Job Responsibilities and Accountabilities
Overall job purpose
The Program MEAL Officer at Johanniter’s Afghanistan office is responsible for supporting the design, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of projects to ensure program quality, accountability, and effectiveness. The Officer will lead the development and management of MEAL frameworks and systems to track progress, assess impact, and provide evidence-based insights that inform decision-making and enhance organizational learning. Additionally, the role includes supporting knowledge management and reporting, as well as contributing to the capacity building of project staff in meeting their needs.
Tasks:
Key duties & responsibilities:
- design and implementation of the MEAL system for Johanniter International Assistance programs in the Afghanistan office.
- spearheaded the design and implementation of MEAL and indicator plans, data collection tools and methodologies, and oversaw the planning and execution of MEAL field activities to foster programmatic learning.
- assist the program teams in the design, planning, implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of projects funded and/or implemented by Johanniter in Afghanistan.
- assist the program team in the design and development of any concept notes and project proposals, particularly from the MEAL perspective.
- undertake regular field visits to monitor project activities and report on the progress and project issues to the line manager.
Data Collection tools development and use:
- provide support in the development of relevant and high-quality data collection tools for quantitative and qualitative research related to Johanniter programming, such as rapid assessments, baseline/end-line surveys, minimum standards checklists, FGD/KII guides, and similar instruments.
- lead the development of a qualitative research strategy through the deployment of innovative research methods to gain a deeper understanding of the impact of Johanniter Afghanistan’s programs at individual, household, and community levels.
- lead on planning and/or conducting field data collection and monitoring exercises.
Data Management, analysis, and use:
- ensure appropriate data management for all programs in the country, including storage, cleaning, and analysis.
- collaborate with program teams to ensure actions are taken based on MEAL findings and recommendations.
- conduct regular data quality checks and validations on health data collected through the HMIS to ensure accuracy, completeness, and timeliness.
- cross-verify HMIS data with source documents at health facilities or the community level.
- ensure that data collected through HMIS is aligned with project indicators and donor reporting requirements.
Reporting:
- support the preparation of MEAL-related sections in donor reports and internal reports.
- ensure timely preparation and submission of field monitoring reports to the line manager.
- prepare evaluation reports for project(s) as needed and submit them to the line manager.
- conduct regular implementation reviews to flag bottlenecks or risks and recommend corrective actions in Johanniter programs and projects.
Evaluation and Learning:
- assist in planning and implementing baselines, mid‐term reviews, end-line evaluations, surveys, and assessments based on needs.
- capture lessons learned, success stories, and best practices.
- facilitate regular reflection and learning sessions with program teams to adapt and improve program strategy and implementation.
Accountability and Feedback Mechanisms:
- assist, and ensure there is a functional feedback/complaints mechanism for beneficiaries and communities, established by the safeguarding section.
- assist the safeguarding section in promoting community involvement and participation, ensuring that beneficiary feedback is integrated into program improvements.
- ensure transparency of program objectives, performance, successes, and areas for improvement to any stakeholders.
Capacity Building and Coordination:
- train program staff (and where relevant partners) on MEAL tools, data collection methods, and accountability standards.
- coordinate with other units (Operations, Technical, Finance) to ensure MEAL findings inform budgeting, planning, and logistic/procurement support where needed.
- ensure MEAL systems are coherent and aligned across all program/project/intervention sites.
Strategy and Vision
- To empower Johanniter International Assistance (JIA) with robust, data-driven insights and foster a culture of continuous learning that maximizes program effectiveness, enhances accountability, and ensures meaningful impact aligned with the Johanniter humanitarian values and strategic priorities.
- As a PMEAL Officer, he/she strategic role is to translate Johanniter’s humanitarian values into practical, measurable actions that advance both global and country-level strategies. By ensuring rigorous monitoring, transparent accountability, and adaptive learning, he/she will contribute to the sustained effectiveness and integrity of Johanniter’s humanitarian interventions worldwide.
