HI has been supporting the Afghan people since 1987, starting its operations in Pakistan. Since 1996, HI has been operating across Afghanistan in order to launch victim assistance interventions, working at different levels of the society and adopting a cross-sectoral approach. While present on the ground to directly support victims of the conflict through the provision of a range of services – from physical rehabilitation, to mine risk education and inclusive livelihoods – HI has been continuously advocating to increase the rights of victims and other people with disabilities in the country. In particular, and in line with its global strategy and priorities, HI has been advocating to reduce the use of landmines and conventional weapons. Acknowledging the need to respond to the urgent emergency crises combined with longer term, chronic gaps in the provision of services, HI has steadily expanded its range of activities and services in order to support the most vulnerable people, enhancing their resilience while strengthening participation and inclusion of all individuals.

JOB CONTEXT

HI started working in Afghanistan in 1996 and currently works across 6 provinces (Kabul, Kandahar, Kunduz, Herat, Nimruz and Bamyan). The population groups targeted by HI interventions include IDPs, returnees, persons with disabilities, women headed households and other vulnerable people who have been affected by natural and manmade disasters. HI is a strong actor promoting and advocating for the rights of survivors of landmines and other people with disabilities as a whole and provides technical support to key stakeholders including humanitarian partners.

HI’s activities cover several thematic areas including Mine Risk Education, Physical rehabilitation, Protection (including Mental Health and Psychosocial support – MHPSS) and Livelihoods. 

HI co-chairs the Disability Inclusion Working Group (DiWG) as well as supports Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) as an integral aspect of mainstreaming disability inclusion in the country and across the humanitarian response.

Mission:

Under the line management of MEAL Manager, the Consortium Meal Specialist contributes to the deployment of HI’s response in Afghanistan in line with the implementation of the HI’s mandate, country and global strategy. The MEAL Specialist’s primary focus will be on the delivery of HI’s FCDO funded project ‘Solutions for Integrated and Inclusive Protection Services (SIIPS)’.

SIIPs is a 2-year consortium project implemented by HI (lead), War Child UK, Youth and Development Organisation (YHDO) and Sanayee Development Organisation (SDO). This 2-year project started in October 2023 and will run up to October 2025. SIIPs will cover 3 key thematic areas: health, protection and Inclusion. Project activities will be delivered in 4 provinces in Afghanistan – Herat, Kandahar, Nimroz and Nangahar.  

The Consortium MEAL Specialist works in synergy with other mission sector specialists in the country, region and at HQ to design and lead SIIPS MEAL system, providing sound technical advice for the harmonization and alignment of all MEAL activities across the consortium. 

As Consortium MEAL Specialist, your main responsibilities will be to:

• Lead the strategy development for quality implementation of MEAL activities, define and oversee the MEAL action plan, in collaboration with consortium partners.
• Develop consistent MEAL and IM systems and standards across the SIIPS consortium to ensure harmonized data collection for use in project implementation.
• Develop project monitoring & evaluation systems and ensure the implementation of the SIIPS project MEAL activities.
• Ensure accountability and participation systems are developed and harmonized across SIIPs consortium.
• With the support of the MEAL Manager, contribute to logframe/indicator development, narrative descriptions of M&E activities, MEAL budget line estimations, during the proposal development process.
• Contribute to the continuous updating of MEAL standard operating procedures, and proactively identify opportunities to improve MEA systems and processes.
• Develop M&E plans and workplans including mixed-methods and participatory approaches and indicator performance tracking tools to monitor results; and where relevant, draft a continency remote MEAL management plan.
• Build the technical capacity of consortium staff and partners.
• Represent HI and the project externally and actively participate in inter-agency coordination mechanisms and platforms.
• Contribute to the development of donor reports.
• Contribute to the business development and strategic positioning of the SIIPS project.
• Conduct or coordinate project quality evaluations.
• Support other tasks as assigned

Education and professional experience

• University Degree in Social Sciences, economics, statistics or other relevant field of study.
• At least 5 years of professional experience in MEAL advisory positions in emergency contexts, including in project evaluation and in developing and implementing integrated MEAL frameworks and strategies.
• Experience in capacity development for MEAL and expertise in designing and implementing capacity building programs for local partners.
• Demonstrated technical M&E skills and command of methodologies, including working with large data sets and statistical analysis
• Solid understanding of robust qualitative and quantitative data collection
• Proven experience in a technical capacity involving conducting evaluations, assessments, or research and drafting technical reports
• Previous work experience with HI is an asset.

Skills

• Ability to foster teamwork, empowering and developing others.
• Excellent English, Pashto and Dari communication skills (oral and written)
• Strong drafting and reporting skills
• A demonstrated results-oriented approach
• Ability to be proactive, reactive and flexible.
• Capacity to organize your work, and manage priorities
• An understanding of the frameworks and mechanisms of international development cooperation and humanitarian assistance
• A sense of humor is essential for this position and context
• A creative mindset and approach are required in order to succeed in this role.
• You must have the ability to work under pressure and without constant supervision
• You must demonstrate a good understanding of how to ‘manage upwards’ (ensuring a productive professional relationship with your line manager).
• Strong interpersonal and intercultural skills
• Emotional capacity to work in an often-unstable security situation;
• Good team member with a passion for utilizing participatory approaches;

Application Process:

Applicants can login to the online application system by copying and pasting the following link into their web browser https://airtable.com/appUlb8Bby8BR1ytl/shrskRK4ptT4sHfH4 to submit their details and upload their required documents prior to the deadline (01-Apr-2024).

Important notes:

• Please note that only the applications received through the online platform will be considered for this position.
• It is important to note that applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Therefore, timely submission is crucial.
• After the review process, please be aware that only candidates who have been shortlisted will be contacted for the next stages of the recruitment process. If you do not hear from us, please consider that your application has not been selected for further consideration at this time.

- HI has got strong stand on protection of beneficiaries.

"The Consourtium MEAL Specialist will have to create and maintain an environment which prevents sexual exploitation and abuse and promotes the implementation of the code of conduct"

HI promotes and upholds the principles of equal opportunities and its policies (PSEAH, Child Protection etc). HI has a zero tolerance approach to any harm to, or exploitation of, a vulnerable adult or a child by any of our staff, representatives or partners. Recruitment to all jobs in HI includes, in particular, criminal
record checks and the collection of relevant references. Safeguarding our beneficiaries is our top priority in everything we do.

Individuals with disabilities and female candidates are especially encouraged to apply. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment and strongly value the unique perspectives and contributions that you can bring to our team.