Regional MEAL Specialist - MENA Region

Work Context

CESVI has a long-standing presence in the Middle East and North Africa, with project activities in Libya since 2011, in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) since 1994, and in Lebanon since 2001.

Additionally, CESVI launched interventions in Turkey-North West Syria and it is now registering in Syria to start operations there.

As part of CESVI’s ongoing regionalization process, the definition and structuring of the MENA Region is currently underway. This role is expected to play a significant role in shaping and advancing this process.

CESVI is positioning itself as a first responder in emergencies and a key actor in Protection and Education, building on its well-established work in protection and education in Libya to expand its presence in humanitarian crises across the MENA region.

Focus on Libya

CESVI has been operating in Libya since 2011 as the first Italian NGO to take action, in the aftermath of the Arab Spring. Over the years, CESVI has developed relevant expertise on migration, and it has positioned itself as one of the most active protection actors in Libya by addressing protection needs and promoting the resilience of migrants, refugees, asylum seekers, IDPs and vulnerable host community members.

CESVI has developed a solid expertise in General Protection, Child Protection, Gender-Based Violence, MHPSS, Cash and Voucher Assistance, and Education in Emergencies through a set of activities aimed at preventing and responding to violence, exploitation and abuse against boys, girls, women, and men, while promoting their rights. CESVI is also active in promoting capacity building of Civil Society Organizations. CESVI operates across the country with key offices in Tripoli, Misrata, Kuffrah and Benghazi.

Current projects are funded by: UNHCR, UNICEF and European Union

Focus on Palestine

Since 1994, Cesvi has been in the Occupied Palestinian Territories with emergency and development projects implemented in collaboration with non-governmental organizations, civil society actors, the private sector and local authorities. Cesvi currently operates through its office in East Jerusalem, Hebron and Gaza Strip (2021). Efforts so far have been concentrated on the water, sanitation and environment sectors (WASH) and the Solid Waste Management (SWM) and special waste. Current projects are funded by: AICS, EU, GFFO, Alliance 2025, OCHA, WFP ?

Focus on Lebanon

Since 2001, CESVI has been engaged in humanitarian interventions in Lebanon and is currently operational in Beirut, Bourj Hammoud (Metn), Baalbek, Saida, as well as in the areas of Nabatiye and Hasbaya. Over the years, CESVI has implemented a wide range of projects in the country, financed by institutional donors, including AICS and ECHO, and private foundations. These initiatives have focused on livelihoods, food security, and emergency assistance, with the systematic integration of a cross-cutting protection component, while also addressing the impacts of regional crises. In recent years, CESVI has dedicated and consolidated its expertise in the sectors of Education, Child Protection, and Socio-Economic Development, through the implementation of activities as school infrastructure rehabilitation, education and protection services, business development, youth empowerment, and Cash for Work. Current projects are funded by AICS.

Focus on Syria

In preparation for a sustained and principled engagement in Syria, CESVI has strengthened its operational presence through a series of strategic initiatives, including two joint multisectoral needs assessments conducted in collaboration with its local partner Olive Branch.

CESVI sectorial strategiesin Syria: Education, Protection, and Early Recovery.

Job Description

The collaboration will start in September 2025.

This position has been conceived as home-based/remotely ensuring 30% of field missions in the Countries of operations: Libya, Palestine, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan. Alternatively, it can be based in one of the Country of operations listed above.

The MENA Regional Meal Specialistreports to the MENA Regional Manager. The MENA Regional Meal Specialist collaborate/report functionally to MEAL Focal point in HQ

This role is part of a Regional Team composed by: Reg. Grant Manager, Reg. Ops, Reg. Head of Protection & Eduction Unit.

The roles aim to work in close coordination with Countries Programm Teams and possinly HQ Technical Unit and HQ Emergency Humanitarian Unit (ERHU), based on need.

The MENA Reg. Meal Specialist has 3 reporting:

• Information Management Specialist (MENA)
• Meal Supervisor LIBYA
• Meal Co OPT- Lebanon-Syria

The role oversees a team of MEAL Officers and CFM & Accountability Officer.

Position SCOPE:

The MENA Reg. Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Specialist will provide the technical leadership necessary to ensure that the CEVI MENA missions meet their monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning commitments. The MEAL Specialist will lead the CESVI MENA MEAL Unit, contributing to evidence-based programme design and continuous quality improvements based on data and learning. The Specialist will work with his/her team to put in place strong data management systems, reinforce accountability and promote a culture around learning. The Specialist will also play a key role in supporting CESVI research initiatives.

TASKS:

1) Monitoring and Evaluation

• Ensure all approved projects have the following by the start of the project: MEAL plan with defined indicators (based on the log frame), Project Monitoring Framework (PMF), data collection tools and databases.
• Work with the MEAL Supervisor to oversee the design of new tools/systems and maintain an overview of data management in CESVI.
• Provide technical assistance and quality assurance to MEAL Unit staff (including but not limited to the design of MEAL plans, data collection tools, monitoring work plans, data management and analysis) to ensure the MEAL Unit adequately supports programmes.
• Lead on, or participate in, needs assessment exercises, including the development of assessment protocols, data collection tools, data analysis and reporting
• Support with the development of proposal logframes to ensure indicators are SMART,appropriate, and in line with CESVI Libya mission’s activities.
• Provide inputs and analysis to monthly Programme Meetings to ensure projects stay on track with their achievements and make corrections/improvements based on the evidence generated.
• Facilitate dialogue and collaboration between MEAL and Programme Teams at field level, in collaboration with Project Managers/Specialists.
• Oversee the MEAL unit’s day-to-day activities to ensure deadlines are met on time and reports and outputs are of high quality and accuracy.

