The Role:

Oxfam in Syria is looking for MEAL MANAGER

What we are looking for: 

We’re looking for a candidate who cares about Oxfam's mission to end poverty and is personally aligned to our feminist principles and values of empowerment, accountability and inclusion in all you do.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The MEAL Manager provides strategic leadership for Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning across humanitarian, early recovery, and development programmes. The role ensures high programme quality through robust MEAL systems, results-based management, data quality assurance, and evidence driven decision-making. Key responsibilities include leading programme monitoring and evaluations, strengthening accountability to affected populations, overseeing information management and reporting, and promoting organizational learning for adaptive programming. The MEAL Manager supports programme design through assessments, results frameworks, and indicator development, while building the capacity of staff and partners in MEAL standards and practices. The role also fosters collaboration with donors, government institutions, UN agencies, NGOs, and internal stakeholders to ensure compliance, knowledge sharing, and impactful, accountable programming.

MEAL Technical Leadership and Management:

• In coordination with the DCD-P, work with the Program Quality team to develop a culture of programme quality and knowledge-driven programming within Oxfam and partners, and actively participate in senior management meetings, providing support to evidence-based decision-making processes.
• Lead on the MEAL component of the Oxfam Country Strategy and on learning and review opportunities for progress made in the OCS.
• In coordination and collaboration with the DCD-P, provide leadership and quality assurance on the planning, preparation, and implementation of annual Programme Quality (PQ) Reviews that inform PQ improvement plans, and support country and program management to establish PQ priorities.
• Lead on the Oxfam Common Approach to MEL and Social Accountability (CAMSA) roll out in the Syria Office, including on the development and implementation of programme and project improvement plans.
• Lead and manage the MEAL Unit, including work planning, staff supervision, coaching, and performance management.

Programme development, design and planning: 

• In close collaboration with the Funding Team, Thematic Leads and Area Managers, support programme teams in planning for programme, project, and proposal design. This includes promoting and supporting early engagement and active participation of partners and primary change agents in programme and project identification and design.
• In collaboration with thematic leads and DCD-P, provide guidance to and support developers and authorisers in ensuring that programme quality is embedded in new programmes and projects and that developed programmes and projects meet Oxfam quality standards. Influence funding and decisionmaking processes to ensure adequate resource allocation for MEAL.
• Advise and support Oxfam and partner teams on quality data gathering and analysis at community, local and national level to facilitate informed programme and project design.
• Proactively lead/ support the development of sound programme logic and objective setting that is informed by contextual information, learning, and knowledge.
• Lead the design and management of baseline, midline, endline, evaluations, assessments, and operational research.
• Ensure that Information Management products (monthly reports, dashboards, etc) are actively used by program teams and supporting Area Managers and other field teams in the using data collected to make decisions on planning and programming.

Programme and Project Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning:

• Proactively support Oxfam and partners in designing and ensuring the operationalization and implementation of effective and participatory MEAL strategies and plans at all levels in line with Oxfam standards.
• Provide technical advice and support in designing and implementing relevant programme and project MEAL systems, including the definition of specific processes, methodologies and tools for needs assessments, baselines, PDM, DDM, Action Reviews, etc, and other MEAL exercises.
• Identify, test and roll-out innovative MEAL approaches and methods – particularly for monitoring, accountability and beneficiary feedback in remote programming settings.
• Provide assurance and control of the quality of programme and project MEAL that is appropriate to the context and in line with Oxfam standards.
• Ensure compliance with Oxfam’s beneficiary counting methodology, and lead on initiatives to strengthen data and information management.
• Lead / support on the design and management of evaluations in compliance with Oxfam’s evaluation policy.
• Lead on the definition of country knowledge and learning agenda and provide methodological guidance / leadership on the design and organization of programme reviews and learning events.

Oxfam and partner staff resourcing and capacity development:

• Facilitate identification of needs, planning, and implementation for country team capacity building in MEAL, and build capacity of Oxfam staff to deliver MEAL, including through induction, training, and coaching. This includes mobilizing of internal and external resources as relevant in close coordination with the regional programme quality team.
• Provide effective performance and development management of supervised staff (line and matrix), utilising Oxfam’s people management tools and approaches.
• Support to effective performance management and development of country staff by contributing to objectives development and review in the area of MEAL.
• Ensure adherence to Oxfam guidance and policies relevant to consultancies related to MEAL. Provide overall quality assurance and quality control of MEAL consultancy-related work, and support in the design and management of consultancies as required.

Partnership Strengthening

• Build the MEAL capacity of implementing partners through training, mentoring, and coaching.
• Support partners in developing MEAL plans, indicators, and reporting systems.
• Monitor partner compliance with MEAL standards and donor requirements.

Reporting and Evidence

• Lead preparation of high-quality donor reports and organizational performance reports.
• Produce regular monitoring reports, dashboards, and management briefs.
• Support evidence generation for fundraising, advocacy, and communications.
• Prepare data-driven presentations, dashboards, and analytical reports.

Internal and external coordination, representation, and networking:

• Promote and facilitate the identification of learning from MEAL practices by Oxfam and partners, ensure that knowledge and learning is shared internally and externally, and promote replication of good practices across the country programme.
• Ensure that Oxfam’s MEAL system is linked to wider inter-agency M&E initiatives and developments and liaise with technical teams to ensure coordination with sectoral working groups and processes.
• Contribute to and support implementation of regional and global Oxfam programme quality strategies, processes, policies, and initiatives. This includes contributing to effective corporate processes and reporting (e.g. Output reporting, indicative outcome areas, Program Quality Reviews etc).

