Description<\/p>\n
Organizational Background
\nAction Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 24 million people annually with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a nonprofit that works across 50 countries, our 8,300 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger for everyone and for good.
\nAction Against Hunger USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network. As an independent NGO, Action Against Hunger USA currently manages operations in eight countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, and Haiti. Action Against Hunger-USA has over $100 million in programs and approximately 1,800 permanent staff based in New York City, Washington D.C., Nairobi, and country offices. Additional growth is anticipated.
\nWe have been present in Zambia since 2021 working in both humanitarian and development contexts to build resilience and protect lives and livelihoods.
\nJob Summary
\nThe Senior MEAL officer is a\u00a0senior technical role\u00a0responsible for providing expert guidance, quality assurance, and strategic oversight of all MEAL activities for the ECHO project in Mantapala Refugee Settlement. Unlike an officer role focused on day-to-day implementation, the officer leads\u00a0system design, advanced data analysis, capacity building of MEAL and program staff, and strategic learning. The officer ensures that MEAL systems meet ECHO compliance standards, generate high-quality evidence, and drive adaptive management. This role also provides technical support to the Crisis Modifier mechanism and leads high-level reporting, evaluations, and learning agendas.
\nRole Purpose
\nTo provide\u00a0technical leadership\u00a0in MEAL for the ECHO project, ensuring that data is not only collected and reported but actively used to improve program quality, demonstrate impact, and uphold accountability. The Senior MEAL officer will bridge the gap between data and decision-making, mentor MEAL and program staff, lead complex evaluations, and ensure that learning is systematically integrated into project adaptation. This role exists to make sure that\u00a0every indicator, every feedback form, and every lesson learned translates into better outcomes for refugees and host communities.
\nENGAGEMENT & WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
\nInternal:<\/p>\n
Reports to MEAL Manager
\nSupervises and mentors MEAL Officers and Enumerators
\nWorks closely with Project Manager, Health & Nutrition Coordinator, WASH Coordinator, Cash & Livelihoods Coordinator
\nCollaborates with the Accountability and Safeguarding leads
\nAdvises senior management on MEAL strategy and findings<\/p>\n
External:<\/p>\n
Engages with ECHO technical monitors (as required)
\nCoordinates with partner INGOs and UN agencies (UNHCR, WFP) on MEAL harmonization
\nRepresents Action Against Hunger in sector MEAL working groups
\nLiaises with Mantapala camp management, health facility staff, and community leaders
\nManages external evaluators or consultants when applicable<\/p>\n
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
\nKEY RESPONSIBILITIES
\n1. MEAL System Strategy & Design<\/p>\n
Lead the design and continuous refinement of the project MEAL system, including the MEAL Plan, Indicator Tracking Table (ITT), and data flow architecture
\nEnsure alignment with ECHO compliance requirements, Core Humanitarian Standards (CHS), and organizational MEAL guidelines
\nDesign context-appropriate, inclusive, and gender-sensitive data collection tools and methodologies
\nLead the selection and implementation of digital data systems (Kobo Toolbox, ODK, CommCare, Power BI)<\/p>\n
2. Advanced Data Management & Analysis<\/p>\n
Oversee the maintenance of project databases and ensure data integrity, security, and ethical management
\nLead quantitative and qualitative data analysis, including statistical analysis (SPSS\/STATA\/R) and thematic analysis
\nDevelop advanced dashboards and visualizations for internal and external stakeholders
\nConduct trend analysis, correlation analysis, and predictive modeling where relevant
\nLead Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) and ensure rigorous quality assurance across all MEAL activities<\/p>\n
3. Monitoring & Evaluation Leadership<\/p>\n
Oversee all project monitoring activities: baseline, midline, endline, post-distribution monitoring (PDM), and rapid assessments
\nLead complex evaluations, including outcome and impact evaluations
\nDesign and implement the project\u2019s Learning Agenda in collaboration with program teams
\nLead the Crisis Modifier monitoring system, including early warning indicators and trigger tracking<\/p>\n
