MEAL Expert

Job Description

ORGANIZATIONAL AREA International Programmes Directorate - Department of Programme Quality, Impact and Innovation
REFERENT MEAL Manager
CONTRACT TYPE Co.Co.Co. (contratto di collaborazione coordinata e continuativa)
DURATION 12 months
ANNUAL GROSS SALARY Up to 35.000,00 €
SAFEGUARDING LEVEL 1

JOB PURPOSE

The MEAL Expert will contribute to SC Italy Evidence and Learning goals, by supporting the integration of highest standards in international programmes MEAL systems, supporting impact measurement and management, and promoting cross learning in line with SC Italy’s 2025-2027 Strategy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Contribute to ensuring quality, consistency, and coherence of SC IT international programmes through MEAL:

In proposal development:
In close coordination with all involved functions in SC Italy, support the design and adequate resourcing of MEAL components in proposal development, in alignment with Save the Children Italy’s strategic priorities and according to the needs identified with the MEAL Manager. In particular:

• Support the identification and integration of relevant data and information to ensure proposals are evidence-based, also aided by Artificial Intelligence.
• Support the identification of applicable indicators in line with donor requirements and promote utilization of SC Global Outcome Indicators whenever appropriate.
• Support the definition of MEAL plans, including monitoring mechanisms and data collection tools; baseline and evaluation studies, ensuring the appropriate design is identified and adequately resourced at the outset; accountability mechanisms and learning components in line with SC procedures, standards and Global Research Evidence and Learning Agenda.
• Promote the adoption of digital technologies and innovative solutions in MEAL, where relevant.
• Contribute to the identification of relevant research and evaluation partners and institutions to involve in programmatic activities.

In project implementation:
In close coordination with all involved functions in SC Italy, where needed, provide technical support to COs on the implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning components in selected programmes, including on:

• Performance Indicators Reference Sheet (PIRS), data collection methods and tools, information management, indicator tracking and project reporting, including on Total Reach.
• Project baseline and evaluation studies throughout the evaluation cycle in all relevant phases as defined with COs at the process outset, including by ensuring systematic adherence to centralized guidance documents and procedures, sharing templates and available tools at the planning stage; reviewing TORs, inception reports and draft evaluation reports to ensure quality and rigour in the process.
• Support the implementation of learning agendas, and knowledge sharing activities with relevant teams.
• Contribute to strengthening MEAL capacity in the field through field missions, dedicated remote support, training and resource sharing as opportunities allow.
• Promote adherence to SCI MEAL related procedures and standards.
• Provide technical review to donor reports, ensuring accurateness and completeness, and assisting the team in the field as needed.

Contribute to learning generation and dissemination, evidence uptake and data utilization:

• Develop and keep up to date evidence briefs, programme cards, presentations and visuals able to easily communicate methodological approaches and results to a variety of audiences.
• Organize and conduct webinars and other meetings to share evidence and learning acquired in supported programmes with other interested teams.
• Be proactive in identifying and promoting opportunities of learning and transferability of approaches, methodologies, tools and experience across programmes, regions and themes, also with the national programmes in line with identified opportunities.
• Conduct analysis of relevant KPIs related to SC Italy’s performance on MEAL, prepare synthesis and present results to relevant audiences. Contribute to data collection and reporting on SC Italy’s strategy KPIs.
• Contribute to generating evidence on innovative approaches developed by SC Italy’s technical team, or on Common Approaches.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree in Economics, Social Science, or other relevant studies.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in results-based management, evaluation design and management, qualitative and quantitative research methods, monitoring and evaluation principles and standards, indicator measurement, data analysis and reporting.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills in English, with demonstrated ability to communicate technical evidence and data clearly and convincingly to a variety of audiences.
• Curiosity and interest in exploring AI solutions to maximise evidence acquisition and synthesis capacity.
• Conversant with relevant IT solutions for data visualisation (e.g. PowerBI) and for visually appealing products (e.g. Canva, Adobe Indesign).
• Fluent in Italian and English, Spanish or French desirable.

SOFT SKILLS

• Able to work effectively with others towards the achievement of common objectives.
• Capacity to relate to a different range of internal and external stakeholders.
• Flexible and adaptable to changing needs.
• Pragmatic/solutions oriented/problem solver.
• Strong analytical skills.
• Openness to change and new challenges. Quick learner.

OTHER

• Commitment to the mission and principles of Save the Children.

SAFEGUARDING
Save the Children aims to be a safe organization for all beneficiaries—both minors and adults—reached through its programs. For this reason, it implements a safeguarding system to prevent any risk of abuse and exploitation.
Anyone collaborating with Save the Children in any capacity must demonstrate the highest standards of behavior, as outlined in our policies (https://www.savethechildren.it/policies). 

PEOPLE AT THE CENTER
Working for a mission like Save the Children's is important.
We believe that an organization made up of people who feel well and are passionate about their work is an innovative, cohesive, agile, and efficient organization that can effectively pursue its goals. For this reason, we always strive to put our people at the center, preserve their well-being and motivation, and value their skills.