Senior MEAL Advisor

The role

We are currently looking for Senior MEAL Advisor, Read to Learn based in Vientiane Capital

Role Purpose                

Save the Children seeks a Senior Advisor, Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) for the anticipated, follow-on USAID-funded Read to Learn education project in Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR). The forthcoming project is expected to contribute to the Government of Lao PDR Education and Sports Sector Development Plan (ESSDP) 2026-2030, building on the accomplishments from USAID-funded Read to Learn project, and continuing to foster equitable learning outcomes for students in the early grades of primary school.

The MEAL Senior Advisor will report to the Chief of Party (COP) and will lead this function for the project, ensuring development and operationalization of high-quality MEAL systems and reporting. They will strengthen the results framework, develop indicator definitions, lead monitoring and evaluation planning and execution, and co-develop a learning agenda.

This is a Key Personnel position, subject to USAID approval. It is also subject to project award and funding. This position will be based in Vientiane, Laos.

National candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

KEY AREA OF ACCOUNTABILITY

• Design and adapt MEAL plan, ensure USAID approvals, and manage preparation and submission of timely work plans and donor reports according to donor and SCI requirements.
• Manage and ensure success of USAID Data Quality Assessments (DQAs) and other donor reviews.
• Conceptualize and maintain the MEAL database for the project.
• Develop instruments for data capture and ensure that these instruments work well with the database and indicators defined in the approved MEAL plan.
• Provide MEAL support, quality assurance, and reporting in coordination with technical teams.
• Coordinate the development of a learning agenda together with the MEAL team and technical team to ensure an aligned and informative research strategy.
• Develop and manage tools and systems to track fidelity of implementation to support project performance and evaluations.
• Report on progress toward achieving the project targets, translating strategic information into improved programming and delivery of services.
• Responsible for providing overall leadership, supervision, training, and guidance on MEAL activities, and facilitating MEAL strategy implementation in support of sub-awardees and SC staff.
• Ensure that all project MEAL documents, data, and other information required for program strategic planning and reporting are documented, prepared and submitted on time and in compliance with the requirements of USAID.
• Provide oversight, with support and guidance of the project Finance Director and COP, of MEAL budget and ensure effective and timely utilization for the appropriate MEAL activities.
• Support establishment of protocols, incentives and coordination, to ensure clarity and efficiency.
• Support the establishment, maintenance, and improvement of active and regular working relationships with: Lao PDR government authorities, partner agencies, USAID, and local and international NGOs.
• Participate and provide input on M&E issues at technical, policy and strategic planning meetings, including meetings with partners, local government and USAID.
• Provide advice, guidance, and coordination to SC, the Ministry of Education & Sports (MOES), and other collaborating organizations in the implementation and strengthening of M&E systems for the education program activities supported by USAID.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required from an accredited college or university with at least seven (7) years of research and/or MEAL experience in education, literacy or other related field .

Experience and Skills

• At least Seven years’ experience designing and implementing MEAL programs in complex settings.
• Experience evaluating student learning outcomes in language and literacy and/or STEM
• Prior experience overseeing and ensuring the success of MEAL systems on USAID education projects including ensuring approval of the MEAL plan, reporting on approved indicators, collecting and analyzing learning outcomes data, and successfully completing annual DQAs.
• Demonstrated success developing and managing MEAL databases for USAID projects.
• Substantial experience with digital data collection systems/platforms (e.g., KoBo, ODK, Tangerine) and statistical analysis software.

• In-depth knowledge of USAID approaches and regulations.

• Experience developing and implementing CLA strategies.
• Experience working towards sustainability of program priorities.
• Excellent training and facilitation capability.
• Strong analytical and conceptual skills and the ability to think and plan strategically.
• Excellent communication skills, including fluency in written and spoken English, and strong interpersonal skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree is preferred.
• Prior work experience assessing student learning outcomes.
• Experience developing dashboards visualizations using platforms such as Power Bi.
• Experience in systems thinking and application of complex and adaptive systems methodologies.
• Working proficiency in Lao language preferred.

Contract length: Fixed term

The Organisation

We employ approximately 25,000 people across the globe and work on the ground in over 100 countries to help children affected by crises, or those that need better healthcare, education and child protection. We also campaign and advocate at the highest levels to realise the right of children and to ensure their voices are heard.

We are working towards three breakthroughs in how the world treats children by 2030:

• No child dies from preventable causes before their 5th birthday
• All children learn from a quality basic education and that,
• Violence against children is no longer tolerated

We know that great people make a great organization, and that our employees play a crucial role in helping us achieve our ambitions for children.  We value our people and offer a meaningful and rewarding career, along with a collaborative and inclusive workplace where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

Application Information:

Interested candidates please submit a full application using a cover letter and up-to-date CV as a single document including contact details of three professional referees (current and last line managers and HR department). Please also include details of your salary expectations and a copy of your ID card. Please note that we will require a copy of your Criminal Records (ໃບແຈ້ງໂທດ) later.

Apply via this link: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/SAV1002STCF/JobBoard/7d92e82b-af74-464d-859b-c5b8cba6e92e/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=d38aa128-ec71-44d4-afc2-2f54396dcfa6

Save the Children International is a child-rights based organization. Safe recruitment is central to the safeguarding of children and young people that we come into contact with, and support through our programmes.

We need to keep children safe so our selection process, which includes rigorous background checks, reflects our commitment to the protection of children from abuse.

Save the children is an equal opportunities employer, qualified females, persons with disability and candidates from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

All employees are expected to carry out their duties in accordance with our global anti-harassment policy.