Monitoring & Evaluation Officer (MEAL)

About the role

A local fixed-term Monitoring & Evaluation (MEAL) Officer is needed to implement a robust MEAL system across the assigned cluster, generating accurate, timely evidence for programme decisions, donor reporting and organizational learning. The role also acts as the cluster-level risk and compliance focal point and supports partners in strengthening their MEAL capacity.

Key responsibilities

• Roll out MEAL frameworks, indicator tracking systems and data collection tools, and deploy and configure digital platforms such as KoboToolbox and mWater
• Run routine data quality assessments, field verification visits and spot checks, maintain the indicator performance tracking table and verify partner-reported data
• Oversee data collection and submission from community structures, Data Volunteers, programme teams and partners, and run a data quality corrective action plan
• Act as risk and compliance focal point: ensure compliance with WV standards, donor requirements, data protection and safeguarding, and escalate risks to the MEAL Manager
• Collect and analyze unit cost data, support Value for Money analysis and provide cost data for donor and internal reports
• Coordinate baseline, midline and endline evaluations, outcome monitoring, Real-Time Evaluations and After-Action Reviews, and produce impact narratives and evidence briefs
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual MEAL reports, maintain the cluster MEAL database and file, and document lessons learned
• Assess partners' MEAL capacity, provide mentorship, organize training workshops and support community feedback and complaints mechanisms

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Demography, Data Management or a related field
• At least three years of relevant experience in MEAL, programme monitoring, data management, research or reporting, preferably in development or humanitarian programmes
• Experience with grassroots structures such as VDC, ADC, PTA, MSG, SMC and OPDs, and with child-focused projects
• Ability to work with minimal supervision and strong leadership and strategic planning skills

Required skills

• Good written and presentation skills in English and one local language in Malawi
• Hands-on experience with KoboToolbox, mWater or similar tools, and with MEAL databases
• Data analysis with statistical software (e.g. SPSS, STATA, R) and qualitative tools (e.g. NVivo, Dedoose)
• Report writing and donor reporting expertise