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

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENTMonitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Accountability (MEAL) OfficerOrganization: Save Your Holy Land Association (SYHLA)Position Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning, and Accountability (MEAL) OfficerDuty Station: Addis Ababa, EthiopiaEmployment Type: Full-timeContract Duration: One year with possibility of extension based on fund availability and performanceNumber of Positions: 1Gender Requirement: Female OnlyDeadline: 10 Consecutive days from the announcementAbout SYHLASave 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 SummaryThe 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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

1. 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