preferably in development studies, project management Economics, Agriculture economics, 

Gender:                                   Both Men & Women (Women candidates will be preferred)

No. of Positions:                       1 

Direct Reporting to (administrative programmatic)        Project Manager

Indirect Reporting to (Programmatic):                        MER Coordinator

 Introduction:

LASOONA: Society for Human and Natural Resource Development is a national, multi-disciplinary, development oriented and non-profit making organization. LASOONA affirms to be committed to the well-being of masses and envision a just and peace full society through empowering vulnerable and under- privileged communities through sustainable livelihoods, improved governance, social cohesion and enhanced resilience to environmental hazards, in impoverished pockets of Pakistan in general and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab provinces in particular.

The organization was established in 1997 and Registered under Societies Registration Act, 1860, and is also certified/accredited by Pakistan Center for Philanthropy (PCP).

While pursuing its mission in the past 20 years, LASOONA has successfully gained credibility amongst the development partners and national and international stakeholders i.e. local communities/beneficiaries; national; local and provincial governments; and civil society organizations.  The organization has developed a reputation of being an innovative organization, with the capacity to expand thematic areas as per the need of the target communities, e.g., people affected through earthquake, conflict and flood disasters. It places the deprived and marginalized segments of the society at the core of its development strategies and is interested in promoting sustainable solutions to the deepening and growing poverty inherent in the social, political and economic sectors. The organization has created and sustained strong linkages and partnerships with national and international NGOs and donor agencies and they consider LASOONA as their trusted implementing partner.  LASOONA has created a team of dedicated volunteers and activists from within the communities, who are today leading their communities in development agenda.

Currently LASOONA has planned implementation of long-term development-oriented project titled “Changing Minds for Climate Resilience through Awareness Raising and Local Capacity Measures”. The project is planned to be implemented in selected districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and South Punjab.  The main focus of the project is to increase resilience of vulnerable communities with particular focus on women, people with disabilities, youth and children through awareness raising and capacity development activities. The purpose of the project is to improve resilience and adaptation capacities of the target beneficiaries to better manage the impacts of climate change and reducing overall vulnerabilities. Following are the main outputs of the project:

• A range of knowledge products and tools have been developed for general awareness on climate change while focusing on the needs of vulnerable populations and are available with local authorities for further dissemination and usage -
• Communities and vulnerable groups i.e., women, disable people can understand climate related risks and their impacts on their health and livelihood and are able to take precautionary and adaptive measures in case of climate emergency.
• Youth and children are trained on capacitated to play their part in acting on climate change through individual as well as collective measures
• Vulnerable farmers including female farmers have improved access to information on climate-smart practices and are able to use that information for improved productivity and livelihood.
• Government departments make informed decisions for improved service delivery       

Job Summary:

Under the supervision of the Project Manager and Coordinator MER, the MEAL Officer Monitoring evaluation learning and accountability (MEAL) is responsible for overall monitoring, evaluation, research and reporting of the Project. The assignment specifically includes conducting needs assessments, situation analysis and research studies to be used for program implementation, develop monitoring framework for the program and indicators for monitoring within the purview of project objectives; and coordinate/share with program team for smooth execution of program activities; provide standardized methods for assessing progress. Periodic monitoring of performance indicators against each of project plan to keep all projects in line with set success indicators. Use results information for learning and decision making as well as reporting and accountability. Suggest means for adjusting implementation strategies with Implementation Department. Ensure that the transparency and accountability standards are upheld during the project implementation and devise mechanisms for operationalizing an effective and doable feedback and complaint mechanism for communities.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. MEAL Officer Monitoring evaluation learning and accountability (MEAL) will be responsible for monitoring field activities in-line with the project proposal, processes, the budget, the time-frame, regulations as per the partnership agreements.
2. Support staff in planning, reviews and quality progress reporting to management, produce regular monitoring reports and document success stories.
3. To coordinate with relevant stakeholders including communities, GLAs, donor and CSOs, regarding planning, monitoring and sustainability of project interventions as per project proposal
4. Ensure all necessary programme documents are properly maintained and recorded properly at field level
5. Ensure smooth implementation of policies and code of conduct in respective project activities and ensure compliance with accountability mechanisms.
6. Regularly coordinate review of the project with program team of head office including MER coordinator, and programme management team

Explanation to the duties and responsibilities (Detail performance standards)

1.       MEAL Officer Monitoring evaluation learning and accountability (MEAL) will be responsible for monitoring field activities in-line with the project proposal, processes, the budget, the time-frame, regulations as per the partnership agreements.

Performance standard

• Field data collection, compilation and analysis on needs assessments, situation analysis and research studies
• Conduct impact studies, surveys, baseline, midline and end line studies including (KAP, post activity monitoring)
• Collect demographic gender disaggregated data and develop reports.
• Develop project monitoring framework as per project proposal, and indicators for monitoring outputs and outcomes as per LASOONA and donor guidelines.
• Monitor process and progress of the project various components on the basis of key performance indicators, randomly verify project beneficiaries and share findings with implementation team for effective and efficient program delivery.

