Regional MEAL and Learning Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
Action Against Hunger is a global organization dedicated to ending hunger. Established with a mission to innovate solutions and advocate for change, the organization reaches 24 million people annually through effective hunger prevention and treatment programs. Operating in over 50 countries, Action Against Hunger collaborates with communities to tackle the root causes of hunger, which include climate change, conflict, inequality, displacement, and emergencies. Action Against Hunger USA is part of the broader Action Against Hunger International network and currently manages operations in several countries including Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Haiti.

Job Overview:
The Regional MEAL and Learning Specialist will play a pivotal role in providing strategic leadership and operational management for the monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) function across Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti. This position is based in Nairobi and reports to the Regional Consortium Coordinator. The Specialist will be responsible for designing and overseeing a rigorous, adaptive, and regionally consistent MEAL system that aligns with DG ECHO requirements and the learning priorities of IGAD, ICPAC, and SCALAA. The role includes leading the program Results Framework, conducting baseline, mid-term, and endline evaluations, ensuring data quality, and managing accountability mechanisms. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in regional MEAL, strong mixed-methods research expertise, and a solid understanding of anticipatory action, disaster preparedness, and climate-informed humanitarian programming.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Regional MEAL and Learning Specialist include leading the design and implementation of a consortium-wide MEAL system across Ethiopia, Somalia, and Djibouti. This involves developing and maintaining the program’s Results Framework, Theory of Change, and indicator matrix, as well as managing the program MEAL Plan, which includes data-collection schedules and quality-assurance protocols. The Specialist will establish consistent MEAL governance across country teams and lead program reviews to ensure monitoring findings inform adaptive management. Additionally, the role requires providing technical leadership for evaluations, managing external consultants, overseeing data quality standards, ensuring ethical data management, and designing accessible feedback mechanisms for affected communities. The Specialist will also produce regional learning products and lead capacity strengthening for country teams and partners.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Studies, Social Research Methods, Statistics, Public Policy, Humanitarian Action, or a closely related field. Additional professional certification in program evaluation or related disciplines is a strong advantage. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible MEAL experience within the humanitarian or international development sector is required, including at least three years in a senior regional or multi-country MEAL coordination position. Candidates should demonstrate experience in designing and managing comprehensive MEAL systems for complex programs, managing Results Frameworks, and working with institutional donors, particularly DG ECHO.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in relevant fields such as Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Studies, or Statistics. Additional certifications in program evaluation or results-based management are highly desirable and can enhance a candidate's profile.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of seven years of relevant experience in the MEAL field, with at least three years in a senior role that involves regional or multi-country coordination. Candidates should have a proven track record in managing comprehensive MEAL systems and conducting evaluations using both quantitative and qualitative methods. Experience with institutional donors, particularly DG ECHO, is strongly preferred, along with technical knowledge in disaster preparedness and climate-informed programming.

Languages:
Full professional fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Additionally, working knowledge of French, Somali, or Amharic is considered a strong advantage, as it can facilitate communication in the regional context.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role that involves travel across Ethiopia, Somalia, Djibouti, and potentially other regional locations, including challenging or high-risk environments. The role is integral to strengthening evidence systems that enhance humanitarian action across the Greater Horn of Africa. The successful candidate will work closely with various stakeholders, including local partners and governments, to ensure that program decisions are informed by credible evidence and that communities have meaningful ways to influence program delivery.