Principle Accountabilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive global evidence and learning strategy and agenda in line with Save the Children Global Strategy and Theory of Change, including with key inter-agency and external research agendas.
• Ensure rigorous MEAL frameworks, standards, policies, procedures, and tools are in place across SCI entities and implemented to measure and analyse the outcomes and impact of our programmes and influencing interventions, drive accountability and inform decision-making. Guide and monitor the way in which evidence and learning roles are staffed and trained across country offices.
• Determine and ensure high quality monitoring, evaluation, research, context analysis, and learning practices used in programs and influencing are in line with Save the Children and sector standards.
• Lead knowledge sharing and capacity strengthening efforts with a focus on Country Offices to strengthen our cadre of MEAL staff and leverage high-quality evidence and knowledge to enhance impact.
• Champion and promote a culture of learning and continuous improvement, fostering innovation and leveraging data to enhance the impact of our programmes across diverse contexts within Save the Children.
• Facilitate the identification, communication, and application into programs of relevant lessons and evidence from Save the Children and other sources including working with programs and influencing leaders on proposals development and new business opportunities.
• Ensure alignment with our locally led commitment by developing and improving methods to involve communities, children and young people in monitoring, research, evaluation, and the design and delivery of program and influencing interventions, lifting up local voices and perspectives.
• Digest and make available insights in a way that is accessible to, and can be applied by, team members for influential storytelling and influencing.
• Contribute to efforts to diversify I&I team and build a culture of inclusion, allowing all voices to be heard equally and difference to thrive.

Experience and Skills

Essential

• Significant experience in setting and applying Country Offices MEAL frameworks, processes and standards across programs cycle and proven track record in leading capacity strengthening to drive high quality evidence and learning agenda and ensure continuous improvement to streamline these processes
• Experience in leading systems and approaches to drive impact at scale tracking across a global organisation with adapatability and ambiguity
• Extensive experience and proven track record in leading high-quality research and evaluation agenda development and delivery in line with a global strategy
• Cultural Leadership: Leads by example, embodying the organization’s values and fostering a culture of inclusion, integrity, respect, empathy and excellence.
• Visionary Leadership: Demonstrates the ability to articulate a compelling vision for the future, inspiring and motivating teams to achieve ambitious goals.
• Motivational Communication: Exceptional communication skills with the ability to inspire and engage employees at all levels, fostering a sense of purpose and commitment.
• Positive Influence: Creates a positive and inclusive work environment that encourages collaboration, innovation, and high performance.
• Proficient Experience: in designing and implementing MEAL strategies across various levels of an organisation with dedicated experience leading country or regional MEAL agenda.
• Significant Experience: leading monitoring, evaluation, and research activities within a non-profit, ideally within an international context.
• Extensive Experience: in senior MEAL positions including at country or regional levels with demonstrable results in organisational learning, thought leadership, and evidence-based program improvement and influencing.

Desirable

• Stakeholder Engagement: Considerable experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, including community members, children, and young people, to incorporate their voices in MEAL activities.
• Innovative Thinking: A track record of fostering innovation and continuous improvement in multiple contexts.
• Influence – Proven track record in influencing outcomes without direct authority through collaboration & challenge
• Inclusivity and Equity: A passion for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion and ensuring these principles are integrated into all aspects of MEAL

Education and Qualifications 

Essential

• Advanced Degree: A post-graduate degree (Masters or PhD preferred) in a related field such as international development, social sciences, Planning & Statistics, with a specialization in Research and Evaluation

Desirable

• Recognised Certification: Certification in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) and in research, evaluation methodologies is highly desirable.