Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Assistant

POSITION PURPOSE

The MEAL Assistant supports the implementation of routine monitoring, data collection, data entry, accountability mechanisms, and basic analysis under the guidance of the MEAL Advisor or MEAL Officer. The position ensures timely, accurate, and ethical collection and management of project data to support evidence-based decision-making, donor reporting, and organizational learning.

Key Responsibilities and Expected Outputs

Monitoring System Implementation

The MEAL Assistant shall:

• Implement project MEAL frameworks, indicators, and monitoring plans.
• Coordinate routine data collection at field level.
• Ensure data collection tools are correctly used by field staff.
• Track progress against approved indicators and targets.

Expected outputs:

• Updated indicator tracking tables
• Completed monitoring tools and datasets

Data Quality Assurance and Management

The MEAL Assistant shall:

• Conduct regular data quality checks and verification visits.
• Validate data for accuracy, completeness, and consistency.
• Maintain secure and organized MEAL databases and records.

Expected outputs:

• Data quality check reports
• Clean, verified datasets

Accountability to Affected Populations

The MEAL Assistant shall:

• Support establishment and functioning of feedback and complaints mechanisms.
• Record, track, and report feedback and complaints in a confidential manner.
• Ensure timely referral and follow-up of issues raised.

Expected outputs:

• Functional feedback and complaints logs
• Documented follow-up actions

Reporting and Results Documentation

The MEAL Assistant shall:

• Compile MEAL data for monthly and quarterly project reports.
• Prepare MEAL sections of donor and internal reports.
• Ensure reports are supported by verifiable evidence.

Expected outputs:

• MEAL report inputs submitted on time
• Evidence files supporting reported results

Learning and Adaptive Management

The MEAL Assistant shall:

• Support learning and reflection sessions with project teams.
• Analyze monitoring data to identify trends, challenges, and lessons.
• Document learning and recommend program adjustments.

Expected outputs:

• Learning notes and recommendations
• Evidence of adaptive actions

Evaluation and Assessment Support

The MEAL Assistant shall:

• Support baseline, midline, endline, and evaluation processes.
• Coordinate data collection logistics for evaluations.
• Ensure ethical and methodological standards are followed.

Expected outputs:

• Evaluation data and documentation
• Assessment coordination records

Capacity Building and MEAL Support

The MEAL Assistant shall:

• Train data collectors on MEAL tools and processes.
• Provide ongoing technical support to field staff on data collection.
• Promote understanding of MEAL standards across teams.

Expected outputs:

• Training sessions conducted
• Improved MEAL tool usage by staff

Safeguarding, Ethics, and Compliance

The MEAL Assistant shall:

• Ensure ethical data collection and informed consent.
• Apply safeguarding and confidentiality principles in all MEAL activities.
• Report safeguarding or data-related concerns immediately.

Expected outputs:

• Ethical and compliant MEAL practices
• Timely incident reporting

Reports To

• MEAL Advisor, Program Manager

Works Closely With

• Project Officers, Education/Livelihood Officers, Finance & Administration (coordination only), MEAL Advisor (technical support)

Supervises

• Data Collectors

Duty Station

• Field Office West Hararghe, Chiro Town

Employment Type:

• Full-time

Contract Type

• Fixed-term / project-based

Duration

• 6-month contract with the possibility of extension based on performance.

Required Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Development Studies, Statistics, Economics, Public Health, Social Sciences, or a related field

Experience

• Minimum 3–5 years of experience in MEAL or project monitoring roles
• Experience working in donor-funded NGO projects
• Experience with field-based data collection and analysis

Core Skills

• MEAL system implementation
• Data collection and verification
• Basic quantitative and qualitative analysis
• Report writing and documentation
• Training and facilitation skills

Language & Reporting Competencies

• High proficiency in written and spoken English suitable for reporting and professional communication.
• Local Language- Fluency in spoken Afaan Oromo is highly recommended; ability to write in Afaan Oromo is an added advantage.

Computer Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel (data entry, cleaning, formulas, summaries)
• Experience with digital data collection tools (KoboToolbox, ODK, CommCare) Highly Required
• Ability to design and manage basic digital data collection forms
• Experience with data visualization tools (Power BI, Excel dashboards)

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in a MEAL-related field
• Experience with digital data collection tools (KoboToolbox, Excel…)
• Experience working in education, livelihoods, or child-focused programs
• Familiarity with Ethiopian NGO or development contexts

Working Conditions

• Field-based with frequent travel to project sites
• Combination of office-based data management and field supervision

Performance Expectations

• Accurate, timely, and verifiable MEAL data
• Strong coordination with program teams
• Compliance with donors and organizational MEAL standards
• Effective use of data for learning and improvement

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Gross Salary

• 45,000 – 50,000 ETB, salary is fixed to current USD exchange rate

Phone Communication:

• Unlimited voice and Internet Package

Medical Coverage

• Medical insurance coverage for the employee and eligible dependents.

Transportation Allowance

• Monthly transport allowance