2) Accountability

• Ensure continued functioning, use of and improvements to the beneficiary feedback and response mechanism, and adherence to regional standards and expectations.
• Contribute to staff understanding and capacity building of accountability principles.
• Ensure continued compliance with accountability SoPs.
• Ensure all projects have a CFM system in place and in line with CESVI’s CFM policies, procedures, and standards.

3) Evaluation and Learning

• Collaborate with colleagues to ensure learning events are conducted for implemented projects to document learnings and best practices for future programmes. This can be at project-level or programme-level.
• Lead on proactive impact data gathering to analyse specific CESVI activities or components.
• Lead CESVI’s external evaluations, including support with TOR development, recruitment of consultant, and advise on evaluation methodology and tools
• Set up reflection practices around research and evaluation results.

4) Information Management

• Provides guidance, recommendations, and leadership to ensure that the MEAL systems are standardized and meet the programme's data, evidence, and learning needs, including the sharing of information internally and externally, and help address shortfalls in MEAL and data management that affect programme implementation.
• Act as the CESVI Libya country programme focal point for organisation-wide or cross-sectoral MEAL-related data management, consolidation/aggregation or reporting requirements.
• Work with the IM team to identify more streamlined/efficient data management systems and propose rollout and training plans.

5) Staff Recruitment, Capacity Building and Mentoring

• Participate in all relevant MEAL recruitments, including drafting ToRs and vacancy notices, preparing job requests, preparing tests and interview questions and participating in interviews.
• Engage in staff management of his/her team including setting objectives, performance evaluations and performance/behaviour management.
• Support CESVI to recruit any MEAL or research consultants, including drafting ToRs and participating in the hiring process.
• Be responsible for developing and implementing an internal capacity-building strategy, including training and mentoring MEAL staff and promoting a culture of peer-learning.

6)Implementation of Safeguarding policies –Adult at risk/Child Safeguarding/PSEA

Ensuring Safeguarding measures are implemented within his/her area of responsibility

Essential Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in humanitarian assistance, social work, human rights, international law, social studies, economics, international development or another appropriate field; Postgraduate degree in relevant field is preferred.
• Minimum 5 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning, 2 of which with international development or humanitarian organizations.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in producing qualitative and quantitative learning pieces used to support decision-making and program learning.
• Demonstrated skills in designing integrated monitoring tools, qualitative and quantitative data collection tools, statistical analysis methods, and database management.
• Demonstrated experience in providing relevant technical and programmatic contributions to project design and proposals, building logframe, and indicators.
• Experience developing and delivering in-person and remote training on MEAL.
• Experience in leading or contributing to research and evaluation activities utilising multi-method and grounded approaches.
• Experience providing technical and managerial leadership to MEAL teams in the development and humanitarian settings (in-person and remotely).
• Demonstrated skills in writing reports, best practice, case studies, and lessons learned.
• Ability and willingness to work in remote and isolated locations with ever-changing security scenarios.

SKILLS:

• Knowledge of project cycle management and how M&E fits into this cycle.
• Demonstrated understanding of data protection and confidentiality as part of data collection and management practices and ability to respect and maintain confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Outlook, Access, PowerPoint, and Power BI; qualitative analysis software like Nvivo; Kobo/ODK software.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken), Arabic preferred but not essential.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills and ability to facilitate a collaborative environment among colleagues and stakeholders to promote effective coordination.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Self-motivated, able to take the initiative, resilient, and able to work independently.
• Demonstrated attention to detail, ability to follow procedures, and meet deadlines.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience in remote management and training, including providing remote support and coaching to staff in the MEAL team.
• Competency in using statistical software (i.e. SPSS, STATA).
• Experience in monitoring systems relevant to protection interventions.

SAFEGUARDING

CESVI has a zero-tolerance approach to any harm to, or exploitation of, a child or a vulnerable adult by any of our staff, related persons or partners.

CESVI commitment to being a safe organization begins with the staff recruitment process which includes meticulous checks, such as criminal records checks or check disclosure of previous convictions, to ensure children and vulnerable people are safeguarded and abuse is prevented. Safeguarding checks are part of the selection process performance.

HEALTH SAFEGUARDING

CESVI pays particular attention to safeguarding the health of all the human resources of the Organisation. Therefore, in order to protect its staff, an assessment of their suitability for the position in each mission is carried out before departure. Such assessment is done by the Occupational Doctor of the Organisation, who will also examine the vaccination coverage.

We Offer

CONTRACT DURATION: 6 months, renewable

SALARY: 3.600-4.000€ gross monthly salary

• Health insurance
• HA if based in one of the country of operations
• 1 round trip flight each 12 months
• Refund up to 230€ for visa renewal flight fares.

How to apply

Please send your CV and motivational letter - https://cesvi.org/jobs/regional-meal-specialist-mena-region/?d=relief