Community Liaison Assistant - Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

Job Title: Community Liaison Assistant (MEAL)

Key Responsibilities

Support to MEAL Systems and Processes

• Assist in the implementation of project MEAL plans under the guidance of the MEAL Officer.
• Support the development, testing and deployment of data collection tools.
• Assist in data entry, verification, cleaning and organization of project datasets.
• Support tracking and monitoring of project indicators.
• Contribute to the preparation of MEAL reports, dashboards and data summaries.
• Maintain organized records of MEAL documentation and databases.

Monitoring, Data Collection and Reporting

• Conduct field visits to monitor project activities and collect quantitative and qualitative data.
• Support regular assessments, monitoring exercises, post-monitoring activities and evaluations.
• Assist in maintaining Indicator Performance Trackers (IPTs) and other project monitoring systems.
• Document success stories, lessons learned and significant changes from project interventions.
• Support the organization and facilitation of learning and reflection sessions at field level.
• Ensure timely and accurate collection and submission of field data.

Accountability and Community Feedback

• Support the operation of the Complaints and Feedback Mechanism (CFM).
• Receive, record, categorize and track beneficiary feedback and complaints.
• Ensure confidential and timely handling of community feedback in line with DCA accountability standards.
• Conduct community awareness sessions on available feedback channels and response mechanisms.
• Support regular analysis of feedback trends and preparation of accountability reports.
• Promote beneficiary participation and accountability throughout project implementation.

Learning, Knowledge Management and Capacity Building

• Support documentation of lessons learned, best practices and project achievements.
• Assist in compiling learning products and knowledge-sharing materials.
• Provide logistical and administrative support during MEAL trainings, workshops and data collection exercises.
• Support field teams and partners in understanding and applying MEAL tools and processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of programme quality through evidence-driven learning.

Coordination and Collaboration

• Work closely with project officers, field assistants and partner MEAL focal persons to support effective data flow and reporting.
• Participate in project meetings, field visits, assessments and review sessions.
• Collaborate with programme teams to strengthen monitoring and accountability practices.
• Support coordination of field data collection and reporting activities across project locations.

Required Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Community Development, Economics, Information Management, or a related field.

Technical Skills

• Basic understanding of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) principles.
• Experience or familiarity with data collection and management tools such as KoboCollect, ODK, CommCare, Excel or related platforms.
• Ability to collect, clean, organize and analyze data accurately.
• Good report-writing and documentation skills.
• Knowledge of accountability and feedback mechanisms is an added advantage.

Soft Skills

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail and commitment to data quality.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and within multidisciplinary teams.
• Ability to interact respectfully with refugee and host community populations.
• Demonstrated integrity and commitment to confidentiality.

Experience

(Any of the following is desirable but not mandatory for a graduate-level role.)

• Experience supporting data collection, surveys, monitoring activities or research assignments.
• Experience working with communities in humanitarian or development settings.
• Previous internship, volunteer or project experience related to MEAL, research or programme support.
• Familiarity with digital data collection systems and reporting processes.

Personal Attributes

• Passion for learning, data and evidence-based programming.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in diverse communities.
• Positive, flexible and proactive attitude.
• Commitment to accountability, transparency and safeguarding principles.

Child Protection, Safeguarding & PSEA

The Community Liaison Assistant (MEAL) must adhere to all organizational safeguarding, Code of Conduct and Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) policies and will be required to report any concerns immediately.

How Success Will Be Measured

• Timeliness and quality of data collected and reported.
• Accuracy and completeness of project monitoring datasets.
• Effective operation and documentation of accountability and feedback mechanisms.
• Quality of reports, learning products and documentation produced.
• Contribution to improved programme quality, accountability and evidence-based decision-making.