MEAL Lead

Job Posting Organization:
FHI 360 is a global development organization that employs a rigorous, evidence-based approach to human development. Established with a mission to improve lives through integrated solutions, FHI 360 operates from over 60 offices worldwide, employing more than 4,000 professionals across various sectors including education, health, nutrition, economic development, civil society, environment, and research. The organization is committed to partnerships at all levels, which allows it to have a lasting impact on the communities and countries it serves, ultimately improving the lives of millions.

Job Overview:
The MEAL Lead position is critical for the upcoming Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Effective State and Democracy in Zambia (ESDZ) Programme. This full-time role, based in Lusaka, Zambia, is contingent upon the successful award of the programme to FHI 360 and the approval of the selected applicant by the funder. The ESDZ Programme is a seven-year initiative aimed at supporting the Zambian government in designing and implementing policies that promote development, reduce poverty, and uphold democratic values. The MEAL Lead will be responsible for leading the design and implementation of a comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEAL) plan for the programme, ensuring that all research activities align with the programme's outcomes. This role requires close collaboration with the MEAL team and broader programme staff to provide technical guidance, capture learning, and facilitate decision-making processes. The MEAL Lead will also oversee the quality implementation of MEAL activities, ensuring that progress towards programme results is systematically tracked and reported, ultimately generating measurable results and impact at the programme level.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Lead will manage and lead the MEAL function, ensuring that all day-to-day activities align with international best practices. Key responsibilities include finalizing and maintaining the MEAL strategy, designing and implementing adaptive management strategies, and overseeing the production and dissemination of internal research and evaluations. The role involves creating and managing monitoring plans for programme components, designing monitoring tools, and ensuring adherence to quality standards in data collection and reporting. The MEAL Lead will also provide guidance and support to team members and partners on MEAL requirements, ensuring that the tools selected for assessment are internationally recognized. Additionally, the MEAL Lead will be responsible for developing systems for timely and efficient data collection, management, analysis, and reporting, contributing to quarterly and annual reports, and ensuring that the MEAL function is represented in senior leadership meetings.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master’s degree in a relevant field or have comparable professional experience. A minimum of twelve years of relevant experience in designing and managing MEAL strategies is required, along with demonstrated experience in implementing research for development activities, particularly in the areas of democracy, governance, and civil society strengthening. The ideal candidate will have a proven ability to set up solid monitoring systems, experience in high-quality qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, and expertise in developing monitoring and evaluation systems. Excellent report writing, analytical, and communication skills are essential, along with verbal and written fluency in English.

Educational Background:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field is required for this position. Candidates with comparable levels of professional experience in relevant fields may also be considered. The educational background should ideally include training in monitoring and evaluation, research methodologies, and data analysis.

Experience:
The position requires at least twelve years of relevant experience in the field of monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL). Candidates should have experience in designing and managing MEAL strategies, particularly in complex change processes and adaptive management. Experience in coordinating with governments, NGOs, and local communities for data collection and monitoring activities is also essential. Prior experience in managing MEAL activities for donor-funded programs, especially those funded by FCDO, is preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory for this position. Candidates should be able to communicate effectively in both verbal and written forms. Additional language skills may be considered an asset but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is full-time and based in Lusaka, Zambia. It is contingent upon the successful award of the programme to FHI 360 and the approval of the selected applicant by the funder. FHI 360 offers competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunities and affirmative action, ensuring that all qualified applicants are considered without discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national or ethnic origin, age, disability, or veteran status. FHI 360 also emphasizes safeguarding and preventing abuse, exploitation, and harassment in its work environments and programs.