Project Meal Officer

Summary:

We are looking for a Project MEAL Officer for the children's in-street situation project in Addis Ababa who will support the monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning components for project(s). This role ensures that projects are effectively monitored, data is accurately collected and analyzed, and learning and accountability mechanisms are integrated into the program cycle. The project MEAL Officer will collaborate closely with program teams to ensure timely feedback and adaptive management for improving program quality, accountability and impact.

What we provide?

An amazing work environment that promotes personal growth through providing professional space to grow and advance your career!

As a Project MEAL Officer, you will be in charge of the following:

Monitoring and Data Collection

• Develop and implement a comprehensive MEAL framework, including monitoring plans for projects, aligning with project goals, log frame, Activity target trackers, quality benchmarks, indicators, etc.
• Coordinate with program staff to ensure timely collection of data and support the implementation of robust data collection tools.
• Conduct field visits and data validation exercises to assess project progress and data accuracy.
• Utilize digital data collection tools, when possible, to improve efficiency and accuracy.
• Regularly assess project activities to ensure they are aligned with project objectives and intended outcomes.
• Analyses quantitative and qualitative data to track project performance and inform decision-making.
• Produce and share concise field back reports with the agreed monitoring report template.
• Complete and compile the indicator matrix, data flow and indicator tracking table for the project on a quarterly basis
• Complete and compile project information and performance (including budget utilization) tracking table for the on a quarterly basis.

Evaluation

• Coordinate baseline, mid-term, and end-line evaluations in collaboration with external evaluators and ensure evaluation findings are incorporated into project implementations.
• Collaborate with project staff to ensure that evaluation findings inform project adaptations.
• Assist in the preparation of evaluation reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.

Accountability

• Establish context based compliant responding and feedback mechanism for the project in collaboration with relevant staff and stakeholders.
• Implement and maintain accountability mechanisms, including feedback and complaint mechanisms, for program participants and stakeholders.
• Properly record and document complaints and feedback and respond timely. If it is beyond your capacity report to your supervisor promptly.
• Ensure that beneficiaries understand their rights and are informed of feedback processes.
• Work with program staff to address audit findings, complaints and feedback, fostering a culture of transparency and accountability.
• Ensure compliance with organizational and donor accountability standards.

Learning and Knowledge Sharing

• Generate, capture, document and share learnings from the project/ programme participants and stakeholders.
• Organize and/or facilitate learning sessions and workshops to capture lessons learned and best practices.
• Ensure lessons learned are documented, integrated into project implementation and shared within the project team and with relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of learning products, including case studies, briefs, and success stories.

Data Management and Reporting

• Support data management processes through regular audits and reviews, including data cleaning, analysis, and storage.
• Prepare regular MEAL reports and dashboards for project teams and stakeholders, summarizing progress, key findings, and challenges.
• Support data quality assessments based on data quality dimensions (validity, reliability, precision, completeness, timeliness and confidentiality) and ensure that MEAL data is accurate, timely, and aligned with organizational standards.
• Ensure coherence across MEAL approaches and processes of the organization, project goals, and donor requirements.

Capacity Building

• Provide training to project and field staff on MEAL processes, tools, and data collection methods.
• Support the development of MEAL capacity among team members, ensuring they understand the importance of MEAL and how to implement it in their activities.