4. Reporting & Strategic Learning<\/p>\n
Lead the MEAL input into high-quality donor reports, SitReps, and internal strategic reports
\nProduce learning products: learning briefs, case studies, success stories, and research summaries
\nFacilitate After-Action Reviews (AARs), real-time reviews, and strategic reflection sessions
\nEnsure that learning is systematically documented and actively used to adapt programming<\/p>\n
5. Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) \u2013 Strategic Oversight<\/p>\n
Provide technical guidance to strengthen community feedback and complaints response mechanisms (CRM)
\nEnsure CRM data is analyzed and used for program adaptation at the strategic level
\nLead the integration of AAP across all project sectors
\nPromote safe, inclusive, and accessible feedback channels, with special attention to vulnerable groups<\/p>\n
6. Capacity Building & Mentorship<\/p>\n
Train and mentor MEAL Officers, program staff, and partners on:<\/p>\n
Advanced MEAL concepts (impact evaluation, sampling, statistical analysis)
\nDigital data collection and management
\nEthical data management, safeguarding, and PSEA
\nData use for decision-making and adaptive management<\/p>\n
Build a culture of evidence-based, accountable programming across the project team<\/p>\n
7. Emergency Preparedness & Crisis Modifier Technical Support<\/p>\n
Lead the technical design of early warning monitoring systems and trigger indicators
\nEnsure MEAL systems are ready for rapid emergency scale-up within 3\u201314 days of a shock
\nContribute to rapid needs assessments during emergencies<\/p>\n
Requirements<\/p>\n
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
\nEducation<\/p>\n
Bachelor\u2019s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Public Health, Statistics, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or related field
\nMaster\u2019s degree\u00a0in Monitoring & Evaluation, Public Health, Statistics, Demography, Development Economics, Social Sciences, or a related field will be an added advantage
\nSpecialized training in M&E, impact evaluation, or data science =\u00a0strong advantage<\/p>\n
Experience<\/p>\n
Minimum\u00a05\u20137 years\u00a0of progressive MEAL experience in humanitarian or development settings
\nProven experience with\u00a0ECHO-funded projects\u00a0and understanding of ECHO compliance and reporting requirements
\nDemonstrated experience in\u00a0health, nutrition (CMAM), WASH, or cash-based interventions
\nExperience working in\u00a0refugee or displacement contexts\u00a0is highly desirable
\nProven experience leading\u00a0baseline\/endline evaluations, impact evaluations, and complex data analysis
\nExperience with\u00a0digital MEAL systems\u00a0at a technical design level<\/p>\n
Technical Skills<\/p>\n
Expert knowledge of MEAL frameworks, CHS, and humanitarian accountability standards
\nAdvanced statistical analysis skills (SPSS, STATA, R, or equivalent)
\nProficiency in data visualization tools (Power BI, Tableau, or similar)
\nStrong experience with digital data collection platforms (Kobo Toolbox, ODK, CommCare)
\nExperience with\u00a0geographic information systems (GIS)\u00a0for MEAL is an asset<\/p>\n
Competencies<\/p>\n
Strategic thinking and ability to translate data into program recommendations
\nExcellent analytical and report writing skills (donor-ready quality)
\nStrong mentoring and capacity-building skills
\nAbility to work independently in remote, resource-constrained, high-pressure environments
\nStrong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills
\nFluency in\u00a0English\u00a0(excellent written and spoken)
\nWorking knowledge of\u00a0other local languages\u00a0is an asset<\/p>\n
Desirable Attributes<\/p>\n
Prior experience with\u00a0Action Against Hunger\u00a0or similar INGO
\nExperience with\u00a0Crisis Modifier\u00a0or shock-responsive programming<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0Active membership with ZAMEA (Zambia Monitoring and Evaluation Association)\u00a0<\/p>\n
Demonstrated commitment to:<\/p>\n
Gender equality
\nProtection mainstreaming
\nEthical data management and safeguarding
\nLocalization and participatory methods<\/p>\n
Benefits<\/p>\n
Action Against Hunger \u2013 USA provides all staff with an attractive salary and benefits package . We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, ancestry, sexual orientation, national origin, age, handicap, disability, marital status or as a veteran. Action Against Hunger- USA complies with applicable laws governing non discrimination in employment<\/p>\n
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