Head of MEAL

Save the Children is inviting applications from suitably qualified personnel to fill the position of Head of MEAL. The Head of MEAL will be responsible for providing leadership in developing and implementing a country impact and learning framework ensuring that the Malawi country office has functional MEAL systems that enable tracking and documenting impact for children. The role will champion adaptive programing, beneficiary accountability, learning, innovations, research-based evidence and information for achieving breakthrough solutions in bringing immediate and lasting changes in the lives of children.

The Head of MEAL will thus work with Thematic Advisors, Programme Managers and MEAL team to incorporate innovation, best practices, and lessons learned for improvement of programme quality ensuring alignment with the Save the Children MEAL framework and minimum standards.

The Head of MEAL will develop strong collaborative working relations across Save the Children members, partners, donors, and other organizations with regard to programme MEAL issues.

In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly

In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.

In Order To Be Successful, You Will Bring/have

• A post-graduate degree in an area of social sciences, development administration or equivalent field experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of programming experience within the aid sector, preferably linked to one of Save the Children’s priority technical sectors (Child Poverty, Child Protection, Child Rights Governance, Education, Health & Nutrition), and with the majority of that time focused on overseeing comprehensive MEAL systems that ensure programme effectiveness and quality.
• Experience of working on all elements of MEAL including designing, rolling out and managing systems including robust and responsible data collection and use.
• Experience of securing resources from donors for MEAL activities/staffing and budget management
• Experience and knowledge of evidence generation and learning on what works (and doesn’t work) for children, including designing/commissioning, implementing and applying: needs assessments, baseline studies, evaluations and research, learning workshops and learning agendas.
• Experience and knowledge of systems for accountability to children and communities, including information sharing, participation of adults and children, and feedback and reporting mechanisms.
• Ability to prepare and facilitate technical MEAL trainings and workshops across countries in the region (including remotely).
• Direct experience working with communities in participatory activities.
• Sound knowledge of international quality standards (Red Cross Code of Conduct, Sphere Standard, Core Humanitarian Standard) and proven experience of using these standards in practical ways to promote quality and accountable programming
• Proven success in building and managing a team and dedication to developing staff capacity through training, supervising, coaching and mentoring.
• Skilled at communicating and influencing across relevant teams and offices.
• Strong results orientation, with the ability to challenge existing mindsets
• Demonstrable analytical and problem solving skills.
• Experience of solving complex issues through analysis, defining and planning a clear way forward and ensuring buy-in.
• Ability to present complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Ability and willingness to be flexible and accommodating in difficult and sometimes insecure contexts, including flexibility to work with incoming emergency response teams.
• Proficiency in relevant data collection and analysis software.
• Fluency in English, both verbal and written

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children. We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

We believe in providing reasonable accommodations to support the professional growth and success of all employees. We thus encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities.

Application Information

Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application and include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations. A copy of the full role profile can be found at http://www.savethechildren.net/careers

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.

• Job Identification 11001
• Job Category Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning
• Posting Date 12/21/2024, 01:30 PM
• Apply Before 01/09/2025, 05:00 PM
• Job Schedule Full time
• Locations CO – Lilongwe