Safeguarding

• Protect the privacy and dignity of participants by following ethical and safeguarding principles in all data collection activities, especially for vulnerable populations such as children and at-risk adults.
• Obtain informed consent from all participants, ensuring they understand their rights and can choose to withdraw at any time.
• Maintain confidentiality by securely managing sensitive data, both physical and digital, in line with organizational data protection policies.
• Anonymize and store data to prevent exposure of participant identities, especially when working with sensitive information related to abuse, exploitation, or neglect.
• Design monitoring and evaluation tools that incorporate safeguarding, gender and inclusion checks to ensure projects do not unintentionally expose individuals to harm.
• Monitor and report safeguarding risks identified during project activities and evaluations, flagging any areas where participants may be vulnerable to harm.
• Educate project teams and community members on safeguarding principles during MEAL-related trainings and workshops.
• Ensure clear communication channels for feedback and complaints are accessible to all stakeholders, and integrate these into project design and monitoring to maintain transparency.
• Act as a point of contact for reporting safeguarding issues identified during MEAL activities and adhere to the organization’s protocol for escalating these concerns promptly.
• Collaborate with safeguarding officers and program staff to investigate, document, and address safeguarding incidents effectively.
• Work with project teams to assess potential safeguarding risks related to monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities.
• Mitigate identified risks by adjusting data collection methods, revising field protocols, or implementing additional protective measures as necessary.
• Stay updated on best practices and ethical standards in safeguarding through regular training.
• Ensure that MEAL team members and data collectors understand and commit to the organization’s safeguarding policies, providing support and oversight where needed.

Job Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Statistics, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Knowledge of emergency response project management and MEAL principles in humanitarian settings.
• Strong skills in data collection, analysis, and management; familiarity with digital data collection tools (e.g., KoboToolbox, CommCare) preferred.
• Ability to conduct field visits and work in challenging environments.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data analysis software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, or similar).

Experiences:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, out of which 3 years in a similar position, preferably within social Development and emergency/humanitarian projects.
• Experience working with the target group, vulnerable children, families, and the community
• Fluency in written and spoken English, Tigrigna and Amharic languages.

Competencies – Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Project Management and MEAL Frameworks: Familiarity with MEAL frameworks, including log frames, theories of change, and results-based management.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Understanding of quantitative and qualitative data collection methods, data management, and statistical analysis.
• Reporting Standards: Knowledge of donor reporting requirements, impact assessment, and reporting formats for various funders.
• Report Writing: Strong skills in writing clear, concise, and well-organized reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Sector-Specific Knowledge: Awareness of sector-specific issues, especially in fields like humanitarian aid, development, health, education, or protection, depending on the organization’s focus.
• ICT and MEAL Technologies: Knowledge of digital data collection tools (e.g., Kobo Toolbox, Comcare), data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, Excel), and dashboard/visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Analytical and Critical Thinking: Ability to interpret data, assess project impact, identify trends, and make evidence-based recommendations.
• Data Management and Visualization: Skills in organizing, analyzing, and presenting data clearly and effectively, including creating dashboards and visual reports.
• Technical Writing and Reporting: Proficiency in producing high-quality reports, case studies, and summaries for various stakeholders.
• Communication and Facilitation: Strong ability to communicate technical information effectively, facilitate workshops, and provide training to project staff on MEAL processes.
• Project and Time Management: Strong organizational skills to manage multiple projects, set priorities, and meet deadlines.
• Accountability and Ethical Standards: Commitment to upholding ethical practices in data collection, handling sensitive information responsibly, and ensuring participant confidentiality.
• Continuous Learning: Willingness to stay updated on new MEAL methodologies, sectoral trends, and emerging technologies for improved monitoring and evaluation.
• Teamwork & Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with other departments, project teams, and external partners to ensure alignment and successful program implementation.

Lead competency

• Role model: Act as a role model for the organization, living our values and inspiring and learning from others
• Collaboration: Remove barriers to participation, share decision-making and build partnerships
• Empowerment: Promote inclusion and equitable sharing of power
• Strategic Thinking: Live the values and mission, setting realistic goals and translating them into actionable plans

Core competency

• Kindness: Act with empathy towards everyone he/she works with.
• Continuous Learning: Make an effort to learn, understand, and grow as a person, admitting your own mistakes
• Inclusiveness: In any actions,  show respect and care for others.
• Initiative: Speak up when things are not right, do not hesitate to act, and adapt to change when necessary
• Results Orientation: Prioritize safeguarding, look for solutions and focus on desired results

Skills Required:

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