Meal Coordinator – ECHO ARISE

The Opportunity

Save the Children is seeking an experienced and dynamic MEAL Coordinator to support the implementation of the Acting Together for Responsive and Integrated Systems for Children’s Access to Education in Emergencies (ARISE) project in Malawi. This multi-country initiative, funded by ECHO and implemented across Southern Africa, aims to build resilient, inclusive systems that ensure children—especially girls—continue learning in safe, protective environments during times of crisis.

The ARISE project focuses on strengthening regional, national, and sub-national systems to better prepare for and respond to shocks through anticipatory action and rapid response mechanisms. It integrates Education in Emergencies (EiE), Child Protection in Humanitarian Action (CPHA), and Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), with an emphasis on locally led, coordinated preparedness and response.

The Regional MEAL Coordinator will play a critical role in ensuring robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems are in place and effectively supporting the project’s learning and adaptive management needs. The postholder will be responsible for ensuring that high-quality data is systematically collected, managed, and used for evidence-based decision-making. They will support project staff and partners in building MEAL capacity, deploying tools, and ensuring that MEAL practices are embedded at every level of implementation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a MEAL professional with a strong background in humanitarian and development programming to contribute to a high-impact, cross-sectoral initiative that places children’s learning and wellbeing at the center of emergency response.

In the event of a major humanitarian emergency, the role holder will be expected to work outside the normal role profile and be able to vary working hours accordingly.

To be successful, you will bring/have: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring and Evaluation, Statistics, Social Sciences, Demography, or a related field; a Master’s degree is an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in MEAL, including tool development, data analysis, and field monitoring.
•  Strong knowledge of log frames, results-based reporting, and both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods.
• Proficient in data management tools and software such as SPSS, Excel, EPI Info, Access, and mobile platforms like Kobo Collect, ODK, or SurveyCTO.
•   Experience in facilitating MEAL training, managing field data collection, and supporting evaluations and operational research.
•  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present data clearly to various stakeholders.
•   Comfortable working with government systems, especially at sub-national levels, and in multicultural and field-based settings.
•   Commitment to Save the Children’s values and willingness to travel to remote project locations as needed.

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 5^th 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 environment where ambition, creativity, and integrity are highly valued.

We believe in providing reasonable accommodations to support the professional growth and success of all employees. We thus encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including persons with disabilities.

Application Information:

Please attach a copy of your CV and cover letter with your application and include details of your current remuneration and salary expectations.  A copy of the full role profile can be found at www.savethechildren.net/careers

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.

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