Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
Mercy Corps is a leading global organization that operates in more than 40 countries worldwide. Founded with the belief that a better world is possible, Mercy Corps partners with communities to implement bold solutions that help individuals overcome adversity and build stronger communities from within. The organization is dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly in disaster and hardship situations, and aims to create lasting change through innovative programs and partnerships.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Specialist is a pivotal role within the PROPEL Africa Project, which focuses on tackling youth unemployment and underemployment in countries such as Liberia, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda. The MEAL Specialist is responsible for designing and implementing a comprehensive MEAL system that ensures data-driven decision-making and supports adaptive management practices. This position requires collaboration with various stakeholders, including country-level MEAL teams and technical leads, to develop harmonized tools and processes that enhance the effectiveness of the program. The MEAL Specialist will also oversee the collection and analysis of data, ensuring compliance with donor requirements and organizational standards, while facilitating learning sessions to promote continuous improvement and strategic decision-making.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Specialist will lead the development of the program's Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Plan, which includes creating results frameworks, Indicator Performance Tracking Tables, and data collection tools. They will ensure that MEAL tools and processes are standardized across Mercy Corps and JA Africa, overseeing annual surveys and evaluations to maintain compliance with best practices. The role involves tracking value-for-money indicators and managing data quality assurance processes. Additionally, the MEAL Specialist will facilitate quarterly and annual reflection sessions, collaborate on joint analysis and reporting, and document best practices and lessons learned. They will also provide training and mentorship to country MEAL teams and ensure that community feedback mechanisms are functional and inclusive.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor's degree, with a Master's degree preferred, in fields such as social sciences, statistics, or economics. A minimum of 5 to 7 years of experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning, particularly in youth employment or market systems, is required. Familiarity with digital data systems like CommCare and PowerBI is essential. Strong analytical and communication skills are necessary, and experience with multi-country programs is considered an advantage. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to data-driven learning and possess the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor's degree as a minimum qualification, with a preference for candidates holding a Master's degree in relevant fields such as social sciences, statistics, or economics. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of monitoring and evaluation processes and for effectively analyzing data to inform program decisions.

Experience:
The position requires candidates to have 5 to 7 years of relevant experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning, ideally within the context of youth employment, market systems, or livelihoods programs. This level of experience is necessary to ensure that the MEAL Specialist can effectively lead the design and implementation of MEAL systems and contribute to the overall success of the PROPEL Africa Project.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international nature of the organization and the countries involved. Additional language skills relevant to the local contexts of Uganda, Liberia, Senegal, and Tanzania may be considered advantageous but are not explicitly stated as requirements.

Additional Notes:
This position is based in Kampala, Uganda, and may require up to 40% travel to support country programs, including travel to potentially insecure locations. The role emphasizes the importance of ongoing learning, with team members expected to dedicate 5% of their time to personal and professional development activities. Mercy Corps is committed to equal employment opportunities and maintaining a safe and inclusive work environment, adhering to strict safeguarding and ethical standards.