Save the Children International
Save the Children International is a leading global humanitarian organization that has been protecting children's rights worldwide for over 100 years. We operate in more than 100 countries, responding to emergencies, implementing innovative development programs, and advocating for children's rights on a global scale.
Our work in Ukraine began in 2014. Since then, we have significantly expanded our presence, providing support to children and families affected by war. Our key areas of focus include education, child protection, food security, social support, and advocacy to drive lasting change in children's lives.
ROLE PURPOSE:
The purpose of this role is to lead, strengthen, and operationalize the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) function within the South Area Office (SAO) to ensure high-quality, accountable, and evidence-based programming. The role is responsible for the effective design, implementation, and continuous improvement of MEAL systems, frameworks, and processes in line with organizational standards and donor requirements.
This position ensures consistent application of MEAL methodologies across all projects, supports data-driven decision-making, and promotes a strong culture of accountability and learning. It provides technical leadership and capacity building to MEAL and programme staff and partners, ensuring robust monitoring, reporting, and evaluation practices are in place.
KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:
MEAL System
- Undertake responsibility for the roll-out and implementation of the MEAL frameworks, systems for projects implemented in the South Area Office (SAO)
- Ensure the use of the MEAL SOPs and guidelines in the SAO
- Ensure that MEAL and programme staff understand the various steps and tools for the MEAL system and that this is used consistently across projects in the Area office.
- Support SAO MEAL team to conduct quality monitoring against SCI standards through participatory methodologies (including child-friendly methodologies).
- Provide technical support and participate as required in all other aspects of MEAL related activities at field level, for example surveys, assessments, baselines, evaluations, joint projects reviews / lessons learning workshops/events.
- Take responsibility for budget planning and spending related to MEAL activities in the Area office.
- Support the Head of MEAL in implementing MEAL strategy and system.
Technical MEAL Support and Capacity Building
- Provide technical support to SCI and partner organizations staff.
- Contribute at the field level towards the creation of an organisational culture that promotes quality and accountable programming and evidence based decision making.
- Assist SCI and partner organizations MEAL staff at field level to form a solid MEAL team identity within and create cohesion between team members working in different sites and on different projects.
- Provide support to the Accountability Coordinator to ensure all alignment with SC accountability approaches/SoPs and Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS). Ensure complaints response mechanisms are established and fully functioning for all projects.
Operationalizing MEAL
- Ensure that regular monitoring and accountability reports are produced and communicated effectively to the senior management in the SAO.
- Be the MEAL lead for specific awards (including multiarea awards) which will be agreed on with the Head of MEAL.
- Design and follow the structure of IPTTs and MEAL Plans for awards, including MEAL action plans (DIP), MEAL budget plans, evaluation plans for baseline and endlines, partner agreements reviews, MEAL Plans for partners, and other planning MEAL processes.
- Supervise the quality and the technical execution of MEAL tasks inside the MEAL Plans in all the related awards, directly supporting MEAL Coordinators and Officers if it is required.
- Ensure periodic update and report of IPTT, Activity database, PRIME, Output trackers, and any other required reporting tool inside the response.
- Attend all related meetings of the assigned awards such as member calls, awards review meetings, kickoffs, etc.
- Work closely and collaboratively with area MEAL teams and MEAL Specialists to ensure the mainstreaming of the MEAL functions throughout response.
Proposal Development and Reporting
- Provide consolidated data about projects during reporting process (monthly, quarterly, semi-annual and annual reports) for both internal and external reports.
- Lead the MEAL related sections of donor reporting.
- Support New Business Development team with any data request they will have during the proposal development phase.
- In coordination with thematic technical advisors lead on the development of the internal and external log frame for new proposals.
- Contribute to the MEAL section of proposals based on the nature of the developed project, its indicators and donor requirements.
Staff management, mentorship, and development
- Lead the MEAL team in the AO creating cohesion between team members by defining expectations, providing coaching and technical support as needed so that MEAL staff are able to perform their roles as required.
- Directly line-manage MEAL staff in the AO to ensure that the MEAL system operates effectively with the support and resources required.
- Strengthen the capacity of MEAL staff in AO, based on an analysis of technical knowledge gaps, in line with Save the Children MEAL Technical Competency Framework.
