MEAL/CARM OFFICER, ECONOMIC RECOVERY-CONFLICTED AFFECTED POPULATION (Internal Only)

About Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps is powered by the belief that a better world is possible. To do this, we know our teams do their best work when they are diverse, and every team member feels that they belong. We welcome diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be stronger and have long term impact.
Mercy Corps has been present in Ethiopia since 2004 working to drive bold and transformative ideas, working closely with government, the private sector and civil society actors to build a more resilient country, ensuring that programs are responsive to and influenced by participants and stakeholders. Our vision is to enhance the resilience of climate and conflict-affected communities through market systems development for improved livelihoods, access to food, and safe and clean water to thrive in the face of crises. Our strategy focuses on the four outcome areas of: 1) Economically marginalized populations have improved and diversified livelihoods, income, and assets; 2) Pastoralists, farmers, and households have access to sustainably produced, safe, nutritious food; 3) Social cohesion and inclusive governance processes are built in crisis-affected communities; and 4) People have equitable, sustained access to clean water and sanitation for domestic and productive use. Currently we operate in the regional states of Afar, Amhara, Gambella, Oromia, Somali, Sidama, Southern Ethiopia, Tigray and Addis Ababa city administration working with a diverse base of donors that includes United States Agency for International Development (USAID), European Union, GAC, Hilton Foundation, United Nations (UN), JOA, Sweden, EKN, and other foundations.

Program / Department Summary

ER-CAP is a 5-year project (December 2023-Nov. 2028 G.C) by Mercy Corps, DRC, and First Consult Development. It aims to improve the economic adaptation, protection, and recovery of conflict-affected populations in three regions: Afar (Abaala), Tigray (Mekelle), and Amhara (Woldiya). The program will benefit 43,540 individuals, focusing on IDPs, returnee women, youth and marginalized groups. It uses a conflict-sensitive, systems-strengthening, climate-smart and inclusive approach to enhance systems that support economic recovery. The expected outcomes include resilient livelihoods, improved access to financial products and services, and enhanced capacity to mitigate protection risks.
ER-CAP aims to improve the economic condition of conflict-affected communities by strengthening MSMEs, improving crop and livestock value chains, and providing income-generating opportunities. It includes providing affordable financial products and technology through partnerships with financial service providers, conducting GESI dialogues, and identifying business ideas for economic activities in displacement settings.

General Position Summary

The MEAL/CARM Officer will support the implementation of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) system for the Market Systems Development (MSD) program. This role will assist in data collection, data entry, data analysis, and reporting, contributing to the effective monitoring and evaluation of market-based interventions. The MEAL Officer will work closely with the MEAL Manager and project team to ensure accurate and timely data collection and reporting.

Position Description

Location: Mekele, Tigray Region
Position Status: Full-time, Regular
Salary Level: (Refer to Country Salary Guidelines)
Current Team Member:
Safeguarding Risk Level: Low

Key Responsibilities:

1. Data Collection and Management:

• Assist in the development and implementation of data collection tools such as surveys, questionnaires, and observation checklists, and methodologies that capture both quantitative and qualitative data related to market system performance.
• Conduct data collection activities, including interviews with market actors (businesses, producers, consumers), surveys, and field observations.
• Ensure accurate and timely data entry into databases or other data management systems.
• Assist in data cleaning and quality checks to ensure data accuracy and completeness.
• Support the organization and maintenance of data files and documentation.
• Contribute to the development of project logframes and theories of change aligned with MSD principles.
• Assist in ensuring MEAL activities are conducted in a conflict sensitive manner.

2. Monitoring and Reporting:
• Assist in the monitoring of project activities against established MSD indicators and targets.
• Contribute to the preparation of regular monitoring reports, including data summaries and visualizations.
• Participate in field visits to monitor market system dynamics and collect data on project activities.
• Assist in the preparation of case studies and success stories related to market system interventions.
• Support data collection for project baseline, mid-term, and end-line evaluations.

3. Accountability and Feedback:
• Assist in the implementation of feedback and complaint mechanisms for market actors and beneficiaries.
• Support the collection and analysis of feedback data to inform project improvements.
• Assist in the preparation of reports on feedback and complaints.
• Support the distribution of information to market actors and beneficiaries regarding project activities and feedback mechanisms.

4. Learning and Knowledge Management:
• Assist in the documentation and dissemination of lessons learned and best practices related to MSD interventions.
• Participate in learning events and workshops.
• Contribute to the development of knowledge products, such as case studies and reports.
• Assist in the organization and maintenance of MEAL-related documents and resources.