An ideal candidate for the role will also be / have:

ESSENTIAL 

• Self-Awareness
• Agility, Complexity, and Ambiguity
• Mutual accountability
• Strategic Thinking and Judgment
• Influencing

In addition:

•   Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Development Studies, Statistics, or a related field with substantial relevant 8 years, of progressively responsible experience in designing and implementing MEAL frameworks and systems and applying qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Experience should include MEAL leadership or technical roles (e.g., MEAL Manager/Advisor, MEAL Coordinator, Data and Analytics Specialist, or Programme Quality and Accountability Specialist) within humanitarian or development programmes at national and/or international levels.

•    Diploma degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Statistics, or a related field combined with substantial relevant experience 10 years of progressively responsible experience in designing and implementing MEAL frameworks and systems and applying qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Experience should include MEAL leadership or technical roles (e.g., MEAL Manager/Advisor, MEAL Coordinator, Data and Analytics Specialist, or Programme Quality and Accountability Specialist) within humanitarian or development programmes at national and/or international levels., may be accepted in lieu of a bachelor’s degree. 

•     2-3  years in a managerial or leadership role supervising MEAL teams. 
•     Experience in designing and implementing MEAL frameworks and systems in complex, conflict affected environments. 
•     Proven experience in managing data collection, analysis, and reporting and in setting Community Feedback Mechanisms frameworks/systems. 
•     In-depth understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. Proficiency in using data analysis software and data collection tools. (e.g., SPSS, STATA, R) (e.g., Power Bi, Survey CTO, ODK, Kobo, Toolbox) applied to data collection, analysis, learning and accountability to communities. 
•     Strong knowledge of donor requirements and frameworks for monitoring and evaluation. 
•     Familiarity with key sectoral areas, such as FES (food and economic security), Gender, WASH, Protection and humanitarian response. 
•     Fluency and Proficiency in English is essential. 
•     Strong analytical and critical thinking skills. 
•     Excellent communication and report-writing skills. 
•     Ability to work collaboratively with programme teams and external stakeholders. 
•     Strong facilitation and training skills. 
•     High level of cultural sensitivity and adaptability. 
•     Commitment to Oxfam’s mission and values, including promoting equality, diversity, and inclusivity. 
•     High level of integrity and accountability. 
•     Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines. 
•     Flexibility and willingness to travel within Syria and internationally as required. 
•     Advanced skills in using MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). 
•     Proficiency in using qualitative and quantitative MEAL-specific software and tools.  
•     Understanding of security protocols and risk management in conflict-affected areas. 
•     Additional Considerations 
•     Understanding the socio-political landscape of Syria and the Middle East and how it affects Oxfam's work. 
•     Strong commitment to accountability to affected populations and promoting participatory approaches. 
•     Ability to mentor and build the capacity of local staff and partners in MEAL practices. 
•   Flexibility and willingness to travel up to 75% within Syria and international as required. 

Desirable

• Working knowledge of Arabic is desirable.
• Familiarity with local laws and regulations affecting non-profit operations in Syria.
• Strategic foresight to anticipate emerging protection challenges and lead the design of innovative, adaptive programs that meet both immediate and long-term needs.
• Track record of successful collaboration with governments, UN agencies, and INGOs to influence national MEAL strategies, with exceptional diplomatic and negotiation skills.

We offer:

We offer a competitive salary and a range of additional benefits to staff including flexible working options, annual leave, additional leave allowances, company sick pay, life assurance and a range of other benefits. 

From the day you join Oxfam we invite you to stretch and learn in your role. Our wide range of Learning & Development opportunities includes in-house courses, e-learning modules, on-the job learning opportunities, coaching and mentoring, and much more. 

You can read more about all Oxfam has to offer here.

Flexfam:

We believe flexible working is key to building the Oxfam of the future, so we’re open to talking through the type of flexible arrangements which might work for you.

How to apply:

As part of your online application, please upload your up to date CV and Cover Letter explaining your suitability against the essential criteria in the job profile.  

Our values and commitment to safeguarding

Oxfam is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work including sexual harassment, exploitation and abuse, lack of integrity and financial misconduct; and committed to promoting the welfare of children, young people, adults and beneficiaries with whom Oxfam GB engages. Oxfam expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct. We place a high priority on ensuring that only those who share and demonstrate our values are recruited to work for us.

The post holder will undertake the appropriate level of training and is responsible for ensuring that they understand and work within the safeguarding policies of the organisation.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records and terrorism finance checks. Oxfam GB also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme.  In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms his/her understanding of these recruitment procedures.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and gender equality within our organisation and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

About us

Oxfam is a global community who believe poverty isn’t inevitable. It’s an injustice that can be overcome. We are shop volunteers, women’s right activists, marathon runners, aid workers, coffee farmers, street fundraisers, goat herders, policy experts, campaigners, water engineers and more. And we won’t stop until everyone can live life without poverty for good.

Oxfam GB is a member of international confederation of 21 organisations working together with partners and local communities in the areas of humanitarian, development and campaigning, in more than 90 countries. 

A thriving diverse Oxfam:

It’s people power that brings about change. To play our part as a global organisation working to overcome poverty and inequality, we need equality, diversity and inclusion across our community of staff, partners and volunteers. Together, we’re committed to becoming a more diverse workforce, better able to tackle the global challenges that face our world today.

To do that:

• We need to dismantle the unequal power structures that exist everywhere, this including Oxfam and the wider development and charity sectors.
• We need an inclusive Oxfam where everyone can bring who they are to our work and feels celebrated for the differences they bring.
• We want and need everyone, and that means we need you.