NORAD Framework Agreement MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) Officer

Project Background

Tikwaniritse ndi Kuteteza ma Ufulu a Ana (TiKuMA Programme) is building on the previous Norad framework, the vision of the programme is that all children enjoy their right to education and are protected through strong community and government systems by 2028. Contributing towards this vision, Save the Children (SC) and GAYO with other partners will create hubs of excellence in the two districts of Balaka and Mchinji, to generate experience and evidence for replication and scale. To achieve this, we will work with civil society, government actors and children themselves within three interrelated thematic areas: A strong government system is accountable, responsive, inclusive and transparent in respecting, protecting and fulfilling the rights of children (Child Rights Governance), Children are protected from child marriage, sexual and gender based violence, teenage pregnancies and emotional abuse and have their sexual and reproductive health and rights fulfilled (Child Protection) and children access and complete quality basic inclusive education with improved competencies in foundational literacy and numeracy (Education). This 5-year programme has been developed based on a situation analysis that included 4 consultations with 250 children including 16 with disabilities, in 4 districts and co-designed with partners

Job Title	NORAD Framework Agreement MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) Officer
Reporting to	NORAD Program Coordinator
Staff reporting to this post	None
Work station	Mchinji
Type of Contract	2 years (Renewal based on performance and resource availability)

Job Summary:

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced MEAL Officer to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning activities of our programs, ensuring effective implementation, quality, and impact.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Program Monitoring:

• Support the SCI MEAL Manager in design of monitoring systems, including supporting development of MEAL plan and tools.
• Lead the roll-out and implementation of project monitoring plans and tools.
• Lead the roll-out of quality benchmarks, including orienting project staff, and inputting in the field monitoring plans.
• Conduct regular field visits for monitoring and data management support.
• Analyse and report routine monitoring data, including quality benchmarks, output indicator data (IPTT), to inform program progress
• Hold periodic reflections with project staff, at least quarterly, to review monitoring data and action planning i.e. quality benchmarks, IPTT.

2. Accountability:

• Lead field consultations to inform setting up of feedback and reporting mechanisms.
• Lead in roll-out of feedback and reporting mechanisms i.e. staff orientation.
• Review feedback data routinely and escalate or cascade as required.
• Share feedback summaries with program team through quarterly reflections and facilitate action planning.

3. Data Management:

• Conduct routine data quality checks.
• Set up physical and electronic data filing system to ensure integrity of source documents.
• Provide capacity building to program staff on data management tools, data collection, data filing.

4. Evaluations and Learning:

• Coordinate roll-out of project learning agenda with support from SCI MEAL Manager.
• Support project team in identification of learning areas/ evidence gaps through quarterly reflection, and share with SCI MEAL Manager.
• Support project team to identify and document best practices and lessons learned.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing through quarterly team reflection.
• Support program evaluation through training research assistants, and supervision of data collection.
• Contribute to development of study tools, including digitizing study tools.
• Contribute to data analysis and report writing for research studies.

5. Reporting:

• Consolidate project IPTT and share with program manager and project staff to facilitate reporting.
• Prepare reports for assessments and share with program manager and project staff.
• Provide regular e.g. weekly operational updates to the program manager on MEAL deliverables.

6. Collaboration and Coordination:

• Work closely with program teams, management, and external partners.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (i.e., statistics, demographics, data science, social sciences)
• At least 3 years of experience in MEAL, preferably for external donor-funded programs
• Strong knowledge of MEAL principles, practices, and standards
• Excellent analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Proficiency in statistical and data management software (e.g., SPSS, Excel, Power BI, Kobo, CommCare)
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and prioritize tasks effectively.

Method of Application

1. Applicants must send a cover letter detailing why you’re the best fit for the position, copies of academic qualifications and a well-detailed curriculum vitae with relevant skills and experience 3 traceable referees
2. Closing date for receiving applications will be 14^th June 2024 and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
3. These should be addressed to:

The National Coordinator: Girls Activist Youth Organisation, P.O Box 208, Mayard, Mchinji.

STRICTLY SEND ALL APPLICATIONS TO: gayovacancies@gmail.com

Disclaimer!

Duly note that GAYO does not require applicants to pay any money at whatever stage of the recruitment and selection process and has not retained any agent in connection with recruitment.

GAYO is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment. GAYO is an equal opportunity