JOB TITLE: Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer

TEAM/PROGRAMME: Program Development and Quality

LOCATION:  Petauke

GRADE: 4

CONTRACT LENGTH: 2 years renewable

POST TYPE: National

CHILD SAFEGUARDING:

Level 3 – The responsibilities of the incumbent may require them to have regular contact with or access to children or young people.

ROLE PURPOSE:

The MEAL Officer role will support the implementation of Save the Children Zambia Children’s future programme in Petauke and other key projects in Eastern province. The officer will ensure that projects are routinely monitored, data collected, data managed and analyzed to improve the outputs of the programs as stated. The MEAL Officer will contribute to the development of the MEAL plans as guided by the MEAL Coordinator. S/he will ensure the implementation of the MEAL plans for the projects as assigned. In close coordination with implementing partners and relevant government departments, s/he will gather relevant information to monitor the Children’s Future Programme outputs and outcomes in target schools and Communities. S/he will support output tracking, updating and programme reporting on existing Save the Children’s designated Online and digital platforms.

In addition, s/he will ensure that accountability mechanisms are in place for the programme and act as the focal point in receiving and channeling beneficiary’s feedback.  S/he will also provide MEAL support to implementing partners in program monitoring and evaluation management and promotes networking with program stakeholders.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to: MEAL Coordinator-Eastern and Copperbelt Provinces

Dimensions:

Staff directly reporting to this post: None.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

KEY PERFORMANCE AREAS:

1. Monitoring

• Tracking core programme indicators, doing a meta-analysis and communicate this monthly, quarterly to the programme team.
• Will ensure that standard operating procedures and programme common approaches are followed in the area for data collection, processing and analysis. Provide technical support to core programmes and ensure availability of reporting forms and tools.
• Working together with the core programmes/operations teams, organise and conduct routine monitoring and evaluation of the programme/projects and work closely with community members, implementing partners and beneficiaries to improve attainment of program/project goals. S/he will conduct monthly, quarterly monitoring and evaluation facility and field visits.

      2. Evaluation

• Support preparation of key programme reports. The MEAL Officer will assist to prepare reports on the progress of the programmes after every visit and keep record of MEAL activities. Will also support compilation of Annual Reports and total reach at programme level.
• Participate in the implementation of the MEAL strategy and tools.  Support programme technical staff to carry out monitoring and evaluation of project activities as agreed in MEAL framework and plans and strengthen integration between programmes.
• Support programs in designing and conducting baseline surveys, mid-term evaluations, specialized studies and final evaluations to include sampling methodologies, data collection instruments, analysis and report development.
• Provide support for annual reviews and reflections with implementing staff and communities and analyze data trends towards objectives achievement.

     3.  Accountability

• Implement and support accountability feedback, complaints and response mechanisms (both digital and conventional) in the impact area.

    4.   Learning 

• With the guidance and support from the MEAL & Evidence and Learning Coordinators, support implementation of a comprehensive organizational MEAL and knowledge management system to enhance impact monitoring, quality control and evaluation in order to improve internal processes and results delivery.
• Support development of programs management information system (MIS), harnessing new information technology for the compilation, analysis, storage, and retrieval of data and knowledge for programs development; provide technical assistance on data quality and integrity. 

Additional job responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Science (Demography, Economics, Development studies, sociology) or any other related field.
• Minimum 3+ years’ experience in planning, monitoring and evaluation in NGO environment or any development organizations, at least 2 years of working in child centered programs design and implementation experience including working with community-based organizations and implementing partner staff.
• Computer proficiency in general office software and statistical applications (i.e., Kobo, ODK, SPSS)
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills in English; fluency in a local language (Nsenga, Chewa etc.)
• Demonstrated diplomacy in building relationships and working with diverse cultures and audiences and sensitive situations and subject matter.
• Experience in strategic planning approaches – including, needs assessment and programs design, logical framework development, selecting indicators, implementing monitoring plans, supporting evaluations and data analysis.
• Experience in Monitoring and Evaluation methods and approaches (including quantitative, qualitative and participatory work with children)
• High computer proficiency including deep knowledge of and practice in statistical and data management packages.
• Demonstrated skills in training Monitoring and Evaluation and capacity development of staff preferred/ facilitation skills.
• Commitment to Save the Children values, including willingness to abide by and enforce child safeguarding policy.