Country MEAL Manager – National Position

Malteser International (MI) is the international humanitarian relief agency of the Sovereign Order of Malta. For over 60 years, we have provided relief and recovery for people during and following conflicts and disasters around the world. Christian values and humanitarian principles form the foundations of our work. In over 30 countries in Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, we support people in need – regardless of their religion, origin or political convictions.

Malteser International in Kenya has substantially impacted crucial sectors such as health, emergency relief, refugee support, nutrition, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH). MI is un-wavering and committed to providing life-saving humanitarian assistance through dedicated, experienced staff and collaboration with local government and partners, including other specialized partners, establishing a resilient emergency healthcare system in cooperation with governmental bodies, educational institutions, and professional associations. MI’s initiatives transcend immediate relief interventions, encompassing a comprehensive approach that addresses the unique challenges of communities living in arid and semi-arid areas in Kenya {ASALS}. Our work also responds to communities living in urban informal settlement populations residing in arid and semi-arid lands. MI’s proactive approach not only addresses current needs, but also seeks to prepare communities for potential future droughts, whether man-made or natural. In essence, Malteser International’s work in Kenya exemplifies a holistic and sustainable approach to improving the well-being of those in need.

For its work in Nairobi, Kenya, Malteser International is looking for a motivated Country MEAL Manager – National Position (with frequent travel to project sites). The Country MEAL Manager will lead the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, Research, and Learning function to ensure robust, evidence-based project tracking, evaluation, and learning. The role will support project teams to enhance data-driven decision-making, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and contribute to learning across projects. This position will be integral in optimizing our programming to achieve greater impact and will play a key role in aligning our work with the organization’s strategic goals and international standards.

Key Responsibilities:

MEAL Framework Development and Implementation:

• Develop and update comprehensive MEAL frameworks and systems for the Country Program, integrating monitoring, evaluation, risk management, and learning components.
• Ensure alignment with organizational standards and program objectives, providing technical support to ensure effective implementation.
• Lead the design and implementation of high-quality monitoring and evaluation systems, including data collection tools and methodologies, to track project progress and outcomes
• Oversee the management of MEAL data systems, ensuring data security, confidentiality, and accessibility for relevant stakeholders.
• Integrate risk management frameworks into MEAL activities, conducting regular risk assessments and developing mitigation strategies in collaboration with program teams.
• Ensure ethical considerations are integrated throughout MEAL processes, including data collection, analysis, and reporting, in accordance with organizational policies and international standards.
• Ensure gender, age, and disability inclusion (GADI) considerations are integrated into all MEAL activities and reporting.

Data Management Compliance Assurance:

• Lead the development and adaptation of MEAL tools and methodologies to enhance data collection, analysis, and reporting efficiency and effectiveness
• Conduct regular data quality assessments, validation exercises, and support visits to ensure data integrity and reliability.
• Conduct comprehensive data analysis, interpret findings, and prepare insightful reports and presentations for senior management and external stakeholders.
• Provide guidance on ethical dilemmas and promote a culture of integrity and accountability in MEAL activities.
• Monitor compliance with organizational and donor requirements, ensuring MEAL activities meet established standards and guidelines.

Learning and Adaptation:

• Facilitate project evaluations, both internal and external, ensuring rigorous methodologies and the dissemination of findings to inform programmatic decision-making.
• Organize learning reviews and reflection sessions to capture insights, promote adaptive management practices, and document lessons learned.
• Provide technical support and capacity-building initiatives for MEAL staff and program teams, including training on evaluation methodologies, risk management frameworks, and learning approaches.
• Mentor program staff in applying tools and techniques effectively, fostering professional growth and development within the team.
• Support the development of contingency plans and response mechanisms based on risk assessments and lessons learned.
• Contribute to strategic planning by providing evidence-based recommendations derived from MEAL data and analysis.
• Prepare comprehensive reports and presentations on MEAL outcomes, highlighting achievements, challenges, and strategic insights for senior management and external stakeholders.
• Support resource mobilization efforts by providing MEAL-related data, evidence, and impact assessments to strengthen funding proposals and donor relations.

Research and Innovation:

• Determine areas of research and come up with new innovations.
• Take lead in the discovery of new knowledge that could lead to changes in policies, interventions and programs.
• Collaborating with other research bodies, stakeholders, and players to ensure the quality and impact of research.
• Keeping up to date with the latest developments and trends in research.

Your profile:

• Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field. A Masters. is an added advantage.
• 7+ years of progressive experience in MEARL within an INGO or development organization.
• Proven track record of designing and implementing M&E frameworks and systems.
• Demonstrated experience with donor reporting standards (e.g., USAID, EU, UN, BMZ).
• Strong background in data management, including experience with statistical software (e.g., SPSS, R, STATA) and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau).
• Experience with research methodologies, including both qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Proficiency in English is required; knowledge of Kiswahili is an advantage.

Technical Skills:

• Proficiency in developing Logical Frameworks, Theories of Change, and other M&E methodologies.
• Familiarity with accountability and feedback mechanisms for community-driven development.
• Expertise in data analysis and visualization, with a solid understanding of statistical techniques.
• Knowledge of project management principles and experience in budget monitoring for MEARL activities.

Soft Skills:

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex data to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proven leadership and people management skills with the ability to build strong working relationships.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to handle multiple priorities under tight deadlines.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs):

• Timeliness and Quality of M&E Data: MEARL data are collected and reported on time and meet quality standards.
• Impact of Accountability Mechanisms: Demonstrated improvements in program alignment with community needs through feedback systems.
• Quality of Research Outputs: High-quality, relevant research and learning materials produced and shared with stakeholders.
• Capacity Building Outcomes: Increased MEARL competencies among program staff and local partners.
• Data Utilization: Evidence of data-driven decision-making in program design and implementation.

What we offer:

• Start Date: November 2024
• Duty Station: Nairobi, Kenya (with frequent travel to project sites)
• Duration of contract: One year (renewable)
• Salary according to qualification and experience, insurance package]

Working for Malteser International:

Malteser is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all people, regardless of gender, confession or origin.

Malteser International is committed to safeguarding people within our programmes from exploitation, abuse and sexual harassment and has specific policies on this commitment (including a Code of Conduct) which outlines the expected behaviour and the responsibility of all staff, consultants and other organisational representatives. Malteser International conducts reference and background checks for all staff (including criminal records check for specific roles). Any candidate offered a job with Malteser International will be expected to sign MI’s Code of Conduct as an appendix to their contract of employment and agree to conduct themselves in accordance with the provisions of these documents.

Whether you work as a specialist on overseas service or in one of our regional offices – we offer you a challenging working environment in an experienced international team. More than 1,000 national and international staff are currently deployed in various crisis and disaster areas around the world as well as in our regional offices in Cologne and New York City. For more information, please click here.