MEAL Coordinator – Ebola Response, Bunia

About the role

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is recruiting a MEAL Coordinator for its emergency response to the Ebola outbreak in Ituri and North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo. The Coordinator leads monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning (MEAL) of the emergency response programs, based in Bunia and travelling frequently to Beni and Butembo. The role ensures that projects and partners meet their MEAL commitments to clients, donors and the Ministry of Health.

Key responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on data systems and processes, from design through to close-out, and develop logical frameworks, indicator reference sheets, MEAL plans, data collection tools and data management procedures.
• Monitor performance indicators of the Strategic Action Plan (timeliness, coverage, quality, accountability) and lead the design of Ebola response tools such as screening reports, IPC supply tracking, alert tracking and RCCE training registers.
• Monitor quality indicators for IPC/WASH, RCCE and Protection, define reporting frequencies and deadlines, and coordinate monthly monitoring and reporting of response reach.
• Set up data quality assurance (routine checks, audits, verification, duplicate removal) and ensure data platforms (CommCare, Kobo/ODK, Power BI) are configured and used, including mobile data collection and online dashboards.
• Produce data analyses, donor reports, presentations and dashboards, and lead evaluations, baseline studies, post-distribution monitoring and end-of-project studies.
• Develop the MEAL budget and staffing structure for each project, and use learning and evidence to inform proposals and theories of change.
• Establish a client feedback and response mechanism (hotlines, help desks, suggestion boxes, community meetings), ensuring feedback is recorded, referred and used to adapt programs, and that accountability systems are safe and accessible to vulnerable groups.
• Lead all MEAL functions across sectors, promote a data-driven culture, build capacity with partners and integrate gender, protection, safeguarding, diversity, equity and inclusion and the Do No Harm principle.
• Manage the MEAL team: set objectives, supervise, coach, train and mentor staff, and ensure continuity of MEAL systems through documentation and handovers.

Required profile

• University degree in statistics, data management, public health, epidemiology, social sciences or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in MEAL roles, including leading data collection and analysis for multisectoral, multi-donor humanitarian programs.
• Experience in health or outbreak response (Ebola, cholera, mpox, COVID-19 or similar) strongly preferred, including surveillance data.
• Experience setting up or strengthening MEAL systems in emergencies, insecure environments or remote/partner-implemented settings, preferably in eastern DRC or the Great Lakes region.
• International NGO experience required; cluster and working group experience is an asset.
• Strict compliance with IRC safety, security, IPC, safeguarding and public health protocols.

Required skills

• Strong command of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods.
• Proficiency in CommCare, Kobo/ODK and advanced Excel; knowledge of Power BI is an asset.
• Good understanding of accountability mechanisms and client feedback systems.
• Excellent data presentation and report writing, and ability to train and mentor staff.
• Professional proficiency in French, good working knowledge of English; Swahili/Lingala and local Ituri languages are an asset.