MEAL Lead – Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning

About the role

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Lead will provide strategic leadership to strengthen Save the Children’s capacity to design, implement and continuously improve MEAL systems across programmes in Zambia. Reporting to the Programme Director, the role sits within the Programme Development & Quality department and works closely with technical specialists, programme managers and partners.

Key responsibilities

• Design, implement and maintain a MEAL system that complies with Save the Children International standards and the Quality Framework.
• Lead the development of donor‑specific MEAL requirements and ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Develop and apply monitoring frameworks, tools and processes to measure programme performance and quality.
• Oversee routine data collection, analysis and use of evidence, including gender, disability and marginalised group disaggregation.
• Provide capacity‑building support and mentorship to MEAL staff, programme teams and partners.
• Lead strategic and annual planning, internal reporting and documentation of impact, innovation and lessons learned.

Required profile

• Relevant university degree (e.g., Development Studies, Social Sciences, Public Health, Statistics).
• Proven experience in MEAL within humanitarian or development contexts, preferably at a senior level.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage relationships with donors, government and NGOs.
• Strong analytical mindset with experience in evidence‑based decision‑making.

Required skills