MEAL Officer

ROLE PURPOSE: 

The MEAL Officer plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, accountability, and learning of Save the Children’s programs in Ukraine. The position is responsible for supporting the implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems and processes across all program sectors. This includes conducting regular field monitoring visits, ensuring accurate and timely data collection and reporting, and maintaining data quality standards. The MEAL Officer will contribute to evaluations, facilitate community and child participation, and support the roll-out of feedback and reporting mechanisms (where feasible in the context of Occupied Territories) to strengthen accountability to affected populations. Additionally, the role will capture lessons learned and promote continuous improvement in program delivery through structured learning initiatives. Working closely with the MEAL Coordinator and program team, the MEAL Officer ensures that evidence and feedback inform decision-making and enhance the impact of Save the Children’s response.

KEY AREAS OF ACCOUNTABILITY:

Monitoring

• Support the implementation of the Ukraine CO monitoring procedures, monitoring system to report activities according to appropriate framework(s);
• Develop, maintain and regularly update Indicator Performance Tracking Tables (IPTTs) and other project monitoring tools.
• Establish and maintain project activity databases and monitoring trackers to ensure accurate and timely recording of project achievements.
• Track progress against project indicators and targets, identify gaps, and provide timely feedback to programme teams and partners.
• Conduct field monitoring visits for Partner sites to ensure regular monitoring of the response.
• Support data collection during Baseline/ Endline, needs assessments (where feasible) or any other filed data collection required.
• Use all the required tools for the smooth data flow and consistency of collected information (QBs, Action Tracker, Filed Visit reports etc.)
• Maintain all the reports accessible and stored as per the agreed procedures.     
• Under the guidance of the MEAL Coordinator contribute to the reporting where feasible (PDM reports, donor reports, monthly reports)
• Undertake data quality assurance in the areas of operation, identifying sources of errors and inconsistencies and providing feedback that would help in data improvement;
• Assist in capturing relevant learning associated with the response learning agenda. 

Evaluation 

• Participate in the data collection as a part of evaluation of the SC programming in the dedicated areas. 

Accountability

• Support the implementation of the Response Accountability to Children and Communities Framework based on restrictions on information sharing in OT.  
• Support partners to roll-out of accessible and inclusive feedback and reporting channels, to enable Save the Children to receive feedback from children and adults. 
• Support tracking, documentation and analysis of feedback and complaints received through accountability mechanisms.
• Refer feedback to the appropriate team, including rapid identification and referral of serious concerns such as those related to child safeguarding, unsafe programming, sexual exploitation and abuse, and fraud and corruption.  

Learning

• Support organization and facilitation of the regular Lesson Learnt sessions with partners and SCI staff.
• Document any other Learning through observation during the field visits and communication with beneficiaries, partners and local service providers. 
• Participate in discussion and forums dedicated to the improvement of quality of the response. 
• Maintain functioning of the Action Tracker.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Statistics, and/or Development Studies.  

Qualifications

• Fluency in written and spoken Ukrainian, Russian and, ideally, English. 
• Good level of computer proficiency and ability to use SPSS and MS-Office.
• Knowledge of output and outcome indicators, indicator tracking methodologies, measurement approaches and reporting requirements.
• Demonstrated report writing skills. 
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to meet deadlines.

Experience (Required)

• At least 1 years of experience in Monitoring and Evaluation of programs or relevant experience. 
• Experience in Excel, Power BI, KoboCollect, CommCare. 
• Experience developing and managing Indicator Performance Tracking Tables (IPTTs) and project monitoring frameworks..
• Experience in data collection, data management, and analysis is highly desirable. 
• Familiarity and comprehension with database designs and management.

Experience (Desirable) 

• Experience working with humanitarian organizations, preferably in MEAL related roles.
• Experience supporting partners and field teams in data collection, reporting and quality assurance.
• Experience conducting focus group discussions, key informant interviews.
• Previous experience working with accountability mechanisms, including feedback and reporting channels.