MEAL officer (Local)

Aim of the position:

The objective of this position is to support the effective implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) activities for the project “InGrowth (Inclusive Work and Growth): Pathways for economic development and job inclusion (AICS 13100/01/0)”, ensuring the timely collection, management, verification, and reporting of quality project data.

The MEAL Officer will support the MEAL Coordinator in the implementation of project-specific MEAL system and tools, regular monitoring of project activities and indicators, management and analysis of project data, and implementation of accountability mechanisms.

The officer will work closely with the MEAL Coordinator, project teams, and field staff to ensure accurate and up-to-date information on project progress, promote data quality and accountability, identify deviations and learning needs, and contribute to evidence-based project implementation and reporting.

Reporting to (Counselor):  MEAL Coordinator

Duty Station:  Baghdad, Iraq (with travel to Diwaniyah and Nassiriyah)

Level:  Mid Level

Department: MEAL

Salary: 1,300 USD – 1,350 USD Net Salary

Main tasks and responsibilities:

The selected candidate will be responsible for:

A. MEAL Systems Implementation and Support

• Assist the MEAL Coordinator in developing and implementing project-specific MEAL plans, ensuring they align with project log frames and generate regular information on progress.
• Support the creation and digitization of data collection tools (e.g., on Activity info) for routine monitoring, surveys, and assessments.
• Contribute to the design and execution of baseline and endline assessments by participating in field data collection and preliminary report drafting.

B. Project Monitoring and Data Management

• Design activities monitoring tools under the guidance of the MEAL Coordinator, upload them on AVSI Information Management platform (Activity Info) and test them.
• Conduct regular monitoring visits to project sites to verify activities and collect data, utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methods.
• Provide training and support to field enumerators or program staff and monitor data collection activities to ensure data quality.
• Perform data entry, cleaning, and basic analysis of collected data to identify trends and track progress against indicators.
• Conduct cross-checks of beneficiary lists to ensure compliance with selection criteria and to identify duplications.
• Maintain the project's beneficiary and output databases, ensuring data is accurate, up-to-date, and securely stored.
• Highlight deviations from the original plan and propose corrective actions.
• Prepare and share monthly updates on MEAL activities and output trackers with the MEAL Coordinator, highlighting any deviations from the plan.

C. Accountability and Learning

• Support the day-to-day management of AVSI’s Feedback and Complaints Response Mechanism (FCRM), including logging feedback from various channels (helpline, suggestion boxes), following up on cases under supervision and promoting the use of FCRM channels by the project participants (beneficiaries) and project staff.
• Assist in compiling the quarterly FCRM reports that summarize feedback received and actions taken.
• Help identify and document potential success stories, lessons learned, and best practices in collaboration with the program team.

D. Continuous Learning and Skill Development

• Participate in assigned training and coaching sessions to enhance technical MEAL skills.
• Work with the MEAL Coordinator to identify learning needs and areas for skill enhancement.
• Take on increasingly complex tasks and responsibilities as competencies develop.

Essential requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Social Sciences, Statistics, or Development Studies.
• At least one to two (1-2) years of professional experience in a non-profit organization, with direct experience in a MEAL Assistant or similar data-focused role.
• Foundational understanding of MEAL principles and the project life cycle.
• Experience with mobile data collection tools (e.g., KoboToolbox, ODK, Activity info) is a strong asset.

Required skills and experiences:

• Technical Skills: Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel. A strong desire to learn and develop skills in data analysis is essential.
• Personal Attributes: High level of integrity, a proactive attitude towards learning, strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and an ability to work effectively in a team.
• Communication: Good written and verbal communication skills in English, and Arabic, Kurdish is a plus.

AVSI is committed to diversity and inclusion within its workforce and encourages qualified female and male candidates from all national, religious, and ethnic backgrounds to apply.

How to Apply (Application Process):

Interested candidates are required to send CV and job application to MEAL officer ( Local) | Fondazione AVSI

starting from 18-09-2026. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis, and based on urgency, AVSI may fill the position prior to the closing date.