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Position Title: MEAL Officer
Location: Mekelle
Country: Ethiopia
Deadline Date:

Job Details

Job Posting Organization:
SOS Children’s Villages Ethiopia is an International Non-governmental organization and a member of SOS Children’s Villages International Federation. Established in 1974, the organization began its humanitarian work in Ethiopia with the opening of its first Village in Mekelle. Over the years, it has expanded its programs to various regions in Ethiopia, focusing on areas with significant needs for intervention. The organization collaborates with international donors, local governments, and community-based organizations across seven program locations, aiming to ensure that every child grows up with love, respect, and security. SOS Children’s Villages Ethiopia has grown significantly to address the persistent challenges faced by Ethiopian children who have lost parental care or are at risk of losing it.

Job Overview:
As a MEAL Officer, you will play a crucial role in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning within Emergency projects. Your primary responsibilities will include developing and implementing monitoring plans that align with project goals and indicators, coordinating with program staff for timely Data Collection, and conducting field visits to validate data accuracy. You will also support the Design and implementation of evaluations, ensuring that findings inform project adaptations. The role requires a strong commitment to accountability, facilitating learning sessions, and ensuring that lessons learned are documented and shared. Additionally, you will manage data processes, prepare MEAL reports, and provide training to project staff on MEAL processes and tools. Your work will contribute to the safeguarding of participants and the ethical handling of sensitive data, ensuring that the organization adheres to its safeguarding principles.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement monitoring plans for emergency projects, ensuring alignment with project goals and indicators.
• Coordinate with program staff for timely data collection and support the implementation of robust data collection tools.
• Conduct field visits and data validation exercises to assess project progress and data accuracy.
• Support the design and implementation of evaluations, including baseline, midline, and endline surveys.
• Collaborate with project staff to ensure evaluation findings inform project adaptations.
• Assist in the preparation of evaluation reports and presentations for stakeholders.
• Implement and maintain accountability mechanisms for program participants and stakeholders.
• Ensure beneficiaries understand their rights and are informed of feedback processes.
• Facilitate learning sessions and workshops to capture lessons learned and best practices. 1
• Document and share lessons learned within the project team and with relevant stakeholders. 1
• Support Data Management processes, including data cleaning, Analysis, and storage. 1
• Prepare regular MEAL reports and dashboards summarizing progress, key findings, and challenges. 1
• Provide training to project and field staff on MEAL processes, tools, and data collection methods. 1
• Protect the privacy and dignity of participants by following ethical and safeguarding principles in data collection activities. 1
• Obtain informed consent from participants and maintain confidentiality of sensitive data. 1
• Monitor and report safeguarding risks identified during project activities and evaluations. 1
• Collaborate with safeguarding officers to investigate and address safeguarding incidents effectively.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Development Studies, Statistics, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• At least 3-4 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning, preferably within emergency/humanitarian projects.
• Knowledge of Emergency Response project management and MEAL principles in humanitarian settings.
• Strong skills in data collection, analysis, and management; familiarity with digital data collection tools (e.g., KoboToolbox, CommCare) preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Data Analysis software (e.g., Excel, SPSS, or similar).
• Fluency in written and spoken English, Tigrigna, and Amharic languages.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in social sciences, Development Studies, Statistics, or a related field is required for this position. An advanced degree is preferred, which would provide a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in Monitoring and Evaluation within humanitarian contexts.

Experience:
The position requires at least 3-4 years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning, particularly in emergency or humanitarian projects. This experience should include a solid understanding of MEAL principles and practices, as well as familiarity with emergency response project management.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory, along with proficiency in Tigrigna and Amharic languages. These language skills are essential for effective communication with stakeholders and beneficiaries in the region.

Additional Notes:
The position is full-time and based in Mekelle, Ethiopia. SOS Children’s Villages Ethiopia encourages female candidates to apply and emphasizes a commitment to child safeguarding principles and a zero-tolerance policy for sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse. The organization conducts thorough background checks and police clearance processes as part of its recruitment process. Candidates are expected to align with the organization's values and demonstrate a commitment to ethical practices in their work.