Overview
The MEAL Officer will provide technical oversight and operational support for data management, use, and reporting for the Better Care for Small and Sick Newborns in Zambia project. The role involves implementing an effective monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning system.
Key Responsibilities
- Finalize and establish operations for the project defined MEAL plan.
- Coordinate regular monitoring of project implementation and results, ensuring timely data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- Lead the use of the monitoring framework, tools, and processes to measure performance and quality.
- Track core programme indicators using SCI and MOH information and management systems.
- Collaborate with project partners to organise and conduct joint monitoring and evaluation.
- Be responsible for electronic data management systems/ databases.
- Lead quarterly data review of key indicators and monthly performance review.
- Provide support for annual reviews and periodic reflections.
- Support the project in conducting surveys, evaluations, and specialized studies.
- Conduct data quality audits (DQA).
- Capacity building and mentorship of healthcare providers on data management.
- Lead the preparation of reports (monthly, quarterly and annually) due to SCI and the donor.
- Lead routine collection, analysis and use of data.
- Lead the consolidation of narrative and indicator reports.
- Champion knowledge management use platforms.
- Implement a comprehensive programme MEAL and knowledge management system.
- Lead the documentation of best practices and human-interest stories.
Required Experience
- Minimum 5+ years of experience in MEAL role in NGO sector.
- Experience in managing M&E for MNH & Nutrition related projects is an added advantage.
- Hands on experience managing MEAL frameworks (results framework; log-frame etc.) and operationalization of MEAL efforts.
- Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, analysis and report writing.
- Experience in managing databases and computer skills (Excel, Word).
- Experience in supporting the roll out of online or digital data management system platforms and data quality assurance systems (Kobo collect, Survey CTO etc).
- Experience & knowledge of social research analysis software (both qualitative and quantitative, examples SPSS, Stata, NVIVO, ATLAS, MAXQDA, etc.).
- Demonstrated diplomacy in building relationships and working with diverse cultures and audiences and sensitive situations and subject matter.
- Experience in strategic planning approaches – including, needs assessment and programmes design, logical framework development, selecting indicators, implementing monitoring plans, supporting evaluations and data analysis.
- Excellent report writing and presentation skills for external audiences.
- Experience with donor reporting requirements (highly preferred).
- Hands on experience in leading assessments e.g. baseline assessments, endline assessment and health facility assessments etc.
- Experience of working with local/national governments and capacity strengthening of systems, partners and staff.
Qualifications
A minimum of degree bachelor’s degree Statistics, Demography, Economics, or related field in social sciences.
