Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Lead

About the role

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Lead will provide strategic leadership to strengthen Save the Children Zambia’s capacity to design, implement and continuously improve monitoring, evaluation, accountability and learning systems. Based in Lusaka, the role works within the Programme Development & Quality department and partners closely with technical specialists, programme managers and external stakeholders to embed innovation, best practice and evidence‑based learning across programmes.

Key responsibilities

• Design, develop and implement a MEAL system that meets Save the Children International standards and donor requirements.
• Lead the use of monitoring frameworks, tools and processes to measure programme performance and quality.
• Oversee routine data collection, analysis and use of evidence, including gender and disability disaggregation.
• Support thematic and operations staff in developing and monitoring quality benchmarks.
• Provide capacity‑building and technical guidance to MEAL and programme/partner staff.
• Coordinate strategic and annual planning, internal reporting and programme development activities.
• Foster relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including donors, regional advisors and technical counterparts.

Required profile

• Proven experience leading MEAL functions in development or humanitarian contexts.
• Strong understanding of donor reporting requirements and quality frameworks.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with technical, programme and partner teams.
• Excellent analytical skills and experience translating data into actionable learning.
• Commitment to gender equality, disability inclusion and safeguarding principles.

Required skills

• Monitoring frameworks
• Data collection
• Data analysis
• Gender and disability data disaggregation