Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Manager

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Background

Banja La Mtsogolo (BLM) is a Malawian Non-Governmental Healthcare Organization established in 1987. BLM provides quality Family Planning and Reproductive Healthcare including HIV/AIDS information and interventions. BLM is a senior member of the MSI Reproductive Choices Partnership which works in 43 countries. BLM exists to improve quality of life in Malawi through family planning and reproductive health care services. BLM serves over 800,000 clients annually and makes a significant contribution to national family planning objectives. The organization has national coverage, operating through 23 clinics, and numerous Public Sector Strengthening (PSS) and Outreach clinic sites.

Applications are invited from suitably qualified candidates to fill the vacant position of:

MONITORING EVALUATION ACCOUNTABILITY AND LEARNING (MEAL) MANAGER

LOCATION: Support Office – Lilongwe
REPORTING LINE : Program and Operations Director

Role purpose

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Manager is responsible for management and delivery of all programme M&E deliverables, including all elements of survey design, analysis and report writing. These products will include qualitative and quantitative survey tools, sample frameworks and reports for baselines and annual measurement surveys as well as routine indicator tracking outputs. The MEAL Manager will also be responsible for developing, implementing, and strengthening MEAL systems. S/he is responsible for developing and leading the implementation of annual MEAL plans; developing and disseminating MEAL tools; training staff, communities and partners in key MEAL concepts and skills that are relevant to their needs; and documenting and disseminating key learnings from MEAL research results in support of the strategic objectives of the program. S/he is responsible for guiding teams in each program component to achieve program outcomes/impact and ensuring that the program is timely accountable to beneficiaries and other stakeholders in line with BLM’s, MSI’s and donors’ policies, practices and guidelines.

Key responsibilities

1. Set strategic vision and effectively manage the MEAL team to ensure quality evidence generation, agile data use and adaptive programming across all aspects of operations and service delivery

• Ensure high quality research, monitoring and evaluation activities: Review and help finalise annual and project-specific M&E plans, aligning to global indicators where possible.
• Co-develop, review, and provide ongoing support to priority research and learning projects to ensure generation of actionable insights for operations. Develop well budgeted and realistic MEAL components for concept notes and proposals.
• Roll out and embed data utilisation and research tools to support performance management: Develop and roll-out research tools, including developing new MIS reports, undertaking detailed analyses of MIS data, and training key users on how to do analysis and reporting themselves. Support the collection and use of relevant market data from secondary sources such as national surveys or published reports.
• Build capacity for evidence generation and data use: Build capacity for data utilisation and evidence generation though training, mentorship, coaching of other MEAL team members. Ensure long-term capacity development across the organisation in data literacy, analysis, data visualisation and study design.
• Promote the value of evidence activities and products within the annual business planning process: Lead the development of budgeted evidence and research plans to support strategic decision-making and robust evaluation of key donor-funded projects.
• Foster a culture of evidence-based decision-making throughout BLM: Develop reports and tools that support frontline staff in their day-to-day decisions, and by working with senior managers to integrate MIS data into management processes.

2. Lead on strategic research design, implementation and dissemination

• Design and manage quantitative and qualitative research projects: Identify opportunities for strategic evidence generation during programme design. Lead on the design, overall delivery, and dissemination of key strategic studies including surveys, needs assessments, market research, consumer satisfaction surveys. Lead the design, development, costing, and implementation of relevant surveys e.g. KAP, baseline, mid-term, final evaluation, and other assessment surveys as required, including securing ethical approvals as required. Document best practices, lessons learned, and success stories. Facilitate learning sessions to improve program effectiveness.
• Effectively manage research budgets: Including spend and income tracking and ensure ongoing relationship management with operations and donor teams.
• Manage research partner relationships: Including procurement processes, memoranda of understanding, contracting and informal relationship management to ensure effective support of outsourced research and evaluation projects.

3. Support monitoring and evaluation activities for donor-funded projects

• Give technical input during the development of project proposals: Input on MEAL activities and work with project managers to set targets and track progress / ensure that up-to-date M&E frameworks are in place for all donor-funded projects.
• Provide technical MEAL leadership during project implementation: Train all relevant staff members and partners on MEAL tools and data management, oversee the implementation of monitoring and evaluation activities for donor-funded projects and contribute accurate information during donor reporting, work with MEAL staff and channel leads to ensure that results are integrated into programming where possible, ensure that senior staff are able to use all research and evidence generated in order to make better management decisions, and ensure compliance with (donor and organizational) MEAL requirements.
• Ensure reporting on quality data: Conduct regular field visits to monitor program activities and data quality. Triangulate multiple data sources to ensure accuracy of data being generated and reported. Producing high quality analysis reports to illustrate the program’s progress, and impact whilst adhering to minimum operational standards.

Qualification, Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in natural sciences, health sciences, social science, maths, public health research, epidemiology, statistics, international development or related discipline with training in quantitative research methods. Those with a Master’s degree is a plus.
• Additional qualification or formal training in research design or impact evaluation or research ethics or formal management training is desirable.
• Proven experience with a minimum of 6 years working in a research or monitoring & evaluation role, including significant experience in study design and protocol development, overseeing quality assuring research fieldwork, statistical analysis and data visualisation as well as reporting and disseminating findings.
• Highly numerate with strong conceptual and analytical skills.
• Detailed understanding of MEAL theory and practices.
• Experience in coordinating and implementing social or clinical research studies.
• Experience as Principal Investigator or Co-Investigator on quantitative operational research studies.
• Experience managing a team of at least 3 staff.
• Proven experience in capacity building and training.
• Highly skilled in using Excel to create analytical tables and graphical outputs and develop tools to streamline data capture, analysis, and presentation.
• Experience in budget management.
• Excellent data analysis skills using statistical software packages (SPSS and STATA) and experience of advanced quantitative analysis techniques.
• Experience providing technical research assistance and training to staff, including non-researchers.
• Experience in reproductive health research.
• Experience in research using route heath data.”
• Experience with market or social and behavioural research.
• Experience in communicating analytics and research findings concisely and effectively to a wide range of audiences.
• Experience utilizing a range of research methods (quantitative and qualitative) to evaluate programme activities.
• Excellent communicator in both English and Chichewa with strong persuasion and negotiation skills, and able to explain complex RME concepts to non-experts.
• Excellent communication skills both through verbal and written methods, particularly in sharing compelling stories through data, explaining complex ideas simply, and presenting key messages to senior audiences.
• Experience within a health service delivery / operations environment.
• Results driven and ability to work independently. Must be a self-starter with good initiative.
• Highly developed skills to influence and persuade with the ability to build relationships quickly and effectively with team members and stakeholders at all levels.
• Motivated and energetic with a creative mindset used to problem solve and identify innovative solutions.
• Resilient – be able to anticipate and respond to setbacks with the ability and pace to change direction.
• Strong commitment to the goals and vision of BLM and supportive of diversity in the workplace.
• Pro-choice.

If you are interested and you meet the above requirements, please send your cover letter, copies of qualifications and curriculum vitae including names and contact details of at least three traceable referees as follows:

• One reference from your current employer or most recent employer
• One reference from your previous employer

Or

• One reference from your last employer and
• One reference from your last but one employer

All applications should be addressed to:

The Corporate Services Director
Banja La Mtsogolo
P.O. Box 1854
LILONGWE.
E-mail: recruitment@banja.org.mw; to reach her not later than Tuesday 24th June 2025.

“Our organization is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and therefore expects all staff and post holders to share this commitment”.

BLM is an equal opportunities employer. No canvassing of any kind is allowed.