arche noVa - Initiative for People in Need is a non-religious, independent non-profit and non-governmental organization (NGO) with Headquarters in Germany. We work in the field of humanitarian aid, rehabilitation and development and primarily focus on the WASH sector.

Globally, arche noVa currently works in twelve countries. Since 2013, we have been implementing projects for IDPs, returnees and host communities in Northern Iraq and Kurdistan (Diyala, Sulimaniyah and Kirkuk Governorate).

arche noVa provides WASH services in IDP camps in Sulaymaniyah, Kalar and Khanaqeen. Over and above that, we also provide WASH services and support outside of camps by rehabilitating WASH facilities in schools and health centers, as well as improving water and sewerage systems in villages. arche noVa is further expanding on these WASH support activities through a more sustainable long-term and holistic approach focused on community engagement, capacity building and livelihood diversification in the agricultural sector, yet always continuing to keep WASH at its core.

arche noVa co-leads the WASH Sub-cluster in Sulaymaniyah Governorate and the WASH Working Group in Northern Diyala Governorate.

Objectives of the position:

The Accountability Assistant will be a part of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) team, supporting implementation of arche noVa’s (AN) overall beneficiary accountability activities in field. The Accountability Assistant is responsible for the implementation of the beneficiary accountability framework in different projects and locations, ensuring a quality-centred, coherent and timely response to affected populations’ feedback to AN. The Accountability Assistant will also support the MEAL Coordinator/ Officer in developing accountability-related guidelines and systems, aligned with international CHS and AAP standards and in line with AN’s internal regulations. Accountability Assistant will be managing hotline numbers, complaint-log sheet, and will building a communication bridge between AN and communities.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Support the delivery of evidence-based improvements to AN’s existing AAP standards, protocols, templates and procedures Accountability guide, tools and CFM mechanism;
• Ongoing management of Complaints and Response Mechanism database under guidance of line manager;
• Support to carry on CRM system that could listen our stakeholders, staff, and communities on time;
• Manage AN hotline during office hours, responding to phone calls and updating CRM database on regular basis;
• Provide timely and comprehensive feedback to affectees/ complainants on behalf of AN;
• Conduct or support the delivery of training to AN field staff in AAP and other topics related to core work duties;
• Conduct intermittent CRM surveys in field;
• Enable the flow of accountability-related data and information within AN Iraq, strictly abiding by AN CRM guidance and related protocols;
• Under guidance from line manager, maintain all sensitive data safe and confidential
• Identify strengths and weaknesses in existing CRM data collection and management systems and propose solutions along with the MEAL Coordinator/ Officer;
• Supervise the process and work quality of community feedback uptake at field level and conduct data cleaning, editing and verification;
• Collect, manage and present non-sensitive feedback data on a regular basis to line manager
• Maintain and administer the accountability database; analyze and aggregate findings to foster transparency and facilitate programme-based learning;
• Prepare Project accountability reports under guidance and support of MEAL Co/Officer;
• Identify lessons learned and develop case studies to capture qualitative outputs of projects and activities; Provide feedback and on improving project performance using MEAL findings under guidance from line manager;
• Produce reports on accountability findings and prepare presentations based on MEAL data as required;
• Frequently undertake field visits for data collection and/or field-based capacity building activities
• Perform other duties as may be required and assigned by the MEAL Co/Officer, Head of Programmes and Head of Mission;

• 2 - 3 years’ work experience in M&E/ MEAL sector with non-government organizations (at least one year with INGO) including direct communication with beneficiaries and data management.
• 1-2 years’ experience in social and community engagement activities, at the levels of project implementation and/or monitoring;
• At least one year experience in WASH and livelihood sector/project is preferred;
• Direct experience of setting up and/or managing beneficiary accountability systems at INGOs in Iraq is a distinct advantage;
• University degree, or equivalent, in monitoring and evaluation/social sciences/data science, and/or other relevant fields;
• Demonstrated understanding of direct monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning experience, specifically in the humanitarian and development context and including managing large datasets under time pressure;
• Very good understanding of theory and practice in humanitarian protection, safeguarding and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse
• Demonstrated experience developing tools and systems for, and building capacity of others in skills related to beneficiary accountability mechanisms at NGOs;
• Knowledge of international standards related to accountability to affected populations (AAP) and, in particular, Complaint and Response Mechanism (CRM) best practices;
• Demonstrated experience of directly implementing AAP activities at field level is highly preferred
• Experience in the usage of computers and office software packages (MS Word, Excel);
• Ability to work efficiently, under pressure and adapt to difficult conditions;
• Skills of designing accountability strategy, accountability plans and accountability tools;
• Skills of writing reports that include tables, graphs and narrations;
• Ability to work remotely and skills of online data collection and management using different software or tools.
• Planning, management and organizational skills;
• Very strong listening and communication skills, verbal and written;
• Detail oriented and analytic mindset;
• Conflict resolution and negotiations skills;
• Interpersonal and cross-cultural sensitivity and experience;
• Demonstrates professional integrity, honesty, transparency and team work.
• Customer service skills and ability to communicate technical information clearly and effectively to both technical and non‐technical colleagues;
• Ability to treat individuals with fairness and respect, demonstrating sensitivity for ethnic, cultural and gender differences.
• Fluency in English, Kurdish and Arabic is required.
• Flexible and ready to travel to remote, insecure locations when requested.

Deadline for application:  1 April 2021

Please send CVs and Cover Letters to: iraq.mission@arche-nova.org

Subject: Accountability Assistant 

Duration of the Contract : 6 months with the possibility of extension. 

Further information: www.arche-nova.org

Please note, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and AN reserve the right to not fill the position.