Company Overview

Imagine1Day International Organization (Imagine1Day) is a Canadian non-religious and non-profit humanitarian and development NGO. Since 2008, Imagine1Day has been actively investing in Ethiopia, focusing on Education, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Livelihood, Emergency Responses, Leadership, and Opportunity Development pillars. The organization's ultimate goal is to ensure that all Ethiopians have access to quality education without relying on foreign aid by the year 2030. In collaboration with UNICEF, Imagine1Day is currently in the planning phase to implement an integrated Education and Child Protection project in the Afar region. To support this initiative, Imagine1Day is seeking qualified experts for the following position.

 Position Summary

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Specialist is responsible for designing, implementing, and managing the monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems and processes within an organization. The MEAL Specialist plays a critical role in ensuring that programs and projects are effectively monitored, evaluated, and learning is captured to inform decision-making and improve program performance.

 Job title: MEAL Specialist                  

Location:  Semera, Afar Region

Contract Type:  Contract for 12 Months

Salary: As per the organization salary scale

Number: One

Reporting to:  Regional Program Manager

Functional Relationships:  Education Specialist and Protection Specialist  

 Key Duties and Responsibilities

Work for Overall organizational development

• Comply with Imagine 1 Day policies and practices with respect to Safeguarding, code of conduct, health and safety, equal opportunities and other relevant policies and procedures.

• Be innovative in practicing organizational policies, rules and guidelines in order to achieve the intended Imagine 1 Day’s vision, goal, and mission. 

• Take appropriate, coordinated, and consistent actions to handle situations of personal risks and risks for others.

 Design and develop MEAL systems and frameworks:

• Develop and implement MEAL plans, frameworks, and tools that align with the organization's goals and objectives.

• Design and establish monitoring and evaluation indicators, targets, and data collection methods.

• Develop data management systems and processes for collecting, analyzing, and reporting data.

 Monitoring and evaluation:

•  Develop and implement monitoring plans to track program progress and performance against key indicators.

• Conduct regular monitoring visits to program sites to ensure data quality and compliance with program standards.

• Collect, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data to assess program effectiveness and impact.

• Prepare timely and accurate monitoring reports and share findings with relevant stakeholders.

Accountability and learning:

• Develop and implement systems for collecting and managing feedback from beneficiaries, partners, and other stakeholders.

• Ensure timely and appropriate response mechanisms are in place to address feedback and complaints.

• Facilitate learning processes and promote a culture of learning within the organization.

• Conduct evaluations and assessments to identify lessons learned, best practices, and areas for improvement.

Capacity building and coordination:

• Provide training and capacity-building support to staff and partners on MEAL concepts, tools, and methodologies.

• Coordinate with program teams to ensure the integration of MEAL activities into program planning and implementation.

• Collaborate with external stakeholders, including donors and partners, to ensure alignment with their MEAL requirements and standards.

Knowledge management and reporting:

§  Document and disseminate lessons learned, best practices, and success stories.

§  Prepare and submit regular reports to management and donors, highlighting program achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

§  Ensure compliance with donor reporting requirements and deadlines, providing accurate and timely data and information.

§  Contribute to the organization's knowledge management systems, including the development of case studies, research papers, and other knowledge products.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in education related Monitoring and Evaluation, Project Management, Statistics, and other education and M&E field of studies.

• Minimum of 6+ years of experience in designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation systems within the education sector, preferably in an international development context.

• Strong knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning methodologies, tools, and best practices.

• Experience in conducting quantitative and qualitative research, data analysis, and impact assessments.

• Experience in designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation plans, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.

• Proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, etc.)

• Excellent analytical skills and ability to interpret and present complex data in a clear and concise manner.

• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including report writing and presentation skills.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team and collaborate with diverse stakeholders.

• Familiarity with humanitarian and development sector standards and guidelines (e.g., Sphere, OECD DAC criteria) is desirable.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, and the local language

Personal Attributes

• Great attention to detail and a flexible approach to work.

• High level of commitment and self-motivation.

• High professional and ethical standards.

• Positive outlook and outgoing personality with solid interpersonal and diplomatic skills.

• Structured and process-oriented.

• Excellent time management skills with the ability to balance multiple priorities.

• Motivated to learn and perform and not afraid to ask questions.

• Passionate and driven to succeed.

How to Apply

Review of complete applications will be on a rolling basis. In the event that we identify an outstanding candidate early in the search process, we reserve the right to appoint before the deadline. For this reason, we encourage interested candidates to apply at the earliest possible time. Due to the high volume of applications, we regret that we will only be able to contact shortlisted candidates.

 Please send the information listed below, as a single PDF file, to the following link:

Click here to apply

1. A detailed CV and Covering Letter,

2. A 300-word essay on the below questions:

    a) What experience have you gained that makes you the most qualified candidate for the role?

    b) With reference to practical examples, briefly explain how would you ensure the placement of a strong MEAL system in the regional program office?

Female applicants are highly encouraged to apply.