2.       Support staff in planning, reviews and quality progress reporting to management, produce regular monitoring reports and document success stories.

Performance standard:

• Facilitate and guide project teams in implementation of project M&E plan.
• Assist Project Manager in preparation of periodic progress reports.
• Document at-least 5 best and emerging practices, Human Interest Stories, Case Studies and other Knowledge Management products able to generate evidence.

3.       Coordinate with relevant stakeholders including communities, GLAs, donor and CSOs, regarding planning, monitoring and sustainability of project interventions as per project proposal

Performance standard

• Coordinate with external evaluators/researchers for effect/impact assessment and facilitate donors/partners during their timely field visits;
• Compile reports on 4-W matrix, for sharing with relevant stakeholders including working groups, cluster and donor.

4.       Ensure all necessary programme documents are properly maintained and recorded properly at field level

• Develop and share the check list of the required documents for the compliance of the project with the relevant staff.
• Orient staff on the developed formats/templates and its filling in line with the activities for the proper record keeping.
• Review the programme documents as per the activities completed or on-going and share proper feedback with the staff.
• Maintain and manage the programme MIS, data collection, punching and analysis and assist MER Coordinator in coaching field team on the use of MIS.
• Update the MS team channel with updated project related documents, record meeting minutes and regularly facilitate the coordination meetings.

5. Ensure smooth implementation of policies and code of conduct in respective project activities and ensure compliance with accountability mechanisms.

Performance standard

• Assist in quality assurance including accountability, transparency and accessibility mechanisms, implement accountability framework
• Ensure CRM is in place at community and beneficiaries level and manage the complaint handling mechanism and data base.

6. Regularly coordinate review of the project with program team of head office including MER, and programme management team

Performance standard

• Provide regular inputs to the program team to improve the implementation strategies and maximization of the project impacts
• Assist the MER unit in internal evaluation of the project and provide technical support in designing tools, data collection, analysis and reporting.

Other General Performance Standards/competencies

• Sense of Responsibility; Exerts a high level of effort and perseverance toward goals attainment. Works hard to become excellent at doing tasks by setting high standards, paying attention to details, working consistently, and displaying a high level of concentration even when assigned an unpleasant task. Displays high standards of attendance, punctuality, enthusiasm, vitality, and optimism in approaching and completing tasks.
• Planning and Organisation; Believes in own ability and maintains a positive self-confident approach to task achievement.  Demonstrates knowledge of own skills and abilities, is aware of impact on others, knows own capacity and needs and how to address them.

• Flexibility; Demonstrates willingness and ability to change.  Manages that change in a sensitive manner to effectively balance the needs of the task and the people involved
• Creative Thinking; Uses imagination freely, combines ideas or information in new ways, makes connections between seemingly unrelated ideas, and reshapes goals in ways that reveal new possibilities.
• Decision Making; Specifies goals and constraints, generate alternatives, consider risks, and evaluate and choose best alternatives.
• Problem Solving; Recognises that a problem exits (i.e., there is a discrepancy between what is and what should or could be), identifies possible reasons for the discrepancy, and devises and implements a plan of action to resolve it. Evaluates and monitors progress, and Exercises
• Leadership; Communicates thoughts, feelings, and ideas to justify a position, encourages, persuades, convinces, or otherwise provides leadership focus to individuals or groups.
• Managing People and Teams; Gets things done effectively through others using appropriate management style to address differing situations
• Dealing with Difficult Situations; Applies logic and sensitivity to transform difficult situations into opportunities for motivation and teambuilding.  Demonstrates ability to achieve positive output from conflict and challenge revises plan as indicated by findings.
• Good understanding of gender, humanitarian and protection issues in Pakistan generally and target area specially

Require capacities and experience:

• Master’s Degree in  social sciences preferably in development studies, project management Economics, Agriculture economics, (women candidates will be preferred)

• At least 7 years’ experience in development sector in a reputable organization, preferably an NNGO/INGO.
• Ability to pay careful attention to detail while also understanding the bigger picture, strong interest in and commitment to humanitarian and development work.

• Must have at least 3 years’ experience of MEAL on Officer level position preferably in integrated projects with thematic focus on Climate change, DRR, agriculture, health and WASH.
• Demonstrated strong ability of developing and implementation of monitoring framework, monitoring tools preferably impact studies, writing success stories, analysis and report writing. 
• Acumen with MEAL, approaches, tools and strategies,
• Strong computer skills (MS Word, Excel, Outlook and Power Point
• Must have good understanding of core humanitarian standards and practices of complaint response mechanisms.
• Ability to communicate in English and URDU both (in-writing and verbal), understanding other languages, Pashto, Punjabi and Seraiki will be an added advantage.

How to Apply:

• LASOONA offers competitive salary package and conducive working environment. Please submit your CV to: [email protected].   

  Clearly mention the name of position and district name in the subject line in your email.

  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further selection process.

  LASOONA is equal opportunity employer.  Women candidates will be highly encouraged to apply.