Cross-cutting
- Comply with Save the Children policies and practice with respect to safeguarding (child safeguarding and PSEA), code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures, in order to advance SCI’s global priorities, such as (but not limited to) gender equality, disability inclusion, safe programming and safeguarding, child participation.
- Actively contribute to strengthening team spirit and cooperation within the AO Team.
- Promote accountability and high performance, encourage a culture of learning, creativity and innovation, support staff and colleagues in efforts to deliver outstanding results for children in Ukraine.
- Ensure adaptability, flexibility, and ability to work on a wide range of tasks in a wide range of contexts with impeccable attention to detail and accuracy.
BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice)
Accountability
- Takes personal responsibility for decisions, effective use of resources, high-quality results, and acting in alignment with Save the Children values.
- Supports colleagues and partners to take ownership of their responsibilities by providing guidance, opportunities for development, and constructive feedback.
- Addresses underperformance proactively and fairly, ensuring accountability for outcomes.
Ambition
- Sets clear, ambitious goals for themselves and contributes to a culture of continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Actively promotes and communicates the vision of Save the Children to inspire, motivate and engage others.
- Thinks creatively and strategically to drive progress and long-term impact for children.
Collaboration
- Builds positive, trusting, and inclusive relationships with staff, partners, and stakeholders.
- Values diversity and different perspectives as strengths that enhance the organization’s collective impact.
- Demonstrates strong communication skills, showing empathy, openness, and willingness to support others.
Creativity
- Proactively seeks and encourages innovative, practical solutions to improve effectiveness and staff experience.
- Confident in proposing new ideas and taking responsible, well-considered risks to enhance results.
Integrity
- Acts with honesty, fairness and professionalism in all interactions.
- Promotes an environment of transparency, trust, and mutual respect, upholding the highest ethical standards.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Education
- A Master’s degree in Sociology, Public Policy, Statistics, Data Analytics, or a related field.
Qualifications
- Proven experience designing and conducting quantitative household surveys and qualitative studies, including calculating sample sizes, selecting a sampling methodology, developing data collection tools and training enumerators
- Proven experience conducting quantitative and qualitative data analysis and interpreting results, and experience using statistical software.
- Experience using KoBo Toolbox, ODK, CommCare or other mobile data collection software
- Experience implementing and operationalizing child-friendly and inclusive Accountability to Children and Communities (ACC) systems, including feedback and reporting systems.
- Highly developed interpersonal and communication skills including influencing, negotiation, and coaching.
- Strong results orientation, with the ability to challenge existing mind-sets.
- Experience of solving complex issues through analysis, definition of a clear way forward, and ensuring buy-in.
- Ability to present complex information in a succinct and compelling manner
Experience (Required)
- A minimum of 3 years of senior MEAL roles experience in both emergency and development contexts, preferably with solid experience in more than one of the Save the Children priority sectors: education, child protection, child rights governance, food security and livelihoods.
Additional job responsibilities
The duties and responsibilities as set out above are not exhaustive and the role holder may be required to carry out additional duties within reasonableness of their level of skills and experience.
Equal Opportunities
The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI Equal Opportunities and Diversity policies and procedures.
Save the Children is committed to create a truly inclusive, effective and representative organisational culture, encouraging equity and diversity among its employees and eliminating discrimination. Having a diverse profile of employees, different age groups, backgrounds, cultures, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientation etc., including a range of different experiences and capabilities helps us understand, represent and serve children better. Therefore, all qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
Child Safeguarding Policy:
We are committed to ensuring children's safety. Our recruitment process includes strict background checks and reflects our commitment to protecting children from harm.
Safeguarding our Staff:
The post holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with the SCI Safeguarding, Code of Conduct and other policies.
Health and Safety:
The role holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with SCI Health and Safety policies and procedures.
Application Information:
If you are interested in this position, please submit your CV and cover letter in English and include details of your salary expectation and English proficiency.
We need to keep children and their families safe, so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the safeguarding of children from abuse.
Disclaimer:
Please be cautious of individuals who may misuse the Save the Children name to solicit fees from job seekers. We do not engage third parties or agencies to recruit candidates. If someone contacts you promising recruitment or placement at Save the Children for a fee, please do not proceed.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Save the Children does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process.
