The MEAL SPECIALIST is responsible for functionality and quality implementation of MEAL function for the CASCADE project. They are responsible for the development of relevant and feasible MEAL tools and processes, building capacity of staff and partners to use these tools and processes, and providing ongoing technical support and accompaniment required for this to happen. The MEAL SPECIALIST will ensure that CARE’s Program Quality and Learning (PQL) markers are embedded at across program design, implementation and close-out stages and progress is measured and reported regularly. S/he will ensure that research and evaluations are rigorous in generating new knowledge and credible evidence and that learning leads to adaptation and innovations. The MEAL SPECIALIST will contribute to program design specifically to ensure that credible evidence is being used, program logic (Results Framework, Logical Framework, Theory of Change) and respective measurement frameworks are robust and that MEAL resources are appropriately and sufficiently budgeted for in the range of 5-10% of total budget. The MEAL Specialist will ensure effective knowledge management for the project, such that knowledge is accessible, shareable, transferable, and usable by all relevant stakeholders.

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Establish and maintain a robust MEAL System (20%)
• Working with the Snr. MEAL Advisor, the MEAL Specialist is responsible for establishing, managing, and ensuring effective utilisation of the MEAL system by all project staff and partners.
The MEAL specialist shall maintain and manage an updated database and tools and the data collection for the projects.
• The MEAL system should cover the whole program cycle and include learning, monitoring, evaluation, research and learning, accountability, and reporting.
The MEAL system should be able to provide real time data for adaptation of existing programs and decision making and should hence be digital to the extent possible.
The MEAL system should include critical elements of operations, finance, grants, logistics and human resources performance data for decision making.
• The MEAL system should enable the country office to be data-driven and evidence-based, pushing boundaries for data analytics for decision making.

Program QUALITY and LEARNING (30%)
• The MEAL SPECIALIST is responsible for ensuring that Program Quality and Learning (PQL) is prioritised throughout the program cycle of the CASCADE project.
Ensure CARE Quality markers are embedded in the project using the established PQL reporting system including the quarterly program dashboards, Advocacy, and Influencing Impact Reporting (AIIR) tool and the Project and Program Information and Impact Reporting System (PIIRS).
• Maintain a solid PQL field footprint and consistent presence across all field locations (hubs) where the program is implemented in the country.
Ensure quality, transparency, timeliness and consistency of reports and the reporting mechanism.
• Support the CM to ensure credible evidence is used by the program to engage in PQL platforms including monthly Program Review Meetings (PRMs) and quarterly PQL learning workshops.
• support CM & SIM to ensure robust communications and visibility for the projects and support quality assurance standardisation beyond project to include project support services.

Research, Evaluation and Knowledge Management (20%)
• Work closely with the Snr MEAL Advisor to ensure project baselines, mid-line, and end-line evaluations are undertaken.
• Ensure projects investments in research and evaluations to generate new knowledge (learning) and credible evidence.
• Working with Consortium Manager, the Meal Specialist will ensure that overall, MEAL including research and evaluations budgets are sufficient (in the range of 5-10% of total budget)
• Ensure knowledge management is effective and efficient, whereby knowledge products and credible evidence are accessible, shareable, transferable, and used by relevant people in real time.

Team Leadership and Capacity Building for Staff and Partners (10%)
• Support continuous learning and professional development of the MEAL team through on-the-job learning, relevant exposures, and appropriate stretch assignments.
• Ensure transparent and visible workflow through Microsoft TEAMs and appropriate digital platforms.
• With Snr MEAL advisor, ensure project staff apply and use the MEAL system, tools and processes and including provision of technical support and accompaniment for new or complex MEAL tools and processes.

Contribute to Program Design (10%)
• Support review program logic model including Theory of Change, Logical Framework, and Results Framework or Results Chain.
• Ensuring that the results statements and indicators are SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time bound) and gender transformative.
• Ensure that the targets and impact groups are well defined.
• Program design embrace and embed critical indicators from the quality (gender, resilience, and governance) markers in all program designs.

Promote Gender Equity and Diversity & Safeguarding Practices (5%)
• Practice a behaviour that is consistent with CARE’s core values, and promotion of gender equity and diversity goals.
• Play a leadership role in identifying and implementing initiatives that enhance CARE’s commitment to gender and diversity.
• Ensure that CARE Safeguarding policies and procedures are always adhered to.

Any other duties assigned from time to time (5%)
• Take on stretch assignments assigned by management.

WHAT DO YOU BRING TO THE TABLE
Education
• A bachelor’s degree in any field is required. A post-graduate Diploma in Monitoring and Evaluation is a MUST.

Core competences
• A Minimum of 6 years of relevant experience in M&E with reputable organisations.
• Experience in networking and strategic relationships management and engagements.
• Experience in research, analytical writing, advocacy, and policy influencing.

Skills
• Experience In using quantitative data Analysis software like SPSS or STATA or Excel.
• Conceptual abilities, strategic thinking, and analytical writing skills.
• Leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Good communication, presentation, discussion, and negotiation skills.
• Good research, learning, evidence-generation, policy debate and advocacy skills.
• Organizing skills and capacity to multi-task in rapidly changing & fast-paced environments.