Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEAL) Officer

DEC is a National CSO established in 2007 and re-registered in May 2019 as per the new Authority for CSO Proclamation by the Ethiopian government bearing a registration number of 0009. The organization has five major programs; Child Well-being and Education Development Program, Gender and Life Skill Development, Employable Skills Development Program, Advocacy, and Humanitarian Emergency Program. DEC actively works in seven National Regional States and one city administration of Ethiopia namely Amhara, Afar, Oromia, Tigray, Gambela, Benishangul Gumuz, South West Ethiopia and Addis Ababa City Administration. DEC would like to recruit for the following position:

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Officer

Position Summary

The MEAL Officer will be responsible for supporting the design, implementation, and strengthening of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems. The role focuses on ensuring high-quality data collection, analysis, reporting, and learning, while promoting accountability to Program Participants and stakeholders. The MEAL Officer will work closely with program teams to support evidence-based decision-making and continuous program improvement.

Duty Station

Walisso Area Office Required No. 1

Key Roles and Responsibilities

A. Monitoring and Data Collection

• Support the implementation of MEAL systems and tools at the field level
• Ensure accurate and timely data collection across all project sites
• Conduct regular field monitoring visits and supportive supervision
• Support digital data collection systems (e.g., Kobo, Logalto, or similar tools)
• Ensure proper documentation of project activities and outputs

B. Data Quality Assurance and Reporting

• Ensure data quality through regular verification and validation processes
• Support compilation and analysis of project data
• Prepare and contribute to weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports
• Maintain organized data records and documentation systems
• Track project progress against indicators and targets
• Train staff on data collection, reporting, and data quality standards
• Work closely with program teams to strengthen MEAL integration

C. Accountability and Feedback Mechanisms

• Support establishment and implementation of Complaints and Feedback Response Mechanisms (CFRM)
• Ensure community awareness and access to feedback channels
• Collect, document, and follow up on feedback and complaints
• Promote accountability and transparency in project implementation

D. Learning and Documentation

• Support documentation of best practices, lessons learned, and success stories
• Facilitate learning sessions and reflection meetings
• Promote use of data for program improvement and decision-making
• Contribute to knowledge management within the project
• Collaborate with government stakeholders and partners as required
• Participate in coordination meetings and review sessions

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BSc) in Statistics, Economics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, Information Technology or related fields
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in monitoring and evaluation or MEAL roles
• Experience in NGO or development projects is highly preferred
• Experience in youth, livelihood, or community development programs is an advantage

Required Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of MEAL systems and tools
• Experience with digital data collection tools (e.g., Kobo, ODK, Logalto, or similar)
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills
• Good understanding of indicators and results frameworks
• Excellent communication and report writing skills
• Strong attention to detail and data accuracy
• Ability to work independently and under pressure
• Good interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Willingness to travel frequently to field locations

Additional Requirements

• Strong commitment to accountability, transparency, and community service
• Ability to work in a multicultural and multi-disciplinary environment
• Commitment to gender equality, inclusion, and safeguarding principles