Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Coordinator

Within the framework of CIFA’s Country Programme in Ethiopia, the MEAL Coordinator is responsible for the design, oversight, and management of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) system across all projects and programmes implemented by CIFA, especially for the SecondLife Project.

The position plays a strategic role in strengthening evidence-based programming, ensuring accountability to affected populations, and meeting the high-quality reporting and compliance standards required by institutional donorssuch as AICS, EU, and UN agencies.

CIFA is an international NGO with over 40 years of experience in protecting vulnerable children and youth. Activein Ethiopia for more than 20 years,CIFA promotes access to quality education, gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and inclusive livelihoods.

Through itsintegrated approach, CIFA has developed strong expertise in solidwaste management and circular economy initiatives, linking environmental sustainability with socio-economic inclusion. CIFA currently operates in Addis Ababa, Dire Dawa City Administration, Amhara (South Wollo), Harari, and Oromia Region.

Project

The Second Life Project aims to strengthen solid waste management systems, promote circular economy approaches, and enhance socio-economic inclusion through coordinated technical, institutional, and community-based actions in Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa.

The project is implemented in close coordination with the Addis Ababa City Administration and the Dire Dawa City Administration, local authorities, and implementing partners.

Key Tasks

1. MEAL System Development and Management

Lead the design and implementation of the Country-level MEAL Framework, ensuring alignment with CIFA’s Strategy and donor requirements (AICS, etc.).

• Develop and standardize monitoring tools and procedures for project data collection, management, and analysis (e.g., PMPs, KPIs, data collection systems like ActivityInfo, KoboToolbox, ODK).
• Ensure that all project documents (proposals, reports) contain clear, coherent, and measurable Logical Frameworks (Log Frames) and MEAL sections.
• Oversee the integrity, security, and use of the national MEAL database and information management systems.

Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting

• Ensure the adoption of rigorous Data Quality Assurance (DQA) protocols across all projects, including regular field visits and data verification checks.
• Coordinate and oversee Baseline activities, Mid-Term Reviews, and Endline Surveys, including the drafting of ToRs and management of external consultants.
• Analyze collected quantitative and qualitative data, identify trends, assess performance, and determine significant deviations from expected outcomes.
• Produce regular analytical MEAL reports, including performance summary reports for the Country Representative and Headquarters.
• Develop accessible and up-to-date monitoring dashboards (e.g., using Power BI or similar tools) to facilitate evidence-based decision-making.
• Liaise with programme and finance teams to ensure consistency between MEAL data, narrative reports, and financial reporting.

Accountability, Learning, and Capacity Building

• Establish and manage an accessible and inclusive Beneficiary Accountability Mechanism (Feedback and Complaint Response Mechanism – FCRM),ensuring all complaints and feedback are recorded, categorized, and addressed in a timely and ethical manner.
• Lead the organization of structured project review and learning sessions (Lesson Learned) to ensure that best practices and operational challenges inform future programming cycles and organizational strategy.
• Provide continuous training and mentoring to project teamsand field staffon MEAL methodologies, qualitydata collection, dataethics, and the use of MEAL tools.
• Contribute to cross-project learning and knowledge sharing within the organization when relevant.
• Support the integration of MEAL findings into project planning and decision-making processes.

Team Management and Coordination

• Ensure close functional collaboration with Programs Manager, Project Coordinators, the Finance team, and the Logistics team for an effective flow of information and shared project understanding.
• Represent CIFA in inter-agency and sectoral MEAL forums, working groups, and coordination meetings

• Bachelor’s degree (Master’s preferred) in Statistics, Social Sciences, International Development, Environmental Studies, or other relevant fields.

Experience

• Minimum 5 yearsof progressive professional experience in the MEAL sector, including at least 2 years at a coordination or management level in humanitarian/development contexts.
• Previous experience with donor-funded projects, preferably AICS, is an asset.

Technical Skills

• Proven experience in logical frameworks, indicators, and results-based monitoring.
• Proven experience with management tools(e.g., advanced MS Excel, SPSS,R, or Python).
• Proven experience with mobile data collection platforms (Activity Info, KoboToolbox, ODK).
• Strong analytical, reporting, and documentation skills.
• Experience in solidwaste management, circular economy, or livelihoods projects is an asset.

Language

• Fluency in English (written and spoken).