Overview
The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will provide technical monitoring and evaluation support to the ending child marriage programme, leading the monitoring, evaluation, and learning work to ensure data is transformed into actionable insights.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of the Programme MEL Framework.
- Develop a comprehensive MEL strategy.
- Finalize and operationalize programme indicators, Theory of Change (ToC), results framework, KPIs and monitoring tools.
- Develop/update digital data collection tools, SOPs, data flow maps and quality standards.
- Strengthen routine monitoring and government data systems.
- Support integration of routine data across CPIMS, Police MIS, Judiciary CMS, CRVS, DHIS2, Education MIS.
- Institutionalize real-time case alert mechanisms.
- Conduct monthly district-level data reviews, validation, reconciliation and quality assurance checks.
- Build capacity of district ECM Units, CPWs, MRTs, helpline staff, police, health and justice personnel on data quality and reporting.
- Support data analysis, visualization, reporting and learning.
- Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual analytics for programme decision-making and donor reporting.
- Create user-friendly dashboards for district and national coordination platforms.
- Lead learning reviews, after-action reviews, and adaptive programming sessions.
- Generate technical briefs, learning notes, and evidence summaries.
- Manage baseline, midline and endline evaluations and surveys.
- Coordinate the design and implementation of the mixed-method Midline and Endline Survey.
- Oversee consultants, research firms and/or academic partners.
- Ensure ethical and child-safe data collection standards.
- Ensure strong community and survivor-driven feedback mechanisms.
- Strengthen existing feedback loops.
- Establish documentation systems for community feedback, referrals, and complaint resolution.
- Ensure feedback informs programme adjustments and is linked to accountability to affected populations (AAP).
- Support knowledge management, communications and visibility.
- Contribute to documentation of change stories, human interest pieces and results.
- Work closely with the ECM Investment Communications Group.
- Ensure visibility materials reflect real programme data and insights.
- Provide technical support for partner MEL systems.
- Support Government and NGOs to strengthen MEL capacity.
- Review partner reports, provide feedback, and ensure alignment with programme MEL standards.
- Support harmonization of community-level tools to reduce duplication and ensure consistency.
- Contribute to risk analysis, mitigation, and programme quality assurance.
- Support monitoring of institutional, programmatic, contextual and fiduciary risks, with focus on data-related risks.
- Integrate MEL evidence into risk mitigation actions.
Required Experience
- A minimum of seven (7) years of relevant work experience in M&E of multi-sectoral programmes, preferably in child protection, GBV, justice or social norms is required with a bachelor's degree, OR a minimum of five (5) years of work experience in M&E of multi-sectoral programmes, preferably in child protection, GBV, justice or social norms with a master's degree.
- A minimum of seven (7) years of professional experience in monitoring and evaluation, programme management, or results-based management in development or humanitarian settings is required with a bachelor's degree, OR a minimum of five (5) years of professional experience in monitoring and evaluation, programme management, or results-based management in development or humanitarian settings with a master's degree.
- Experience developing or implementing M&E frameworks, indicators, data collection tools and reporting systems for multi-sectoral programmes.
- Demonstrated ability to conduct data analysis, prepare analytical reports, and translate findings into actionable recommendations for programme improvement.
- Experience working with government ministries, NGOs, or community-based partners, ideally in social sectors such as child protection, health, education, or gender equality.
- Proven experience in capacity building, including training and supporting staff or partners on data collection, monitoring, or reporting.
- Experience managing or supporting evaluations, assessments or surveys, including coordination with external consultants or research firms.
- Experience producing high-quality analytical reports for donors and government.
- Strong understanding of ethical data collection, safeguarding principles, and working with sensitive or confidential information.
- Desired: Experience in monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of multi-sectoral programs, preferably in areas such as child protection, gender-based violence (GBV), justice, or social norms.
- Desired: Demonstrated experience with government information management systems (CPIMS, DHIS2, Police MIS, CRVS).
- Desired: Experience managing large datasets, real-time monitoring, or digital data platforms (ODK, Kobo, RapidPro).
- Desired: Experience in evaluation design and management.
- Desired: Experience in capacity building of government staff.
- Desired: Experience working in Malawi or similar contexts.
Qualifications
- Required: A Master’s degree in one of the following fields: Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Social Sciences, Public Health, Development Studies, or another relevant field is required.
- A combination of a Bachelor's degree with an additional 2 years of relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu of the education requirements outlined above.
- Desired: Specialized training in digital data systems, data science, MIS, or advanced statistical analysis.