5. Collaboration with consortium partners (DRC and FC)

• Organize joint events and workshops whenever necessary.
• Works closely with the ER-CAP team and partners ensuring we adhere to humanitarian principles, Mercy Corps’ gender policies, Do No Harm principles, and beneficiary accountability standards.

6. General Support:
• Assist in the preparation of presentations and reports.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the MEAL Manager or Line manager/coordinator.

Supervisory Responsibility: None
REPORTS DIRECTLY TO: Regional Program Coordinator (Line Manager) and functional dotted relationship with MEAL Manager.
WORKS DIRECTLY WITH: ER-CAP Program Manager, MSD project coordinator, MEL/MRM manager, DRC and FC Program Manager/s and/or Coordinators MEL-CARM officer, MSD on-farm and off-farm/employment specialist, GESI Advisor, Operations, Finance and P&C(HR) team.

Accountability to Beneficiaries
● Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work, while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring, and evaluation of our field programs.
Security
● Adhere and comply with security procedures and policies as determined by country leadership.
Knowledge and Experience

Knowledge and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in economics, business administration, development studies, social sciences, statistics, or a related field.
• 3 years of experience in MEAL or related fields, preferably in market systems development or private sector engagement (internships or volunteer experience are acceptable).
• Experience with data collection and entry.
• Familiarity with basic monitoring and evaluation concepts.

Skills:

• Knowledge of data collection and analysis methods.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organizational and time management skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Fluent in English, Amharic/Afar/Tigrigna (capable in all required basic skills: reading, listening, speaking and writing);

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience using data collection tools and software relevant to market systems analysis.
• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative data analysis.
• Knowledge of participatory monitoring and evaluation techniques.
• Experience in a non-governmental organization (NGO) or development setting, particularly in MSD projects.
• Basic understanding of market systems concepts.

Success Factors

The MEAL/CARM should demonstrate strong communication, adaptability, and cultural sensitivity at the time of hire. Over time, success will depend on fostering a learning culture, guiding partners through conflict-sensitive monitoring, and promoting collaboration. Key soft skills include resilience, empathy, active listening, and the ability to navigate politically sensitive situations while achieving measurable outcomes.

Accountability to Participants and Stakeholders

Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts toward accountability, specifically to our program participants, community partners, other stakeholders, and to international standards guiding international relief and development work. We are committed to actively engaging communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects.

Ongoing Learning

In support of our belief that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities we serve, we empower all team members to dedicate 5% of their time to learning activities that further their personal and/or professional growth and development

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Achieving our mission begins with how we build our team and work together. Through our commitment to enriching our organization with people of different origins, beliefs, backgrounds, and ways of thinking, we are better able to leverage the collective power of our teams and solve the world’s most complex challenges. We strive for a culture of trust and respect, where everyone contributes their perspectives and authentic selves, reaches their potential as individuals and teams, and collaborates to do the best work of their lives.

We recognize that diversity and inclusion is a journey, and we are committed to learning, listening and evolving to become more diverse, equitable and inclusive than we are today.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer that does not tolerate discrimination on any basis. We actively seek out diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and skills so that we can be collectively stronger and have sustained global impact.

We are committed to providing an environment of respect and psychological safety where equal employment opportunities are available to all. We do not engage in or tolerate discrimination on the basis of race, color, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, disability (including HIV/AIDS status), marital status, military veteran status or any other protected group in the locations where we work.

Safeguarding & Ethics

Mercy Corps is committed to ensuring that all individuals we come into contact with through our work, whether team members, community members, program participants or others, are treated with respect and dignity. We are committed to the core principles regarding prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse laid out by the UN Secretary-General and IASC and have signed on to the Interagency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. We will not tolerate child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse, or harassment by or of our team members. As part of our commitment to a safe and inclusive work environment, team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner, respect local laws and customs, and to adhere to Mercy Corps Code of Conduct Policies and values at all times. Team members are required to complete mandatory Code of Conduct e-learning courses upon hire and on an annual basis.

All qualified individuals are invited to apply for the advertised position. All applications, including a CV, three references, and all applicable official papers, must be sent electronically. 

Only candidates that are short-listed will be acknowledged and called for interviews.

“Mercy Corps is an equal opportunity employer promoting gender, equity, and diversity. Qualified female and young candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are committed to empowering women and youth.”

DEADLINE FOR ALL APPLICATIONS:  10 March 2025/ 4:00 PM