MEAL Consultant Opportunity - Evaluation of JPF Funded Project

1. Background
Japan Platform (JPF) is an international aid organization that supports humanitarian responses through a unique tripartite cooperation model with NGOs, the business community, and the Government of Japan. Since its founding, JPF has supported over 1,800 projects in more than 50 countries.

In Lebanon, JPF funds a project addressing the health and psychosocial needs of vulnerable communities, including Palestine and Syrian refugees. An evaluation is planned to assess the project’s effectiveness, accountability mechanisms, and learning processes.

JPF is seeking a MEAL Expert to support this evaluation by contributing to methodology, data collection, analysis, and reporting, in line with OECD-DAC criteria, CHS, and JPF’s localization and quality standards.

2. Main Objective of the Project Evaluation:

The main objective of the project evaluation includes;

• Verifying adherence to humanitarian principles and standards.
• Ensuring adherence to project proposal.
• Analyzing project impact.
• Understanding beneficiary satisfaction.
• Providing feedback for project improvement.
• Documenting lessons learned.
• Evaluating the coordination with implementing partners.
• Evaluating the accountability mechanisms in place.

3. Scope of Work
The MEAL Expert will support a planned external evaluation by providing technical input across the full evaluation cycle; tool refinement, data collection, analysis, and reporting. The consultant will assess the project’s relevance to community needs, effectiveness in delivering results, quality of monitoring systems, and the functionality of accountability and feedback mechanisms. The role also includes reviewing how learning has been documented and applied, and how MEAL processes support coordination, localization, and adaptive management.

4. Key Responsibilities
The MEAL Expert will work closely with JPF’s evaluation team to ensure the evaluation is methodologically sound and contextually relevant. Responsibilities include contributing to the design of data collection tools, supporting sampling and logistics planning, reviewing project documentation, conducting interviews (KIIs and IDIs) and FGDs, and assessing monitoring and accountability systems. The consultant will analyze findings, contribute to the evaluation report, and participate in debriefings with JPF and stakeholders.

5. Deliverables
The MEAL Expert will contribute to the development of evaluation tools and the field visit agenda, support sampling and data collection, and analyze findings. Key deliverables include raw data and structured notes, inputs to the final evaluation report with practical recommendations, and participation in debriefings with JPF and stakeholders.

6. Schedule
The evaluation is expected to take place in late July or early August 2025, with flexibility required based on security conditions and implementing partner availability. Field visits will occur in Beirut and at implementing partner centers near Saida and Beddawi (outside the camps), as well as inside Shatila camp. The assignment will require a total of 10 consultancy days: 2 days of preparation, 5 days of fieldwork, and 3 days for reporting and debriefing.

7. Skills, Experience and Knowledge:

• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the values and principles of Japan Platform (JPF), including accountability, and ethical humanitarian action.
• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in the field of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) with a strong track record in designing and implementing evaluations in humanitarian or crisis-affected contexts.
• Proven experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, including use of methodologies such as key informant interviews (KIIs), in-depth interviews (IDIs), focus group discussions (FGDs), and surveys.
• Demonstrated knowledge of accountability mechanisms, including complaint and feedback systems, and experience assessing their effectiveness in humanitarian programming.
• Experience working in complex, multi-stakeholder settings and evaluating multi-sectoral programs, preferably including health, protection, and psychosocial support components.
• Familiarity with the socio-political context in Lebanon and the operational environment of Palestinian refugee camps is a strong asset.
• Knowledge and application of internationally recognized standards such as the OECD-DAC criteria, Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS), and Sphere Standards.
• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field such as social sciences or international development.
• Excellent analytical, writing, and communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and concisely to diverse audiences.
• Good level of computer literacy and proficiency with evaluation tools and data analysis software (e.g. Excel and KOBO).
• Ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and adapt to shifting schedules in a complex operating environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and the ability to interact effectively with diverse stakeholders including community members, field staff, and technical teams.
• Fluency in Arabic and English is required.