Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Manager at THRDC

The MEAL Manager will support the THRDC team on program management by ensuring the development of quality, timely, and accurate data to inform program planning, results-oriented reporting, program performance, donor reporting, and statutory compliance. The MEAL Manager will be responsible for planning, designing, and implementing a quality, comprehensive, and integrated MEAL system that meets both THRDC and donor standards, while promoting a culture of learning and accountability across THRDC offices.

The MEAL Manager will ensure that evidence is available for quality improvement, program learning, donor reporting, and to address beneficiary feedback and complaints. THRDC is looking for a MEAL Manager who is knowledgeable, energetic, self-motivated, proactive, and result-oriented. This position will work under the supervision of the Director of Program and Operations (DOP). The incumbent’s workstation will be at THRDC main offices in Dar es Salaam, with minor movements to Zanzibar Sub-office and THRDC zonal coordination units across the country.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Lead, develop, and operationalize Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEAL) frameworks, including strengthening monitoring plans, systems, and processes for systematically collecting, documenting, storing, reviewing, and using quantitative and qualitative data and information to enhance program delivery.
• Support project executants in conceiving and tracking program’s lifetime strategic plans and expected results.
• Coordinate internal biannual and annual program implementation reflective and learning sessions.
• Contribute to program management through timely processing and dissemination of M&E findings and best practices to facilitate evidence-based planning, learning, adaptation, and decision-making.
• Support program executants in annual planning and budgeting of all projects and programs in the portfolio.
• In close cooperation with program officers, support the development of good-quality reports in line with agreed timelines and templates and, where necessary, input into individual donor reports.
• Coordinate knowledge management, learning, and sharing practices, including the preparation and documentation of best practices and lessons learned.
• Lead MEL capacity-building activities, including building technical capacity of partners and program teams by providing/seeking training opportunities and coordinating collaboration and learning around MEL approaches across the programs.
• Support project executants in proposal development as part of fundraising efforts for the implementation of the Coalition’s strategies.
• Coordinate the mainstreaming of Result Based Management across the Coalition’s portfolio.
• Ensure all programs are designed and managed according to the Coalition’s operational strategic plan.
• Coordinate and supervise the design, implementation, and utilization of independent evaluations, impact (outcome/output) assessments, and periodic/targeted internal reviews of the projects, involving management of consultants and development of workplans to ensure agreed evaluation recommendations are implemented.
• Develop and update the MEAL systems and tools.
• Ensure that comprehensive MEAL practices are incorporated in each phase of the program/project cycle.
• Observe, identify, and communicate monitoring vulnerabilities, underperformances, and blind spots to the Director of Programs and Operations and suggest performance rectification measures.
• Work closely with program officers and the Resource Mobilization and Investments Manager to design/review new grants’ opportunities log frame, investment plans, and projects’ MEAL plans.
• Contribute to the preparation of data collection methods, methodologies, timelines, and tools.
• Ensure that MEAL data is collected, used, and stored in adherence to data protection protocols and ethical considerations.
• Contribute to MEAL strategy development through active participation in MEAL planning and development.
• Produce analytical reports and summaries using charts, graphs, tables, and narratives to fulfill internal and external reporting requirements.
• Support in writing the MEAL section updates on a weekly, monthly/quarterly basis.
• Report on selected indicators analysis periodically.
• Frequently (and/or upon request) deliver snapshots and data briefs to communication and fundraising teams to facilitate internal and external communication and information flow processes.
• Assist the Program Director and external consultants to ensure that evaluation prerequisites are available and accessible.
• Establish internal and external “Feedback and results sharing policy.”

Required Qualifications

• University degree in Social Science, Project Management, Economics, Business Administration, or related fields. A master’s degree in a related field will be an added advantage.
• Advanced training and knowledge in Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning.
• At least 5 years working experience in MEAL-related human rights, social-economic issues, and/or development contexts.
• Experience with practical field implementation of result-based management-oriented monitoring systems.
• Knowledge and experience in working with projects funded by multiple donors is an advantage.
• Knowledge of program design, monitoring, evaluation, and learning, including designing log frames, indicators at various levels, and designing program baselines, midterm, and end-term evaluations.
• Above 5 years of working experience in senior positions with responsibilities in areas such as program development and quality, monitoring and evaluation, assessments, or research.
• Excellent understanding of different components of MEAL and skills in managing MEAL systems.
• Excellent experience in the analysis of research findings, reporting, and presentation of results.
• Sound conceptual understanding in advancing gender equality and inclusion in programming and at the workplace.
• Experience of, and commitment to, working with human rights defenders, government, and the donor community.
• Previous experience managing a team, with proven capacity to supervise, train, and coach staff.
• Excellent documentation and report-writing skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and spoken, in English and Swahili.
• Good management and coordination skills, and experience in technical project implementation.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and good team spirit.
• Experience in writing project reports and management plans.
• Willingness to participate in field activities/surveys and travel to remote areas within and outside the country.
• Ability to observe deadlines, accuracy, and attention to detail.

Application Process

Interested, qualified Tanzanians should submit a cover letter and CV by 31st January 2025.

NB: Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition is a free and fair entity and encourages all qualified Tanzanians to apply for this position.