Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning (MEAL) Advisor

POSITION PURPOSE

The MEAL Advisor exists to strengthen the quality, effectiveness, and credibility of the organization’s MEAL systems through technical advisory support, capacity building, and system development.

The role focuses on design, review, guidance, and learning, rather than routine data collection or daily project implementation. The MEAL Advisor supports staff to apply good MEAL practice and donor standards, enabling evidence-based decision-making and organizational learning.

This is a remote, deliverable-based role, with clearly defined outputs and no line management or financial authority.

Scope of Work

The MEAL Advisor will provide technical advisory services in the following areas:

1. Review and strengthening of MEAL frameworks, indicators, and tools
2. Development of MEAL tools, templates, and training modules
3. Capacity building and mentoring of MEAL and program staff
4. Quality assurance of MEAL and results reporting
5. Support to learning processes and evaluation design
6. Ongoing advisory support through monthly coordination meetings

Key Responsibilities and Expected Outputs

MEAL System Review and Strengthening

The MEAL Advisor shall:

• Review existing MEAL frameworks, indicators, tools, and reporting systems.
• Identify gaps and areas for improvement in alignment with donor standards.
• Recommend practical system enhancements appropriate to project scale and capacity.

Expected outputs:

• MEAL system review report
• Revised or strengthened MEAL frameworks and indicator matrices

MEAL Tool and Module Development

The MEAL Advisor shall:

• Develop or refine MEAL tools, templates, and guidance materials.
• Design structured MEAL training modules tailored to staff roles (program, MEAL, management).
• Ensure tools and modules are practical, user-friendly, and context-appropriate.

Expected outputs:

• MEAL tools and templates
• Training modules and facilitator materials

Capacity Building and Staff Training

The MEAL Advisor shall:

• Plan and deliver remote training sessions for staff.
• Provide technical mentoring to MEAL Officers and relevant program staff.
• Support staff understanding of indicators, data quality, analysis, and learning use.

Expected outputs:

• Conducted training sessions (online)
• Training reports and attendance records
• Improved staff MEAL capacity (as evidenced through use of tools)

Reporting Quality and Evidence Review

The MEAL Advisor shall:

• Review MEAL and results sections of donor and internal reports.
• Provide technical feedback to improve clarity, credibility, and evidence use.
• Advise on outcome- and learning-focused reporting.

Expected outputs:

• Reviewed reports with documented feedback
• Improved quality of MEAL-related reporting

Learning, Evaluation, and Adaptive Management

The MEAL Advisor shall:

• Support design or review of evaluations, assessments, or learning reviews.
• Facilitate or guide reflection and learning processes (remotely).
• Promote use of data for adaptive management decisions.

Expected outputs:

• Evaluation or learning guidance notes
• Documented learning and adaptation recommendations

Coordination and Advisory Engagement

The MEAL Advisor shall:

• Participate in monthly coordination meetings with the Supervisor and Project Manager(s).
• Provide progress updates on deliverables and advisory support.
• Respond to technical queries related to MEAL systems and quality.

Expected outputs:

• Monthly advisory update summaries
• Meeting participation and action points

Reports To

• Country Director

Works Closely With

• Project Manager, MEAL Assistance

Duty Station

• Remote, with optional or limited field engagement if required

Employment Type

• Contract

Contract Type

• Fixed-term, project-based

Duration

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

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Statistics, or a related field

Experience

• Minimum 8–10 years of professional experience in MEAL
• Proven experience providing technical advisory support
• Experience supporting MEAL systems in NGO or donor-funded projects
• Experience delivering remote training or technical assistance

Core Skills

• MEAL system design and strengthening
• Indicator development and results frameworks
• Training and facilitation
• Analytical and technical writing skills
• Ability to mentor and advise staff remotely

Computer Skills

Essential Computer Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for data analysis, dashboards, and indicator tracking
• Strong command of Microsoft Word for technical documents, guidance notes, and reports
• Ability to prepare high-quality presentations using Microsoft PowerPoint

MEAL Systems & Data Platforms

• Advanced experience with digital data collection platforms ( KoboToolbox, ODK, CommCare)
• Ability to review, design, and improve digital data collection tools
• Experience managing and reviewing large datasets for quality and consistency
• Strong familiarity with Indicator Tracking Tables (ITTs) and results frameworks

Data Analysis & Visualization

• Ability to conduct advanced quantitative and qualitative data analysis
• Experience using data visualization tools (Power BI, Excel dashboards, or similar)
• Working knowledge of statistical software (SPSS, Stata, R, or equivalent)

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with multi-sector NGO programs
• Familiarity with donor requirements
• Experience working in or supporting programs in Ethiopia or similar contexts
• Experience developing modular training materials

Working Conditions

• Fully remote / home-based
• Requires reliable internet and availability for scheduled virtual meetings
• Occasional travel may be requested, subject to agreement

Performance Expectations

• Deliverables completed on time and to agreed quality standards
• MEAL tools and systems strengthened and applied in practice
• Staff demonstrate improved MEAL understanding and application
• Clear, professional advisory engagement with management and teams

SALARY

• Based on the organization scale