Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Coordinator

Who we are

SOS Children’s Villages Ethiopia is an International Non-governmental organization and a member of SOS Children’s Villages International Federation. We started our humanitarian work in Ethiopia with the opening of our first Village in Mekelle, Northern part of Ethiopia in 1974. Since then, we have expanded our programs to different regions where there are significant needs for intervention and where we believe we can work in partnership with all relevant actors to bring sustainable positive outcomes for children’s and young people.

Today, we have grown significantly to meet the persistent challenges that confront Ethiopian children who have lost parental care and those that are at risk of losing their parental care. Working in close collaboration with international donors, local government and community based organizations across seven program locations; we aspire that every child grows up with love, respect and security.

Why we need you?

Under the supervision of the MEAL Manager, the Location MEAL Coordinator is responsible for supporting the designing, planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning of projects across program location. He/she is responsible for data collection, analysis, and learning activities to help ensure accountability and efficiency from start to finish for all projects across the respective program location.

 The position holder  will provide technical field support to the project staff. He/she will work closely with stakeholders in project implementation to participate in program design, proposal development and to ensure program quality.

The incumbent is required to carry out his/her duties following the SOS CV Safeguarding policies and regulations, the Code of Conduct, the values-based competency frame “Living our Values” and any further international and local regulation that influences safeguarding at SOS CV.’

What we provide?

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

Your role?

While working with us a…..you will be in charge of the following,

Program Development (System Design/Planning)

• Lead and participate in needs assessment exercises, beneficiary targeting, including the development of assessment protocols, data collection tools and data analysis methods
• Support the development and humanitarian action projects by undertaking needs/rapid needs assessment and development of M&E tools.
• Participate, support project design processes, develop corresponding RF & M&E plans/tools and DIP of projects in the program location, and provide direct technical support to field staff.
• Participate in location-based proposal development and ensure that all proposals have clear goal, objectives and indicators illustrated by a clear result framework or log frame.
• Support and closely monitor feasibility studies, surveys & assessments, and make sure they are conducted as per organizational standards and requirements.
• Provide technical guidance and leadership in project design processes at the program location level
• Lead the effective use of RBM and PRAG guidelines and tools in the development and planning of projects
• Co-lead program location’s strategic and annual operational plan preparations process including clear target setting, development of M&E indicators as well as plan alignment with the national strategic direction.
• Support partner organizations (as the need arises) in developing an M&E framework and thereby to monitor, track and evaluate the progress and impact of their planned programs

Monitoring, reporting and Evaluation

• Generate periodic program indicator reports for tracking program or project progress.
• Lead project baseline studies, annual reviews, midterm assessments and post distribution assessments.
• Track result framework and M&E plans and develop progress report annually or as required
• Support the NO MEAL function in the preparation of the annual plan and report of ACSO.
• Coordinate/lead cross-functional field-monitoring visits, produce monitoring reports and follow up the implementation of recommendations.
• Compile and consolidate periodic results-based reporting and submit them to the program director and concerned departments.
• Support coordinators/ managers and field staff in monitoring of project progress by conducting field visits and providing technical support to field staff
• Consolidate program location’s monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual M&E reports and submit to internal and external stakeholders on time.
• Support project MEAL officers/coordinators in the preparation of periodic reports to external stakeholders/signatories.
• Support outsourced evaluations/assessments by reviewing development of standard TORs and provide feedback to consultants and evaluation partners

Program and Data Quality Assurance (info/system management)

• Design data collection tools and provide technical support for grassroots level staff who are responsible for regular data collection
• Ensure the timely collection, analysis and utilization of project related information, including early warning information working closely with field MEAL officers and project coordinators.
• Ensure the regular data capturing in to SOS CVE program database & ProDIGI and monitor the data quality.
• Assist program staff to set up and use reporting systems (ProDIGI application for project management) that meet the internal M&E requirements.
• Oversee the regular maintenance of program/project MEAL information using appropriate database management system and makes accessible to staff and other stakeholders at field level.
• Ensure regularly updating of core assessments, family development plans and other care promise indicators in PDB2
• Provide technical support in data auditing and cleaning in PDB2 across all the stages of the case management cycle.
• Provide well-analyzed program information to support evidence-based decision-making and program development.
• Generate monthly reports from PDB2 & PRODIGI and share the report with concerned colleagues/departments.

