Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Accountability (MEAL) Officer

Employment Type: Full-time

Contract Duration: One year with possibility of extension based on fund availability and performance

Number of Positions: 1

Gender Requirement: Female Only

About SYHLA

Save Your Holy Land Association (SYHLA) is a youth-led, non-governmental, and non–partisan civil society organization committed to 1 just, peaceful, healthy, and resilient Ethiopia where women, youth, and children thrive in dignity, equality, and environmental harmony. SYHLA works to address the needs of vulnerable communities through humanitarian and development interventions, with a strong commitment to accountability, transparency, and safeguarding. The organization operates in close collaboration with local communities, government authorities, and international partners to deliver sustainable and impactful programs.

SYHLA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. This position is specifically designated for female candidates as part of the organization’s commitment to gender balance and women’s empowerment in the humanitarian, peace, and development sectors.

Job Summary

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Accountability (MEAL) Officer will be responsible for supporting the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of program quality through robust MEAL systems. The role combines hands-on field monitoring, data management and analysis, and program support functions, ensuring that project implementation is effectively tracked, evidence-based, and aligned with organizational and donor requirements.

The MEAL Officer will ensure that projects are effectively monitored, data is accurately collected and analyzed, and learning and accountability mechanisms are integrated into the program cycle. She will collaborate closely with program teams to ensure timely feedback and adaptive management for improving program quality, accountability, and impact.

Key Responsibilities

MEAL System Design & Implementation

• Develop and operationalize comprehensive MEAL frameworks, including monitoring plans, Indicator Tracking Tables (ITT), and results-based monitoring systems aligned with project goals and logical frameworks
• Design context-appropriate data collection tools and methodologies for qualitative and quantitative data collection
• Ensure integration of gender, protection, accountability, and inclusion indicators across all MEAL activities
• Establish and maintain appropriate data management systems for effective information management

Monitoring and Data Collection

• Coordinate with program staff to ensure timely collection of data and support the implementation of robust data collection tools
• Conduct regular field visits and data validation exercises to assess project progress and data accuracy
• Utilize digital data collection tools (e.g., Kobo Toolbox, ODK) to improve efficiency and accuracy
• Regularly assess project activities to ensure they are aligned with project objectives and intended outcomes
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to track project performance and inform decision-making
• Prepare and share concise field back reports and monitoring reports

Evaluation

• Coordinate baseline, mid-term, and end-line evaluations in collaboration with internal and external evaluators
• Ensure evaluation findings are incorporated into project implementations and future program design
• Facilitate all project and program evaluations within the operational area by liaising with concerned stakeholders

Accountability & Learning

• Establish and strengthen community feedback mechanisms and accountability frameworks
• Ensure the communication and dissemination of complaints handling procedures, policies, and tools are appropriate to beneficiaries, project staff, and other stakeholders
• Regularly conduct accountability surveys and spot-checks to ensure beneficiary complaints are being addressed
• Maintain an effective centralized tracking system for all complaints and feedback, ensuring confidentiality and protection of beneficiaries’ identity
• Identify, document, share, and use learning from program implementation to continuously adapt and improve programming

Reporting

• Compile, analyze, and produce monthly, quarterly, and annual project performance reports
• Prepare monitoring reports based on field monitoring and ensure timely submission to donors and management
• Ensure appropriate information is gathered to address all requirements for donor and internal reporting needs

Representation & Coordination

• Represent the organization in different national and regional coordination meetings, working groups, and clusters related to monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning
• Liaise and coordinate with external actors, partner organizations, local authorities, and sector leads for collection of relevant data and information
• Participate in sector coordination meetings and ensure SYHLA’s MEAL activities are aligned with national and regional frameworks
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with government offices, UN agencies, and other stakeholders

Safeguarding & PSEA

• Integrate and implement safeguarding standards and Protection from Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA) within all project activities
• Ensure compliance with SYHLA’s safeguarding policies, Code of Conduct, and regulations against sexual misconduct
• Support project teams in identifying and mitigating safeguarding and SEA risks
• Promote community feedback mechanisms and ensure safe and accessible reporting channels for safeguarding concerns
• Design and deliver context-specific safeguarding and PSEA training for staff, volunteers, consultants, and partners
• Serve as a focal point for safeguarding compliance and maintain secure documentation on PSEA indicators
• Ensure immediate referral of protection-related concerns and sensitive cases according to established procedures
• Maintain the utmost confidentiality of all complaints received and processed

Capacity Building

• Provide regular training and capacity building for program staff, partners, and community facilitators on MEAL tools, methodologies, and safeguarding
• Support program teams in understanding and using MEAL frameworks and data for decision-making

Qualifications and Requirements

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Public Health, Sociology, Social Work, Psychology, and Project Management
• Postgraduate qualification in M&E, Project Management, or a related field is an added advantage

Experience

• Minimum of 2–3 years of progressive experience in MEAL roles within NGO/INGO humanitarian or development settings
• Proven experience in designing and implementing MEAL frameworks and systems
• Hands-on experience in data collection, analysis, and reporting using both quantitative and qualitative methods
• Experience with digital data collection tools (Kobo Toolbox, ODK, CommCare, or similar)
• Experience in emergency programming and/or multi-sectoral projects is strongly preferred
• Experience in safeguarding and PSEA implementation is highly desirable

Skills and Competencies

• Strong knowledge of MEAL frameworks, logical frameworks, results-based management, and Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS)
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong computer skills, including proficiency in MS Office applications and data analysis software (SPSS, STATA, or similar)
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (fluency required)
• Knowledge of local languages is an added advantage
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment
• Ability to work in resource-constrained, high-pressure environments
• Strong commitment to safeguarding, PSEA, and gender equality
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

Other Requirements

• Female candidates only (as per the organization’s gender policy)
• Willingness and ability to travel frequently to field locations
• Valid driving license is an added advantage
• Commitment to SYHLA’s mission, values, and Code of Conduct

Working Conditions

• Based in Addis Ababa with frequent field travel to project locations
• The position requires up to 25% travel to field sites and communities
• Work may involve exposure to challenging and remote environments

Safeguarding Commitment

SYHLA is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children, young people, adults, and communities we serve, as well as our workforce. We cultivate an environment of trust and accountability where every voice is heard and respected. All successful candidates will be expected to champion our safeguarding principles, actively upholding our Safeguarding Policy, Code of Conduct, and regulations against sexual misconduct, fraud, and corruption. By joining our team, you commit to integrating these vital standards into your work, ensuring the highest levels of safety, ethics, and integrity in every action and partnership.

What SYHLA Offers

• A professional and inclusive working environment.
• Opportunity to work across humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding programmes.
• Opportunities for professional learning and capacity development.
• Exposure to national and regional coordination and learning platforms.
• Opportunity to contribute to evidence-based programming and organizational learning.
• Pension fund as per Ethiopian law
• Provident fund as per our internal policy