M&E Specialist (Technical Lead)

Assignment period: 01.05.2026 - 30.04.2027Location: DamascusType of contract: National contract based on Syrian labour lawType of employment: FulltimeGIZ has been operating in Syria since 1976. It has thus established valuable contacts in civil society and garnered experience that is now crucial for supporting the country. From 2013 onwards, it worked without government involvement with the assistance of local non-governmental organisations. Despite the difficult conditions, GIZ has consistently contributed to improving people’s living conditions.In view of the developments since December 2024, which have led Syria into a decisive phase of transformation, GIZ plans to reopen its Country Office in Damascus in 2026. It is currently implementing ten projects on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Federal Foreign Office, with co-financing from the European Union and other donors. From 2026, the portfolio is planned to be expanded by several new projects.To support this transition, GIZ is strengthening its Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) function to ensure that programme delivery is evidence-driven, accountable, and compliant with donor requirements.The M&E Specialist as Technical Lead will work under the management of the Head of Analysis & Research and MEAL Unit and will contribute to strengthening portfolio oversight, performance tracking and learning, ensuring that decision-makers have timely and credible information to steer implementation, manage risks, and demonstrate results. The position will serve as the technical lead for MEAL across the portfolio and will coordinate the technical and operational delivery of six M&E specialists supporting GIZ Syria implementation. The role does not entail disciplinary line management responsibilities.Your tasks* Serve as the technical lead for portfolio MEAL, ensuring consistent methodologies, tools, standards, and approaches across projects and partners. * Lead the operationalisation of a portfolio-wide MEAL system, including results frameworks, indicator registries, monitoring plans, reporting templates, and standard operating procedures (SOPs). * Coordinate and quality assure the work of six M&E specialists supporting the full portfolio, including task planning, technical guidance, peer review and harmonisation of outputs (without disciplinary supervision). * Ensure robust performance tracking through a maintained portfolio results tracker and dashboards, enabling routine management updates and decision-making products. * Establish and enforce data quality standards, including verification protocols, documentation requirements, data quality assessments (DQAs), and follow-up on corrective actions with project teams and implementing partners. * Coordinate routine monitoring cycles (field-based and remote, as applicable), including structured monitoring visits, partner reporting validation, and triangulation of results. * Support the design and implementation of evaluations, assessments, and studies (e.g., baseline/endline, outcome reviews, third-party monitoring), including drafting TORs, reviewing methodologies, and quality assuring deliverables. * Institutionalise learning processes across the portfolio, including after-action reviews, quarterly reflection sessions, lessons learnt documentation, and tracking of agreed follow-up actions. * Ensure accountability to affected populations is integrated into monitoring and learning where applicable, including feedback mechanisms, response tracking, and safe handling of sensitive information. * Provide structured MEAL inputs into donor reporting and internal reporting processes, ensuring consistency between narrative reporting, indicator tables, and underlying datasets. * Deliver capacity building and coaching to programme staff and partners on MEAL tools, indicator definitions, data collection ethics, and reporting standards. * Contribute to the wider Analysis & Research function by supporting evidence synthesis, portfolio performance analysis, and management briefings as requested. * Where appropriate and reasonable, additional tasks upon request of the management.Your profile (required qualifications, competencies and experience)* University degree in social sciences, statistics, economics, public policy, development studies, or a related field. * Minimum 5 years of relevant experience in MEAL/M&E, including demonstrated experience designing and rolling out MEAL systems and tools across multiple projects. * Proven experience providing technical leadership, guidance and quality assurance to MEAL staff or consultants (functional/technical supervision). * Strong competence in quantitative and qualitative methods, including data collection design, sampling basics, data cleaning, analysis, and interpretation. * Demonstrated experience with digital data systems and tools (e.g., KoBo/ODK/CommCare or similar) and strong Excel-based data management; experience with PowerBI or similar dashboards is an asset. * Highly organised and detail oriented, with strong ability to multitask and deliver quality work under pressure and on time. * Ability to keep track of and reconcile multiple data sources with minimum error, maintaining strong audit trails and documentation. * Strong interpersonal and coordination skills, with demonstrated ability to harmonise outputs across teams without direct line-management authority. * Reliable with confidential information and sensitive datasets, with a strong commitment to ethical data handling. * Professional fluency in written and spoken English and Arabic; knowledge of German is an asset.HOW TO APPLYThe following minimum requirements for applications need to be fulfilled:1. Only application documents in English will be accepted. Documents in Arabic cannot be considered during the selection process. 2. Mandatory documents are CV and application letter in English stating your qualifications and previous professional experiences.The deadline for application is 28.02.2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.GIZ is committed to diversity and gender balance. It is encouraging persons with disabilities to apply for the position.Please submit your application to [email protected] indicating in the subject line the respective title of the position.