MEAL Officer

ROLE PURPOSE:

A Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer is responsible for tracking project performance and ensuring that activities are implemented according to established plans. The position holder is responsible for developing and managing M&E frameworks, tools, and data collection systems to measure progress and outcomes. The role involves analysing quantitative and qualitative data to generate evidence-based insights for decision making. The M&E Officer also prepares regular reports that highlight achievements, challenges, and recommendations for improvement. He/She works closely with project teams and partners to strengthen data quality, accountability, and learning. Overall, the position ensures that programmes remain effective, efficient, and aligned with organizational goals and donor requirements.

SCOPE OF ROLE:

Reports to: Head of REALM.
Staff reporting to this post: No

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY :
MEAL System Development:

• Develop and maintain tools for data collection, analysis, and visualization.
• Lead baseline, midline, and endline assessments in collaboration with technical teams.
• Ensure timely and accurate data collection from field teams and partners.
• Conduct regular data quality checks and validation exercises.
• Monitor project indicators and track progress against targets.
• Conduct frequent visits to the implementation areas in Erbil, Duhok, Ninewa, Sulaymaniyah, Kirkuk, Baghdad, Muthanna, and any other locations added under the projects, and provide feedback based on observations.
• Prepare and update the project quarterly, biannual, and annual databases. Review partners’ databases and compare them with the means of verification.
• Calculate and update total reach indicators and ensure they are accurately reflected in the PRIME system.
• Conduct periodic MEAL meetings with partners and follow up based on the project results frameworks.
Work closely with Project Managers to ensure project data is regularly updated and accurate
Capacity Building:
• Assess MEAL capacity needs of project staff and partners.
• Develop and deliver tailored training sessions on MEAL tools and methodologies.
• Provide ongoing coaching and mentoring to field MEAL staff.
• Build capacity in data analysis and interpretation for program teams.
• Promote a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
• Facilitate peer learning and knowledge exchange among MEAL staff.

Research, Evidence and Learning:
• Support the development of learning agendas.
• Coordinate operational research and case studies to generate evidence on effective interventions.
• Document lessons learned and best practices for internal and external sharing.
• Collaborate with technical advisors to ensure evidence-based programming.
• Promote the use of data and evidence in decision-making processes.
• Support the development of knowledge products (briefs, reports, presentations).
• Ensure ethical standards in research involving children and vulnerable populations.

Accountability & Participation:
• Integrate community feedback and response mechanisms (FRMs) into the implementation of the project.
• Ensure that feedback is documented, analyzed, and responded to in a timely and respectful manner.
• Promote awareness of accountability mechanisms among beneficiaries and stakeholders.
• Ensure that accountability data informs project decision-making.
• Conduct regular field visits to assess the effectiveness of accountability systems.
• Train staff and partners on accountability principles and practices.
• Ensure confidentiality and ethical handling of sensitive feedback.
• Integrate accountability findings into project reviews and planning.

Safeguarding:
• Ensure MEAL tools and processes are child-safe and inclusive.
• Monitor safeguarding risks in data collection and community engagement.
• Ensure that feedback mechanisms are accessible and safe for children.
• Integrate safeguarding indicators into MEAL frameworks.
• Collaborate with safeguarding focal points to address concerns.
• Ensure informed consent and assent processes are followed.
• Report and document safeguarding incidents in line with organizational protocols.
Reporting:
• Support reporting to donors by providing data to the programme manager on a timely basis.
• Contributing to SCI and cross project reports (e.g. Country Annual Report, Total Reach etc).
• Support other reporting processes as required.

General:
• Represent the MEAL function in coordination meetings and donor visits.
• Ensure compliance with organizational and donor MEAL standards.
• Maintain organized and secure MEAL documentation and databases.
• Support cross-cutting themes such as gender, disability, and inclusion in MEAL.
• Liaise with government and education sector stakeholders on MEAL matters.
• Stay updated on MEAL innovations and best practices.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
BEHAVIOURS (Values in Practice)
Accountability:
• holds self accountable for making decisions, managing resources efficiently, achieving and role modelling Save the Children values
• holds the team and partners accountable to deliver on their responsibilities - giving them the freedom to deliver in the best way they see fit, providing the necessary development to improve performance and applying appropriate consequences when results are not achieved.
Ambition:
• sets ambitious and challenging goals for themselves and their team, takes responsibility for their own personal development and encourages their team to do the same
• widely shares their personal vision for Save the Children, engages and motivates others
• future orientated, thinks strategically and on a global scale.
Collaboration:
• builds and maintains effective relationships, with their team, colleagues, Members and external partners and supporters
• values diversity, sees it as a source of competitive strength
• approachable, good listener, easy to talk to.
Creativity:
• develops and encourages new and innovative solutions
• willing to take disciplined risks.
Integrity:
• honest, encourages openness and transparency; demonstrates highest levels of integrity
QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Social Sciences, Statistics, M&E or any relevant qualification, a Masters degree will be an added advantage

EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
• At least five years of progressive experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning in development and humanitarian contexts
• Previous first phase emergency response experience
• Commitment to working through systems of community participation and accountability
• Previous experience of managing a team and managing projects
• Demonstrated strong monitoring and evaluation skills, including planning/participating in evaluations
• Ability to work both in an advisory and a hands on implementation capacity
• Proven capacity to supervise, train and coach staff
• Experience of representation and ability to represent Save the Children effectively in external forums
• Experience of preparing successful funding proposals for donors
• Ability to write clear and well-argued assessment and project reports
• Excellent communication and influencing skills with experience in advocacy
• Politically and culturally sensitive with qualities of patience, tact and diplomacy
• A high level of written and spoken English
• The capacity and willingness to be extremely flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes insecure working circumstances.
• Commitment to the aims and principles of Save the Children. In particular, a good understanding of the Save the children mandate and child focus and an ability to ensure this continues to underpin our support.

Desirable:
• Language skills in Arabic and/or Kurdish.
• Experience or knowledge of working and living in Iraq or Middle East.
• Experience of managing MEAL in remote, hard to access settings.
• Good report writing skills.

Organization context

The Organization
We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard. We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:
· No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
· All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
· Violence against children is no longer tolerated
We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children.We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.
Application Information:
Please apply using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document. Please also include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations. A copy of the full role profile can be found at www.savethechildren.net/jobs We need to keep children safe so our selection process reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.