Monitoring Evaluation Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer -BCPAP Project

The MEAL Officer will provide technical oversight and operational support for monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning for the Better Care for Small and Sick Newborns in Zambia project. The role involves data management, reporting, capacity building, and ensuring high quality systems support adaptive management and data-driven programming across Lusaka, Southern and Central Provinces.

Responsibilities

• Finalize and establish operations for the project defined MEAL plan including indicator and performance tracking tools, data collection tools, accountability plan, project quality benchmarks in close collaboration with the project team and departments.
• Coordinate regular monitoring of project implementation and results, ensuring timely data collection, analysis, and reporting in collaboration with the DHIO.
• Lead use of the monitoring framework, tools, and processes to measure performance and quality, supporting staff and partner staff.
• Track core programme indicators using SCI and MOH information and management systems, undertake meta-analysis and communicate results monthly, quarterly or as needed.
• Collaborate with project partners to organise and conduct joint monitoring and evaluation of programme activities.
• Be responsible for electronic data management systems/databases including data collection, verifying, data entry or migration, data visualization and promoting data use.
• Lead quarterly data review of key project indicators and monthly performance review to inform programming.
• Provide support for annual reviews and periodic reflections with implementing staff and communities and analyse data trends.
• Support the project in conducting surveys, evaluations, and specialized studies including service quality assessments.
• Conduct data quality audits and use findings to improve data quality processes.
• Capacity building and mentorship of healthcare providers on data management to improve data quality, accuracy, consistency and timelines.
• Lead preparation of reports (monthly, quarterly and annually) due to SCI and the donor.
• Lead routine collection, analysis and use of data using and improving existing databases and dashboards to inform management, policy and programme solutions.
• Lead consolidation of narrative and indicator reports due to SCI and the donor and champion knowledge management platforms.
• Implement a comprehensive programme MEAL and knowledge management system to enhance impact monitoring, quality control and evaluation.
• Lead documentation of best practices and human-interest stories during project implementation to inform scale up.

Requirements

• A minimum of bachelor's degree in Statistics, Demography, Economics, or related field in social sciences.
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in MEAL role in NGO sector.
• Experience in managing M&E for MNH & Nutrition related projects is an added advantage.
• Hands on experience managing MEAL frameworks (results framework; log-frame etc.) and operationalization of MEAL efforts.
• Knowledge and hands on experience of using HMIS/DHIS2 is highly desirable.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, analysis and report writing.
• Experience in managing databases and computer skills (Excel, Word).
• Experience in supporting the roll out of online or digital data management system platforms and data quality assurance systems (Kobo collect, Survey CTO etc).
• Experience & knowledge of social research analysis software (both qualitative and quantitative, examples SPSS, Stata, NVIVO, ATLAS, MAXQDA, etc.).
• Demonstrated diplomacy in building relationships and working with diverse cultures and audiences and sensitive situations and subject matter.
• Experience in strategic planning approaches – including, needs assessment and programmes design, logical framework development, selecting indicators, implementing monitoring plans, supporting evaluations and data analysis.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills for external audiences.
• Experience with donor reporting requirements (highly preferred).
• Hands on experience in leading assessments e.g. baseline assessments, endline assessment and health facility assessments etc.
• Experience of working with local/national governments and capacity strengthening of systems, partners and staff.
• Strong results orientation, with the ability to challenge existing mindsets.
• Demonstrated problem solving skills, collaboration, creativity and willingness to innovate.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively with others in a remote work environment.

Skills

• Monitoring and Evaluation
• MEAL Framework Design
• Results Frameworks
• Log-frame
• HMIS
• DHIS2 Knowledge
• Qualitative Methods
• Quantitative Research
• Data Analysis
• Report Writing
• Database Management
• Excel
• Word
• Digital Data Management Systems
• KoboCollect
• Survey CTO
• Social Research Software
• SPSS
• STATA
• NVIVO
• ATLAS
• MaxQDA
• Strategic Planning
• Needs Assessment
• Programme Design
• Logical Frameworks
• Indicator Selection
• Monitoring Plans Implementation
• Evaluation Support
• Donor Reporting
• Baseline Assessments
• Endline Assessments
• Health Facility Assessment
• Capacity Strengthening
• Stakeholder Engagement

Languages

English