Job Description: MEAL Coordinator

Short term contract (3 months)

Location:Lilongwe with frequent travel to program implementation sites.

Start date: This position will start as soon as funding is available, within the next 1-2 weeks.

Organization Description

CARVE Africa (Creating Accessibility for Reproductive Values and Education) is a women-run, Malawian NGO whose mission is to strengthen access to up-to-date, evidence-based knowledge focused on Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR), Menstrual Health, and Hygiene (MHH) using a holistic community-powered approach inclusive of all genders and ages. The ultimate vision of CARVE Africa (or “CARVE”) is to cultivate an enhanced and accurately informed Malawian to see an improved decision-making ability regarding their bodily health promoting equal access to education and independent health decisions. Our past success has been driven by remaining small, and impactful and creating a trusting environment that is built on quality and respect.

Job Summary

The MEAL Coordinator will be responsible for designing, implementing, monitoring, evaluating, and learning from CARVE Africa’s MHH and SRHR programs. This role will involve developing and managing a robust MEAL framework, collecting and analyzing data, and providing regular feedback to inform program improvement. The MEAL Coordinator will work closely with the Program Coordinators in the program districts and the team to ensure that programs are effective, efficient, and responsive to the needs of the target population.

This position will be a contract role for the duration of our program with the possibility of renewal, funding dependent. Women encouraged to apply as this is a menstrual health program with constant interaction with young girls regarding their menses.

Key Responsibilities:

• MEAL Framework Development:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive MEAL framework aligned with CARVE Africa’s strategic goals and program objectives.
• Define clear indicators, data collection tools, and analysis plans for program monitoring and evaluation.
• Develop a system for capturing and managing program data, including baseline data collection.

• Data Collection and Management:

• Develop and oversee data collection activities, ensuring data quality and consistency.
• Develop and implement data collection tools (surveys, questionnaires, checklists) to collect quantitative and qualitative data.
• Clean, analyze, and interpret data to inform program performance and impact.
• Utilize appropriate data analysis software and tools.

• Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Conduct regular program monitoring to track progress toward objectives and identify challenges.
• Develop and implement evaluation plans to assess program effectiveness and impact.
• Conduct periodic evaluations to measure changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among beneficiaries.
• Document and share lessons learned from monitoring and evaluation activities.

• Learning and Adaptation:

• Analyze program data to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement.
• Generate actionable insights and recommendations based on data analysis.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and learning within the organization.
• Support program adaptation based on emerging evidence and feedback.

• Reporting:

• Prepare regular MEAL reports for internal and external stakeholders, including UNFPA.
• Develop clear and concise reports that effectively communicate Ko program performance and impact.
• Utilize data visualization techniques to present findings compellingly.

• Capacity Building:

• Build the capacity of program staff in MEAL principles and practices.
• Provide training and support on data collection, analysis, and utilization.
• Foster a culture of learning and evidence-based decision making.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in statistics, economics, social sciences, or a related field; Master’s preferred
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in MEAL or research roles within development programs
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to assist in procuring and developing MEALspecific tools or software as needed
• Excellent report writing and communication skills
• Experience in designing and implementing surveys and data collection tools
• Knowledge of MHH and SRHR issues is an advantage
• Must be a self-starter, able to initiate programs and create MEAL structures
• Our office maintains a fun but hardworking vibe; a sense of humor is a must
• Proficiency in Chichewa and English

Application information:

Please attach a copy of your CV with three references and a cover letter with your application. All employees will undergo PSEA and safeguarding compliance. To keep children and women safe we ensure extensive background checks. Email to CARVE@carveafrica.org