MEAL Assistant

Role summary The MEAL Assistant is responsible for supporting the effective implementation of MEAL activities for designated projects and other projects within the Provincial Office. The position coordinates and conducts field-level data collection, monitoring, PDMs, assessments, and verification activities; supports quantitative data analysis and reporting; maintains accurate and up-to-date MEAL databases and documentation; and contributes to implementation of project MEAL plans and monitoring tools. The position also undertakes regular field visits and spot checks to assess project progress and data quality and supports timely dissemination of reliable MEAL information to programme and management teams for informed decision-making and programme learning. Duties and responsibilities KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS (Bullet Points) MEAL Coordinator – technical supervision, guidance, quality assurance, reporting, and learning. Country Office Designated Project MEAL Officer – technical coordination and oversight of project-specific MEAL requirements. Area/Project Manager and Project Officers – coordination of project implementation monitoring, data requirements, and follow-up actions. Health, Nutrition, Protection, WASH, Livelihood and other Technical Specialists – coordination of sector-specific monitoring, data collection, and verification. Field Programme Staff – support and coordination for routine monitoring, data collection, beneficiary verification, and reporting. CFM Focal Point – coordination of complaints, feedback, accountability monitoring, and referral/follow-up. Community Structures and Representatives – coordination for community-level monitoring, feedback, verification, and accountability activities. Government and relevant authorities – coordination and liaison for monitoring and project implementation requirements. Project Partners/Contractors, where applicable – coordination of data collection, monitoring, verification, and compliance. SCOPE AND AUTHORITY: Support MEAL implementation across the Samangan Provincial Office portfolio , including health, nutrition, MHPSS, child protection, WASH, and livelihood interventions. Lead/co-lead assigned field-level monitoring, verification, data collection, PDM, assessment, accountability, and learning activities under the direction of the MEAL Coordinator and designated MEAL Officer. Monitor the quality, completeness, timeliness, and reliability of project data and supporting documentation. Support implementation of project MEAL plans, indicators, monitoring tools, databases, and reporting requirements. Conduct regular field visits to assess activity implementation, service quality, beneficiary reach, inclusion, accountability, and compliance with approved project standards. Support measurement of project outcomes and results through baseline, endline, satisfaction, PDM, and other assessments as applicable. Identify data quality, implementation, accountability, and performance issues and escalate significant concerns to the appropriate supervisor. Follow up on agreed corrective actions and management responses arising from monitoring, DQA, assessments, and evaluations. Responsibility for Resources (Bullet Points): Maintain accurate and secure MEAL databases, datasets, records, and supporting documentation. Ensure proper use and maintenance of MEAL tools, checklists, questionnaires, Kobo forms, monitoring templates, and reporting formats. Support management and quality assurance of project beneficiary/rightsholder databases and indicator tracking systems. Ensure monitoring and data collection records are complete, properly documented, and accessible to authorized staff. Support appropriate management of data collected from health facilities, communities, project activities, distributions, surveys, and other monitoring exercises. Support responsible handling and protection of sensitive beneficiary information, particularly information related to children, health, protection, and complaints. Ensure MEAL resources are used efficiently during field monitoring, surveys, verification, and other MEAL activities. KEYACCOUNTABILITIES (Bullets Points) The following are the main responsibilities that the role holder will be accountable for: · Implement MEAL plans and monitor project activities and results. · Conduct monitoring, PDMs, verification, assessments, and data collection. · Ensure data quality and maintain accurate MEAL databases. · Analyze and report project performance against indicators and targets. · Monitor accountability and CFM activities and follow up on feedback. · Document findings, lessons learned, and corrective actions. · Provide MEAL evidence for project and donor reporting. · Coordinate with programme and technical teams and conduct regular field visits. Job requirements Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications (Bullet Points) Education: Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, Economics, Social Sciences, BBA, or a relevant field. Good knowledge of MEAL principles, data collection, monitoring, and basic data analysis. Good computer skills, including MS Office and relevant data collection/management tools. Good communication, reporting, and interpersonal skills. Fluency in Dari, Pashto, and English. Experience (Bullet Points) · Minimum 2 years of relevant MEAL experience. · Experience in field monitoring, data collection, verification, and reporting. · Experience in managing and maintaining MEAL data and databases. · Experience working with project teams and conducting field visits. Key Personal Qualities (Bullet Points) · Strong commitment to accuracy, data quality, and confidentiality. · Good analytical and problem-solving skills. · Strong communication and teamwork skills. · Ability to work independently and meet deadlines. · Willingness and ability to travel regularly to field locations. · Commitment to safeguarding, PSEA, accountability, and professional ethics. Desirable: · Relevant experience of working with humanitarian/development sector/INGOs · Working knowledge of regional l languages of Afghanistan.