Save the Children, a globally recognized humanitarian and development organization, is seeking to recruit a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Assistant to be based at its Wajir Field Office in Kenya. This position plays a critical role in ensuring high-quality program implementation, accountability to beneficiaries, and utilization of data for evidence-based decision-making. This is an exciting opportunity for passionate professionals with a commitment to child-focused programming and experience in Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E).
Save the Children has worked in Kenya since the 1950s, delivering impactful development and humanitarian interventions for vulnerable children and their families. With operations spanning several counties including Bungoma, Garissa, Wajir, Mandera, and the Wajir Refugee Camp, the organization implements a variety of programs focused on child protection, health, education, nutrition, livelihoods, and WASH.
The successful applicant will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving the lives of children in arid and semi-arid regions of Kenya. This position requires a proactive individual capable of supporting field-level MEAL systems, maintaining program data quality, facilitating community feedback processes, and enhancing learning and accountability across project components.
Role Purpose
Under the general guidance of the MEAL Coordinator and in close collaboration with the Programme Manager, the MEAL Assistant will support the effective implementation of MEAL systems and processes for the Wajir field operations. The role is central to ensuring program quality, data accuracy, and community accountability.
The MEAL Assistant will be responsible for data collection, entry, analysis, reporting, quality assurance of field-based data collection, and facilitation of community engagement forums. In emergency situations, the role may require flexible working hours and adaptation to the changing needs of the humanitarian context.
Reporting Line
- Reports to: MEAL Coordinator
- Direct Reports: None
Scope of the Role
The MEAL Assistant will work with a multidisciplinary team to support the planning, monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning functions of the organization’s programs in Wajir. This will include day-to-day field-level data handling, regular monitoring activities, and contribution to internal and external reporting.
Key Areas of Accountability
1. Data Management and Documentation
- Work collaboratively with the MEAL Coordinator and project teams to ensure that all data collection activities are executed according to standard protocols.
- Collect, organize, and verify the accuracy of program data before entry into relevant databases.
- Regularly update databases and maintain an accurate repository of all project-related data and reports.
- File completed data collection forms and reports in an organized, secure, and easily retrievable manner.
- Assist in maintaining the Indicator Performance Tracking Table (IPTT), Monitoring Action Tracker, and project-specific output trackers in the PRIME system.
- Provide summarized data trends to support program implementation and inform strategic decisions.
2. Monitoring and Field Support
- Conduct routine field monitoring visits including post-distribution monitoring and program activity observations.
- Write comprehensive monitoring reports and share feedback with program teams and supervisors to inform course correction.
- Participate in operational research, surveys, and evaluations including the planning, training of enumerators, and data quality checks.
- Assist in testing and adopting innovative tools and technologies that improve MEAL functions such as digital data collection platforms.
- Participate in on-job training sessions for supported health facilities and community units to enhance local data management practices.
3. Accountability to Beneficiaries
- Coordinate and facilitate community feedback sessions, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), and semi-structured interviews to gather feedback from beneficiaries.
- Document community suggestions, complaints, and lessons learned, and channel this information to relevant departments for timely response and resolution.
- Maintain the Complaints and Feedback Mechanism (CFM) database and ensure that all received feedback is analyzed and used to improve project implementation.
- Support the integration of accountability systems across all projects in accordance with Save the Children’s Accountability Framework.
4. Learning and Knowledge Management
- Collect and document human interest stories, case studies, and lessons learned for knowledge sharing and reporting purposes.
- Facilitate the documentation of best practices from program implementation for internal and external dissemination.
- Collaborate with program teams to ensure that learning from MEAL activities is integrated into program planning and design.
- Support the periodic review of MEAL plans to ensure relevance, effectiveness, and responsiveness to community needs.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or Diploma in Social Sciences, Public Health, Development Studies, Population Studies, or a relevant field. Coursework in research methodologies, evaluation techniques, statistical analysis, or organizational development is highly desirable.
- Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation from reputable institutions such as the University of Nairobi, AMREF, or KIM is an added advantage.
- Minimum of 1–3 years of hands-on experience in program monitoring and evaluation, preferably in humanitarian or development settings.
- Demonstrated proficiency in the use of statistical and data management software such as SPSS, STATA, or ATLAS.ti.
- Strong skills in both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis.
- Familiarity with digital data collection tools and mobile technology is essential.
Experience and Skills
Essential
- At least 2 years of professional experience working with international NGOs or UN agencies, particularly in humanitarian or development programs.
- Experience with community-based participatory approaches and accountability mechanisms.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct assessments, write reports, and present findings clearly and concisely.
- Proficiency in modern data management platforms including web-based systems, dashboards, and visualization tools.
- Sound analytical and problem-solving skills, especially in data interpretation and reporting.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work with culturally diverse teams and stakeholders.
- Excellent verbal and written communication in English and Kiswahili. Proficiency in the local language is a distinct advantage.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- High levels of integrity, professional ethics, and commitment to humanitarian principles and Save the Children’s mission and values.
Desirable
- Experience working in arid and semi-arid land (ASAL) settings.
- Experience in managing programs funded by private and international donors.
- Skills in training, mentoring, and capacity building of staff and partners.
- Familiarity with child-focused programming and child protection policies.
- Ability to effectively represent Save the Children in community and stakeholder forums.
The Organization
Save the Children employs approximately 25,000 individuals worldwide and operates in over 100 countries, working directly or through partners to promote children’s rights, health, education, protection, and well-being. The organization is dedicated to achieving three critical breakthroughs for children by 2030:
- No child dies from preventable causes before their fifth birthday.
- All children receive a quality basic education.
- Violence against children is no longer tolerated.
Save the Children is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to recruiting the most qualified individuals. Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Application Process and Disclaimer
Interested applicants are advised to exercise caution against fraudsters using the Save the Children name to solicit fees from job seekers. Save the Children does not charge any fees at any stage of the recruitment process and does not engage recruitment agencies for hiring.
If you are approached by anyone claiming to represent Save the Children and requesting payment, do not engage with them and report the matter immediately to [email protected].
Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the recruitment process.
