The MEAL Coordinator will lead all MEAL activities for the project. This includes, leading in the development and implementation of the project MEAL plan and ensure all data reporting requirements for both donor and SCI are met. S/he will lead the collection, management, analysis and use of project performance monitoring data in line with the project Performance Monitoring Plan in order to continually identify areas for improved program design and implementation. The MEAL Coordinator will also lead in providing technical support to project partners.

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

• Provide technical leadership, support and capacity building on MEAL to the project implementation team.
• Ensure that the project delivers on all internal and external MEAL requirements in a timely manner and with high quality information. 
• Develop robust MEAL plans, systems, processes and tools for the project in line with SCI and donor requirements.
• In collaboration with the programme & technical team, develop and implement project MEAL plans, quality benchmarks, research, assessments and evaluations to support evidence and learning agenda as well as a process for knowledge sharing between SCI, stakeholders and partners in the state.
• Support project staff to track quality benchmarks, collect good quality monitoring data in a timely manner and collate/organize data received for reporting purposes. 
• Ensure relevant data is entered in SCI’s Project reporting Information Management & Evidence (PRIME) system in a timely manner.
• Lead project data review meetings to identify performance trends and support the project team to identify areas for improvement or adaptation.
• Work with government and other stakeholders to support adequate dissemination of project data. 

Accountability

• Ensuring the project is implementing the 3 pillars of Accountability – Information sharing, participation and feedback & reporting and providing relevant documentation.
• Establish 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.
• Ensure project MEAL documents are adequately stored in the SCI 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.
• Ensure Safeguarding and PSEA are part of every training agenda. 
• Ensure that safe programming is embedded into all MEAL field visits

Staff Management & Coaching

• Coaching and mentoring of project MEAL team to achieve project deliverables. 

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

QUALIFICATIONS 

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

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• At least 5 years of experience working in MEAL for Humanitarian/developmental organizations.
• Experience in implementing Education and/or Child Protection projects in development contexts program is an added advantage.  
• Experience in the use of analytical and visualization tools/software 
• 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.