Knowledge Management (learning, research, Assessment, documentation, sharing & use results)

• Initiate research/studies, particularly in relation to the project/program learning agendas and share results for wider audiences in and outside SOS to enhance program quality.
• Compile and consolidate learnings during organizational self-review and reflection sessions.
• Analyze, synthesize, document and disseminate innovations and new research findings including maintaining a database of evaluation findings and responses Capitalize on lessons learned and suggest improvements to the M&E system and the incorporation of learning into new project proposals
• Ensure that collected data and experiences translate into documented learning that is used to adapt the project and contribute to organizational knowledge using federation processes and systems
• Lead in reviews and lessons learned exercises among the partners and stakeholders including the targeted communities and beneficiaries.
• Facilitate regular project implementation and performance review sessions and learning platform like workshop and share learning reports with national MEAL team.
• Document lessons learned good practices, success stories, and share with relevant internal and external stakeholders.
• Facilitate regular based knowledge management platforms (FS and AC knowledge management platforms) at programme location.

Accountability

• Contribute to the development/review of tools for tracking community-based feedback and complaints responding mechanisms.
• Provide guidance and input in the compilation and analysis of aggregated feedback and complaints data from SOS service users and various stakeholders
• Generate analysis on the trend of feedback and complaints from right holders and stakeholders and contribute to learning towards improving the quality of SOS’s service delivery
• Develop and Implement SOS CVE accountability to affected people system (like information sharing, community participation, feedback and complaints response mechanisms etc.)
• Provide induction/orientation, training and capacity building to internal staff and external stakeholders/partners and involved in accountability and protection.
• Produce regular internal (and external) reports on information sharing, feedback and complaint trends, response procedures, and relevant issues.
• Communicate and disseminate feedback and complaints policies and procedures for staff and concerned stakeholders and partners.
• Monitor the functionality of mainstream accountability mechanisms throughout the program cycle by working in close collaboration with the program team at all levels.

People Management and Capacity building

• Support the recruitment of program/project MEAL officers and data base officers.
• Ensure relevant capacity-building trainings on different topics (PDB2, ProDIGI, Compass…) is provided to Database Clerks and project level MEAL officers and project/program staff.
• Follow up and appraise the performance of colleagues in his/her team and provide them with immediate and relevant feedback
• Make sure that colleagues internalize and make use of M&E guidelines and tools of the organization
• Organize M&E review meetings for colleagues to promote learning
• Assist roll-out of the SOS’s Program Policies (Program Guide, and Program Quality) and train SOS programme location staff and partners on these policies guidelines, as appropriate

Safeguarding (child, young people, adult and asset) and gender Equality

• Ensure gender and disability mainstreaming within the overall MEAL system and during the project and program cycle management.
• Ensure that safeguarding and child protection mainstreaming are integrated into all MEAL frameworks through measurable output and outcome indicators.
• Ensure that safeguarding measures are in place within area his/her responsibility and that staff, associates and other key stakeholders are aware of safeguarding principles and measures.
• Ensure and support the process of mainstreaming and integrating safeguarding in all MERA frameworks through measurable output and outcome indicators;
• Lead /Support the process of piloting and scaling up local-level beneficiary complaints’ mechanisms concerning co-workers‘ conduct, with an emphasis on the safeguarding policies and measures to prevent sexual exploitation of women and children;
• Responsible for reporting any safeguarding suspicion, concern, allegation, or incident immediately, following the safeguarding reporting procedures. Safeguarding reports should be made to the safeguarding team at the program level and/or to the respective line manager; and
• Responsible for ensuring behaviours and all relationships are based on safeguarding and in line with the Code of Conduct and adhering to it in every situation.
• Conduct themselves per the Code of Conduct, Safeguarding and Local/Country Policies and  Procedures;
• Be vigilant about any possible form of abuse/harm, neglect, harassment, or exploitation against, children, youth and adults in personal and professional lives;
• Report any safeguarding incident or concern within 24 hours to the Incident Management Team, focal person or concerned party through the defined channels for reporting the allegation

Job Requirements

Up for the challenge...

