Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (meal) Advisor

Project background

SNV Ethiopia will be implementing a flagship programme focused on enabling 800,000 rural young women (RYW) to access dignified and fulfilling jobs. The programme will target high-potential agricultural value chains (e.g., horticulture, poultry, dairy), using a market systems development approach in seven regional clusters.It emphasizes transformative gender and social inclusion (GESI) and aims to address structural and socio-cultural barriers that limit young women’s participation in economic life. Implementation will be decentralized, with strong collaboration across local TVETs, youth centers, community organizations, and public service institutions.

Summary of the position

This position is responsible for leading planning, monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEAL) activities at the cluster level, working closely with program technical teams. It ensures that annual and quarterly plans are effectively developed and tracked, program performance is routinely monitored against targets, and quality data is collected, validated, and reported. The role maintains the cluster-level digital data system, supports timely and accurate reporting, and promotes the use of data for learning and adaptive management through regular reviews and knowledge sharing, and supports documentation of best practices and lessons learned. It also builds the capacity of data clerks and technical teams on MEAL tools, planning processes, and quality assurance to drive evidence-based implementation and accountability to target groups and donor.

Job Description

Planning, monitoring and evaluation

• Lead the development and consolidation of annual, quarterly, and monthly cluster work plans in alignment with program targets and national plans.
• Facilitate the development of woreda level project DIP preparation broken down by year, quarter and month.
• Monitor implementation progress against planned activities and outputs, identify challenges, and support technical teams in making timely adjustments.
• Plans and conducts quarterly and annual program review meeting to assess progress, adjust plans, and draw/disseminate lessons learned.
• Plan and coordinate regular field visits and review meetings internally and externally as needed- including government joint monitoring, mid and final review/reflection.
• Support the planning and implementation of surveys, assessments, and evaluations within the cluster, ensuring quality methodologies and proper documentation.
• Contribute to revisions of the program theory of change and ensure MEL systems at the cluster level reflect adaptive learning and evolving program realities

Data management, reporting and documentation

• Oversee routine data collection and ensure timely data entry, validation, and secure storage in the digital database at the cluster level.
• Prepare and submit high-quality cluster-level performance reports (monthly, quarterly, annual) that feed into national reporting requirements.
• Develop and share dashboards and summary visualizations with technical teams to inform progress reviews and decision-making.
• Ensure regular and timely submission of project quarterly and annual performance reports to CCU/regional government signatory bodies following the standard template requirement
• Support for compilation of annual ACSO reports following standard template requirement
• Coaches in reporting inconsistency by orienting all program staffs on indicators, and reporting system
• Works closely with the other team members to ensure data is timely and accurate from grass root level, follow up and doing data audits when necessary
• Ensure that data collection and reporting tools are consistently utilized at grass root level

• Coordinate closely with the national MEAL team to align cluster-level data, plans, learning outputs, and reports with SNV, donor, and government requirements.
• Document and share success stories, good practices, lessons learned, and innovative approaches.
• Ensure MEAL records and supporting evidence are well-organized and accessible for program audits, donor reviews, and internal learning.

Quality assurance & accountability

• Apply quality assurance tools and checklists to monitor adherence to program standards and technical guidelines.
• Support the effective use of accountability mechanisms, such as community feedback and complaints systems, and ensure responses are documented and inform program improvements.
• Conduct spot checks to validate data and verify the quality of services delivered.

Capacity building & technical support

• Build the capacity of data clerks and technical teams on planning processes, monitoring tools, data quality standards, digital data systems, and the use of data for decision-making.
• Provide practical support in developing cluster-level data collection plans, survey tools, and performance tracking templates tailored to interventions.
• Provide training and on-going coaching to program staff’ to strengthen their capacity in data management and reporting

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Economics, Development Studies or a related field. Preferably master’s degree in the field mentioned.
• 10 years of experience in MEAL systems, program performance tracking.
• Sound knowledge and experience in the concepts and application of theory of change, results measurement and monitoring systems.
• Experience in working with value chain development, agribusiness development and youth employment related projects and programs
• Experience in working in international and national organizations (public and private)
• Excellent analytical, report writing, and communication skills.
• Familiarity with youth-focused programs, particularly in skills development, financial inclusion, and gender equity.
• Fluency in English is required
• Willingness to travel to the field.

Competencies

• Problem analysis
• Coaching
• Focus on quality
• Result orientation
• Persuasiveness

Additional Information

Contract Type: National, Full-time

This position will be based on donor funding and approval confirmation.

Expected start date: As soon as possible

Duty Station: Arbaminch

Contract Duration: One year with the possibility of extension based on performance and budget availability.

Skills Required:

• Economics / Statistics
• Social / Science / Project / Management / Development