MEAL Manager at CARE International

Job Summary

• CARE is seeking a Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Manager to oversee country office MEAL processes. The MEAL Lead will be responsible for establishing and managing the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning system for CARE's program, ensuring that it aligns with both the organization’s global standards and the specific requirements of the donor. The MEAL manager will work under the leadership of the program director and collaboratively with program teams to develop and implement a robust MEAL framework that captures accurate and relevant data, promotes learning, and ensures accountability to both program participants and partners as well as donors.

Job Details

SCOPE:

Employment Type: Contract - Full Time 

Job Status: Nationals only.

Location: FCT, Abuja.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

 Job Responsibility #1: Technical

• Develop the overall framework for project MEAL systems, including requirements, reporting, baseline, and evaluation surveys. Develop and monitor the project Performance Management Plan (PMP) to systematically document outcomes for project technical leads and leadership team.
• Ensure alignment of MEAL activities with program goals and contribute to the development of annual work plans to identify project targets and ensure inclusion of M&E and Learning activities.
• Develop and management a functioning Management Information System (MIS). Generate monthly indicator reports and track progress against key indicators.
• Provide cutting-edge expertise in the development and execution of results frameworks, monitoring tools, and evaluation methodologies that can measure project efficacy and impacts.
• Provide technical leadership, capacity building and support to project and partner staff in planning and implementing MEAL systems and activities, data-based program decision-making, and results reporting.
• Crafting and execution of annual program plans, setting performance benchmarks, and overseeing the project’s monitoring mechanisms. This includes periodic review and revision of the Theory of Change along with other key personnel and technical staff. 
• Conduct field visits for data collection, validation, and to monitor data quality. Ensure timely compilation and reporting of data. Capture and document lessons learned, and champion scaling up of best practices.
• Develop tools for, oversee research and collaborate with academic institutions for research. 
• Design and implement internal and external knowledge exchange and learning events to improve peer-to-peer learning, knowledge sharing and application.

Job Responsibility #2: Reporting

• Ensure timely and accurate submission of project plans and reports to donors, including progress against targets set in the award, annual work plans, and quarterly, and annual reports.
• Analysis and reviewing evaluation on the achievement Outcome.
• Verify data submitted in reports is accurate.
• Ensure Monitoring indicators according to project performance report requirements (PMT); Project results; 
• Assist in the production of reports on the results and impacts.
• Assist the coordination team in the development of MEAL plans, Target setting, and data quality tools.

Job Responsibility #3: Capacity Building, Mentorship, and Staff management

• Provide capacity building in MEAL related activity for Meal Team and Program Team
• Manage the MEAL team to ensure that the MEAL system operates effectively with the support and resources required and that there are clear links and reporting lines between field and CO level and between MEAL and other departments
• Define expectations, provide leadership and technical support as needed so that MEAL staff are able to perform their roles as required
• Manage the performance of direct reports in the MEAL unit through performance management, coaching, mentoring, training and development.
• At the organisational level, devise and manage a MEAL training programme with the goal of increasing capacity and awareness of MEAL for all staff. Assess training needs and engage MEAL team staff to roll-out the training programme

Job Responsibility #4: Strategic Engagement

• Develop strategic relationships with relevant stakeholders, including government and partners in Nigeria, regionally and globally, to promote effective coordination, collaboration, and dissemination of program learning.

Job Responsibility #5: Programme Design and MEAL Resources 

• Ensure that MEAL is an integral part of the programme design stage and features in all proposal development. 
• Responsible for effectively managing the MEAL budget.
• Ensure that data brought together and findings from across thematic and operational regions to form a coherent basis for analysis of impact which promotes learning, programming, and strategy development for the whole organisation.
• Lead on monitoring and improving the synergy and integration of thematic programmes to enhance delivery of outstanding results for children and their communities 
• Communicate top level learning / analysis reports and monitoring data to ensure that management is able to make informed decisions on a timely basis to scale up and face operational challenges

Other Responsibilities:

• Ensure that MEAL resources are included in proposal development and work creatively to secure funding from diverse sources, to ensure that MEAL is integrated in emergency and development programmes in a sustainable way.
• Contribute to CARE’s resource mobilization efforts  
• Other Responsibilities as Assigned

QUALIFICATION/EXPERIENCE/TECHNICAL SKILLS:

Required:

• Master’s degree in statistics, data management, public health, international development, economic development, or other relevant sectors.
• At least 6 years of relevant senior experience in international development as MEAL manager or in a senior management role on large humanitarian or development projects.
• Proven experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods, survey design and implementation, and statistical data analysis.
• Demonstrated MEAL experience in project technical areas, including, maternal child health/nutrition; food security and agriculture, livelihoods/ resilience building, market systems, gender equality, women's empowerment, initiatives addressing gender-based violence, and strategies for advancing women's economic justice. 
• Strong experience and knowledge of different donor M&E guidelines, systems, and reporting requirements including Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) principles, approaches, and their application to project learning and adaptation.
• Strong data visualization and report writing skills, and ability to translate technical information for non-technical audiences.
• Experience recruiting, developing, and managing staff and teams.
• Demonstrated skills building and maintaining relationships with project stakeholders, local partners, and local organizations.
• Fluency in English and strong oral and written communication skills; excellent demonstrated inter-cultural, interpersonal, and negotiation skills are required. 
• Demonstrated commitment to PSHEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Harassment, and Abuse).
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of Diversity, Equity, Belonging and Inclusion (DEBI).

Skills and Competencies

• Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and motivate teams.
• Excellent project management skills, including budgeting, planning, and monitoring.
• Demonstrated ability to secure funding and manage donor relationships.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken); knowledge of local languages is an asset.