Then check out our criteria’s:

Must Criteria

• Education: Bachelor’s/Master’s Degree in Economics, Statistics, Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management, Sociology or other relevant field of study
• Experience: Four or more years of direct experience in coordinating and executing MEAL activities for donor-funded programs.
• Has experience in designing and implementing the MEAL framework.
• Demonstrated ability in using software such as PowerPoint, KoboToolbox and other analysis tools.
• Strong organizational and project management skills and ability to adopt MEAL practices to culturally specific needs
• Experience working in multi-sectoral projects

Desired Criteria

• Education: Masters Degree Economics, Statistics, Project Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management, Sociology or other relevant field of study.
• Experience: proficiency in advanced data visualization tools (e.g., Power Bi).
• Exposure in building the capacity of program team and partners on MEAL practices and tools
• Experience in engaging with the community and stakeholders.
• Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the location.

Competencies – Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

Understanding the organization and commitment to its vision and mission: able to clearly communicate SOS Children’s Villages Who We Are (Vision, Mission & Values), “Living our Values” policies and strategies in all areas.

• Child rights & child development: Working knowledge in all areas of child rights, child protection, child development, family & community development and rights-based programming in a developing country.
• Project Management: Familiarity with log framework and result-based management approaches
• MEAL Framework: Strong knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning frameworks and methodologies.
• Data Collection and Analysis: has the ability to analyze quantitative and qualitative data and utilise reporting tools
• Data Management and Visualization: Skills in organizing, analyzing, and presenting data clearly and effectively, including creating dashboards and visual reports.
• Technical Writing and Reporting: Expert in developing clear and concise reports for stakeholders, including donors, partners and internal teams.
• Knowledge Management: the ability to record learning and promote evidence-based decision-making.
• Problem Solving and Decision Making: ability to analyze complex problems develop effective solutions and make decisions under pressure.
• Teamwork and cooperation: the ability to work cooperatively within diverse teams, work groups and across the organization to achieve group and organizational goals
• Organizational commitment: ability and willing to align one's own behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization, and to promote organizational goals to meet organizational needs. It also includes acting in accordance with organizational decisions and behaving with integrity
• Integrity: able to state views openly and act in line with beliefs, maintain the organization’s values, maintain deadlines and commitments; have ethical standards, ability to gain the trust of co-workers, and desire to be of service.
• Communication: written and verbal communication/presentation skills; ability to interact effectively with partners and co-workers at all levels;
• Software: Knowledge of digital data collection tools (e.g., Kobo Toolbox, CommCare), data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, Excel), and dashboard/visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).

Required Competencies

The following set of value-based competencies are behaviors that are expected from everyone who works for or on behalf of SOS Children’s Villages in order to achieve a culture of safeguarding.

Lead Competencies

• 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: look for solutions and focus on desired results.

How to Apply

Excited to take on a new Challenge...

Then send us your application (application letter, detailed CV containing contact details of their references) electronically through SOS Children Villages Application portal (ICIMS)

Click to view our EVP Brochure

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

SOS Children’s Villages in Ethiopia holds strict child safeguarding principles and a zero-tolerance policy for conduct of sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse in the workplace and other places where the organization’s activities are rendered.  Parallel to technical competence, recruitment, selection, and hiring decisions will give due emphasis to assessing candidates value congruence and thorough background checks, and police clearance reference check processes.

SOS Children's Villages in Ethiopia provides equal employment opportunities to all co-workers & qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, marital status, or class.