Design, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (DMEAL) Specialist

Job Title Design, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (DMEAL) Specialist

Department : Programs

Reports To (Function) : Country Director (primary), Programme Manager and DMEAL Global Director (dotted line)

Location : Konso zone Karate Town . Candidates must have a right to live and work in Ethiopia

Number of Direct Reports ; TBD

Job Grade : TBD

About ForAfrika

ForAfrika is an African-rooted, globally connected organisation dedicated to empowering communities across the continent through sustainable development and humanitarian aid. With over 40 years of operational experience, ForAfrika works in environments that vary from emergency relief settings to long-term development, ensuring that every initiative is contextually aligned with the needs of the people it serves. Through a deep love for Africa and unwavering commitment, ForAfrika delivers programmes that transform lives by embracing an integrated approach to development. This includes enhancing education, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, food security and livelihoods, economic empowerment, and more, building environments where all Africans can thrive.

ForAfrika Ethiopia implements integrated Food Security and Livelihoods (FSL) and WASH , Climate sustainability programs to strengthen community resilience. Emphasis is placed on promoting climate-smart agriculture, improving household income, enhancing nutrition, and increasing access to clean water and sanitation. ForAfrika also advocates for locally led solutions, working in partnership with communities, government, and local stakeholders.

Position Summary

The DMEAL specialist plays a crucial role in providing leadership and managing the monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning of the organization’s core programs, including WASH, Food Security & Livelihoods, Education, Health & Nutrition, Economic Empowerment, and Emergency Response, in the Ethiopia Country Office.

As a key member within the Programme Unit, the DMEAL Specialist will ensure alignment with sector best practices and drive continuous innovation in evidence generation and utilization. The DMEAL specialist reports directly to the Mozambique Country Director with a dotted line to the Country Programme Manager and to the Global DMEAL Director.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Program Design and Planning:

• Collaborate with program teams to develop logical frameworks, theory of change models, and performance indicators.
• Assist in the development and review of program proposals and budgets, to ensure alignment with ForAfrika’s monitoring framework.
• Provide technical support and capacity building to program teams in DMEAL methodologies and tools.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Develop and implement M&E plans for ongoing programs and projects, ensuring timely and accurate data collection and analysis.
• Design and implement data collection and management mechanisms, including data flows and provide training for all programme appointed staff.
• Review data collection tools and align with programme objectives
• Conduct regular field visits to monitor progress, validate data, and assess the quality of program implementation.
• Develop specialized reports for programme review update.
• Coordinate and manage program evaluations, including baseline, mid-term, and end-line assessments, in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Reporting and Communication:

• Prepare regular monitoring reports (monthly/quarterly and annual) for internal and external stakeholders, including donors, partners, and government agencies.
• Support program teams in the development of high-quality communication materials, such as success stories, newsletters, and presentations.

 

Accountability and Learning:

• Establish and maintain a robust feedback and complaints mechanism for beneficiaries, staff, and other stakeholders to report concerns and suggestions.
• Promote a culture of learning within the organization by organizing and facilitating learning events, workshops, and training.
• Document and disseminate lessons learned, best practices, and case studies to improve program quality and inform future programming.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Social Sciences, International Development, or Monitoring and Evaluation. A master’s degree is preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in DMEAL, preferably with NGOs or international development organizations.
• Proven experience in developing M&E frameworks, leading monitoring exercises, and managing feedback mechanisms.
• Practical experience with analytical tasks such as interpretation of complex data and presentation of findings in a clear and concise manner.
• Concrete practice facilitating data collection and learning sessions with diverse stakeholders.
• Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply
• Computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, data collection tools).

Skills and Competencies

• Proven experience in training and mentoring others in monitoring and evaluation methodologies and tools.
• Excellent communication skills, including report writing, presentation, and facilitation.
• Advanced computer literacy, including experience with data analysis and visualization software.
• Ability to foster and sustain collaborative networks, both within the organization and with external partners.
• Strong initiative, assertiveness, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to continuous learning and alignment with ForAfrika’s values, vision and mission.
• Strong relationship building, influencing, negotiating & interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise with key stakeholders on child rights issues.
• Languages: Fluency of English and Amharic are essential. An additional local language of Konso and Oromifa is an advantage.