Head of Department - Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Job at Action Against Hunger

Action Against Hunger is the world’s hunger specialist and leader in a global movement that aims to end life-threatening hunger for good within our lifetimes. For 40 years, the humanitarian and development organization has been on the front lines, treating and preventing hunger across nearly 50 countries. It served more than 21 million people in 2018 alone.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Position: Head of Department - Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL)

Job Location: Abuja
Employment Type: Full-time
Reporting to: Deputy Country Director Programmes
Proposed start date: April 2025

Key Responsibilities

• Ensuring contextualized MEAL systems are developed to guide project implementation in compliance with ACF’s MEAL Guidelines and Minimum Requirements for MEAL;
• Quality project implementation: The role of this position is to make sure that the teams are guided through continuous monitoring to achieve the set standards, this will include, monitoring tools revision, monitoring reports template, data management at the field level. 
• This will lead to a systematic analysis and flagging areas of improvement. For evaluation, MEAL HOD will ensure that ACF UK guidelines are followed – contribute.
• Validate comprehensive MEAL plans for each project to capture quantitative and qualitative data for project performance tracking and reporting, and consolidate them into one overall MEAL plan at the mission level.
• Develop, update and ensure implementation of MEAL department Standard Operating Procedures at the mission level;
• Develop the MEAL component of the country strategy, in collaboration with DCD Program, for appropriate technical guidance.
• Support MIS staff in managing MIS platforms at the mission level, ensuring systemized mobile data collection, digitized cash and vouchers, and other technologies are in place to strengthen the monitoring and reporting of MEAL activities.
• Upgrade the existing accountability mechanisms to a systemized accountability system. Work closely with the HQ Accountability team to deploy Opinion ADS and collaborate with the IT team to implement existing features of the toll-free system, including call recording and auto-response.
• Ensure planning and implementation of external evaluations and consultancies;
• Support field MEAL team for proper implementation of the feedback and complaints response mechanism.
• Revision of strategy, increasing access in remote assistance, more physical presence in the least accessible areas.
• Review and validate the Terms of Reference (ToRs), data collection tools and reports for baseline/midline/endline surveys, PDM, project evaluation, etc;
• MEAL HOD will ensure that the existing gaps are filled and surveys are finalized quickly. In the future PDMs accountability aspect will be included ;
• Validation of projects Activity Progress Reports and beneficiary count ;
• The activity is to be completed at the start of the project. PMs/SM would be oriented at the inception phase of the project. The current delays will be reduced with the above approach. Every monthly meeting APR will be included ;
• Support development and revision of donor reports, to include MEAL findings;
• Support program staff for the use of MEAL data in their programming
• Plan, design, and conduct needs assessments as required.
• Support project proposal development, especially the MEAL sections and budget, while also assisting other technical teams as needed.
• Lesson learnt reports, PDMs and baseline findings, evaluation to be shared with all concrend staff and findinges to be included in the final reports as ralvent.
• As per need and on a periodic basis with findings reported to DCD/Area Co.
• Build the capacity of the MEAL department staff on Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning related topics, through trainings, coaching and mentoring.
• Conduct training needs assessments for the MEAL team and develop a capacity development plan.
• Refresh/update and roll out the MEAL diagnosis tool for the mission’s MEAL department.
• Build the capacity of relevant program teams on digital tools/platforms, learning components, and accountability mechanisms.
• Undertake regular field visits to support the implementation of MEAL activities, identify milestones and challenges where adaptations might be needed, and provide formal and informal capacity building/mentorship to the teams.
• Provide feedback to senior management team on standard indicators for all sectors while comparing across bases;
• Baseline, endline, APR data will be used for the country reporting;
• Organize and coordinate mid-term reviews, learning workshops/review of program work plans with program teams at field level and other stakeholders ;
• As per planning, document lesson learned, mid-term review facilitation and with strong involvement of program teams ;
• Review documentation of project activities with clear articulation of lessons learned, case studies and short articles for each project for internal and external sharing and ensure timely tracking of lessons learnt implementation for better quality programs ;
• Support and facilitate the KMOs, Advocacy teams to document and record the lesson learnt, or important aspects of program implementation that are necessary for transitioning ;
• Manage centralized information database by regularly updating contextual information dashboard  with current, explicit data and statistics to support during regional situational analysis, program  updates, concepts and  proposal development ;
• Support the smooth application of APRs, implement a systemized process for compiling APRs, and improve and update the existing system to allow real-time extraction and use of information.
• Systemize the annual counting of beneficiaries and ensure ISP3 beneficiary information is updated in the system quarterly.
• Institutionalize and document the tracking and implementation of lessons learnt and recommendations from all assessments conducted ;
• Summarize key learnings to the Program Technical team for them to adopt.
• Review and validate MEAL department organogram and job descriptions on a regular basis ;
• Conduct performance appraisals for MEAL DHODs and the MIS Manager, including providing inputs for MEAL team appraisals (when necessary).
• Monitor and conduct budget follow up for MEAL budget lines per projects
• Support MEAL Managers and Program Managers in logistics and budget planning of MEAL activities when required during and at the end of the project.
• Work closely with other technical and support department to support the smooth outsourcing of funds and resources for increased capacity of the teams i.e. trainings to be conducted. Relocation of HR resources based on needs.
• To represent ACF at state level and where appropriate, cluster, working groups, workshops and strategic think tanks related to the department;
• Liaise with national authorities, ACF counterparts and staff, partner agencies and consortia/alliances/partnerships;
• Ensure coherence and consistent application of ACF guidelines and policies within the MEAL department and across the organization.

Position Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Economics, Social Sciences, Business, Administration, Statistics, Demography, IT, Development Studies, Disaster Studies or related subject, with previous experience working in humanitarian projects;
• 5 - 7 years of previous experience working with NGOs covering multi-sectorial programming, in the domain of MEAL with minimum 2 years in coordination level position;
• Proven management and coordination skills (HR, projects, and stress management);
• Proven ability to translate analysis and evaluation into operational planning and strategy;
• Knowledge and experience in qualitative and quantitative data management techniques including proficient and skillful use of Microsoft Office package, SPSS, STATA, EXCEL, Epi-info software’s, Power BI;
• Excellent written and spoken English, including the ability to write clear and engaging reports;
• Advanced knowledge of international humanitarian guidelines and standards including donors guidelines;
• Ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with respect for diversity;
• Ability to work independently and under pressure in a rapidly changing professional environment;
• Diplomacy and good interpersonal skills, with the ability to remain calm under pressure and not lose sight of strategic priorities;
• Ability and willingness to travel regularly to remote field sites;
• Experience in insecure context;
• Experience in nutrition, health, WASH and/or food security and livelihood programming;
• Experience working in emergency settings;
• Familiarity with institutional donors (OFDA, ECHO, UN, DFID, FFP…) reporting and regulations.