MEAL Officer

The MEAL Officer will be responsible for establishing and managing a robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning MEAL system for the project in their location. Core duties for the position include designing and implementing a MEAL system in accordance with Save the Children International SCI standards. 
The position holder will support evaluations/assessments, monitor program progress and quality, document lessons learnt, and contribute to periodic monitoring and reporting. Ensuring gender-sensitive, inclusive, and participatory MEAL processes, including children's involvement, is crucial.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Develop robust MEAL plans, systems, processes, and tools for the project in line with SCI and donor requirements.
• Provide MEAL technical support to partners 
• Take the lead in data collection efforts for the project, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Conduct in-depth data analysis to derive actionable insights and recommendations from project data.
• Execute quarterly monitoring, and accountability activities to enhance project performance, including quality benchmarks, data quality assessments, and/or data quality assessments. 
• Document data collection and analysis findings, contributing to comprehensive and informative reports.
• Ensure monthly updates to the SCI’s Project reporting Information Management & Evidence PRIME system, accurately reflecting project progress and achievements.
• Monitor the implementation of programs, ensuring that activities are carried out according to standards and protocols.

Accountability

• Ensure the project is implementing the 3 pillars of Accountability - Information sharing, participation and feedback & reporting and providing relevant documentation.
• Assist in establishing robust accountability mechanisms, ensuring the voices of project participants are considered in project adaptation/design and implementation.
• Conduct periodic community feedback and stakeholder meetings to gather input, feedback, and insights on the program, enhancing community engagement, and promoting transparency and accountability.

Knowledge Management & Learning

• Actively engage in program learning initiatives, facilitating discussions and knowledge-sharing sessions among project teams.
• Support in the archiving of Project Documents in the Resource Centre
• Support in the development of case studies and success stories for the project

Safeguarding

• Ensure risk assessments are done before any data collection that involves children.
• Include a checklist on safe programming in each field visit.

General

• Comply with SCI policies and practice with respect to child protection, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.
• Undertake any other tasks within the MEAL function as the line manager requires, adapting to project needs and challenges.

SKILLS AND BEHAVIOURS our Values in Practice

Accountability:

• Holds self-accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, and achieving and role modeling Save the Children values.
• Holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance, and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.

Ambition

• Set ambitious and challenging goals for themselves and their team, take responsibility for their own personal development, and encourage their team to do the same.
• Widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children and engages and motivates others.
• Future-orientated, thinks strategically and on a global scale.

Collaboration:

• Builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, Members external partners, and supporters.
• Values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength.
• Approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.

Creativity:

• Designing more effective admin and data management systems
• willing to take disciplined risks

Integrity:

• Honest, encourages openness and transparency, demonstrates highest levels of integrity.

QUALIFICATIONS  

• Minimum of BSc or equivalent qualification in Education, Demography, Statistics, Information Technology, Computer Science or any related courses.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• At least 3 years of experience working in MEAL for Humanitarian/developmental organizations.
• Experience in implementing education or child protection programs is an added advantage. 
• Very good communication and interpersonal skills, including ability to communicate technical issues effectively and persuasively.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Commitment to and understanding of Save the Children’s aims, values, and principles including rights-based approaches and children’s participation.