MEAL Officer

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

Job Overview

Reporting to and technically supported by the MEAL Manager, the MEAL Officer works in close collaboration with program teams to optimize monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning capacities and opportunities of the IRC mission in Uganda to ensure high-quality programming for the clients we serve and support the global ambitions of IRC Strategy 100, and the Country Strategic Action Plan.  The MEAL Officer oversees, leads and implements MEAL activities of RESET within the Country MEAL team

Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership, Documentation and Partnership

• Provide overall technical leadership on MEAL functions for Yumbe–BidiBidi operations, ensuring high standards in data collection, documentation, analysis, reporting, and accountability to clients, partners, and donors.

• Lead systematic documentation of program progress, learning, best practices, and evidence for internal and external use.
• Supervise and provide technical guidance to the Data Officer and MEAL Assistant(s), ensuring timely deliverables, quality outputs, and professional growth.
• Representing IRC in technical meetings, coordination forums, and external engagements related to MEAL and Information Management.
• Foster strategic partnerships internally and externally to strengthen data systems, learning, and accountability mechanisms.
• Champion access to and use of data for shared learning, sound decision-making, and data-driven program adaptations.

Technical Oversight - Monitoring, Evaluation, and Output Tracking

• Lead the implementation of MEAL systems in alignment with IRC Country and Global Strategies across the project cycle.
• Implement the MEAL plan, using the log frame, indicator performance tracking table (IPTT), and indicator reference sheets to guide data collection and reporting.
• Collect, compile, and update monitoring data on outputs and outcomes from Protection, Cash, and other sector activities.
• Conduct Post-Distribution Monitoring (PDM), including household surveys, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews on cash use, satisfaction, safety, access, and barriers.
• Ensure systematic monitoring of outputs and beneficiaries, including: Accurate beneficiary registration and tracking, Output verification and reconciliation, Routine beneficiary like PDMs, Market assessments and Vulnerability assessments monitoring and validation exercises and Real-time tracking of performance against targets.
• Collaborate with program and MEAL staff to ensure data is collected, compiled, verified, and meets IRC and donor data quality standards.
• Oversee digital data collection tools (CommCare, Kobo, ODK, etc.), ensuring timely updates, revisions, quality checks, and dashboard visualization.
• Conduct routine Data Quality Assessments (DQAs), audits, and spot checks to ensure data completeness, accuracy, and consistency.
• Undertake regular analysis of monitoring data and facilitate real-time program adaptation with program managers.
• Produce high-quality reports and dashboards highlighting key findings, trends, risks, and recommendations.
• Document and share learning from monitoring findings to inform proposal development and program improvements.

Evaluation Management

• Lead and manage baseline, midline, endline surveys, and external evaluations and vulnerability assessments in coordination with MEAL Manager and program teams.
• Develop evaluation frameworks, tools, methodologies, and Terms of Reference (ToRs).
• Supervise enumerators and data collection teams during evaluation exercises.
• Ensure evaluation findings are documented, disseminated, and translated into action plans.
• Manage evaluation data cleaning, analysis, and reporting processes to ensure methodological rigor and quality reporting.

Participatory Monitoring and Learning

• Promote and institutionalize participatory monitoring approaches that actively engage beneficiaries in assessing program quality and relevance.
• Facilitate community reflection sessions, feedback dialogues, and participatory review meetings.
• Ensure community voices inform program design, implementation, and adaptation.
• Support community-led monitoring mechanisms where appropriate.

Accountability and Client Responsiveness

• In close collaboration with the MEAL Manager and AAP Officers, oversee documentation and tracking of client feedback through the Client Feedback Registry (CFR).
• Maintain updated feedback databases and ensure timely data entry and analysis.
• Produce monthly feedback analysis reports to inform strategic and programmatic decision-making.
• Lead onsite discussions to develop and monitor action plans responding to client feedback.
• Strengthening capacity of project teams on accountability, safeguarding, and client responsiveness.
• Support development and dissemination of accountability materials (briefs, posters, brochures) to stakeholders and communities.

Human Resources and Supervision

• Directly supervise Data Officer(s), MEAL Assistant(s), and enumerators.
• Provide mentorship, coaching, and performance monitoring to ensure high-quality output.
• Build capacity of MEAL and program teams in data management, reporting, accountability, and knowledge management.
• Participate in recruitment, onboarding, and training of MEAL Assistants, Data Officers, and field enumerators.
• Foster an inclusive, respectful, and high-performing team environment.

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:

Reports to: MEAL Manager

Directly Supervises:

• Data Officer
• MEAL Assistant(s)
• Enumerators

Internal Contacts:

Program Managers and Officers, Database Officer, ICT Officer, Partnerships Manager, HR, Field Coordinator

External Contacts:

Beneficiaries, partner organizations, local and national government authorities

Qualifications (Technical And Education)

• Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Information Management, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related technical field (additional experience may substitute).
• Minimum 3 years of progressive experience in MEAL, data management, or related roles.
• Demonstrated experience supervising technical staff (Data Officer/MEAL Assistants).
• Strong understanding of: Output and beneficiary monitoring, logical frameworks and Theories of Change, Evaluation methodologies, Participatory monitoring approaches and Accountability and Client Feedback Mechanisms
• Proven experience managing baseline/endline surveys and evaluations.
• Proficiency in mobile data collection tools (CommCare, Kobo, ODK).
• Experience with Power BI, Tableau, or GIS tools is an added advantage.
• Advanced Excel skills and strong report-writing ability.
• Strong analytical, systematic thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.
• Willingness to travel to field locations regularly.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed on rolling basis

                        Deadline for receiving applications is 28th October 2026.

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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