MEAL Specialist

Position: MEAL Specialist (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning) 

Location: Kharkiv, Ukraine (with regular travel to field sites) 

Reports to: Country Director  

Contract Type: National Staff, Full-Time 

Duration: 6 months (renewable subject to performance and funding) 

1. Background 

Solidar Suisse is a Swiss INGO working in Ukraine since 2022, focusing on Protection, GBV/CRSV prevention and response, MHPSS, Shelter and localization. 
The organization operates through grassroots and survivor-led Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs) to deliver humanitarian and early recovery assistance in frontline, rural, and de-occupied territories. 

As part of its Country Strategy 2026–2028, Solidar Suisse Ukraine prioritizes localization as a measurable outcome—strengthening Ukrainian civil society and state actors to plan, monitor, and report protection results independently. 

The MEAL Specialist will lead the development of a localized MEAL system and framework  that strengthens partner capacity in data collection, accountability, and learning, while digitizing reporting processes via KOBO and ensuring cluster-aligned standards across Protection, GBV, Shelter, and WASH.  ALong with this, the MEAL Specialist is expected to align with internal and external reporting processes and support timely, and acccurate reporting across all projects and overall programme in Ukraine

2. Purpose of the Role 

The MEAL Specialist ensures that evidence-based decision-making, accountability, and learning are embedded across programs. 
This role is equally focused on: 

• Internal MEAL system strengthening (data, reporting, learning, accountability). 

• Partner capacity strengthening (training, mentoring, systems transfer). 

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• Localization as a measurable outcome (tracking WRO for institutional and technical growth). 

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• Programme Development (contributing to the design and creation of new projects) 

3. Key Responsibilities 

A. MEAL System Development & Integration 

• Develop and roll out the Country Office MEAL Framework aligned with organizational and donor results frameworks. 

• Integrate MEAL tools into all Protection, GBV, and MHPSS interventions, ensuring compliance with Protection and Shelter/WASH mainstreaming standards. 

• Develop standardized KOBO-based reporting forms (Protection Tracker, Accountability Feedback, Partner Capacity Self-Assessment). 

• Maintain a digital MEAL dashboard visualizing progress, disaggregated data, and localization indicators. 

• Ensure regular Data Quality Assessments (DQA) and analysis to inform program decisions. 

B. Localization Monitoring & Capacity Strengthening 

• Design localization outcome indicators measuring partner institutional capacity, decision-making autonomy, and MEAL independence. 

• Develop and implement Partner MEAL Capacity Strengthening Plans (training, mentoring, supervision, peer learning). 

• Lead quarterly Partner Learning Reviews and produce case studies on progress. 

• Build partner capacity in RBM, KOBO, data visualization, ActivityInfo, and participatory evaluation. 

C. Accountability to Affected Populations (AAP) 

• Establish and maintain Accountability & Feedback Mechanisms (AFM) across all partner and CO interventions. 

• Digitize accountability reporting through KOBO and ActivityInfo, integrating feedback loops into program design. 

• Train partners on PSEA-sensitive reporting channels in line with GBV AoR standards. 

D. Data Analysis, Reporting & Learning 

• Consolidate data and reporting from partners, ensuring consistency with cluster indicators (Protection, GBV, Shelter, WASH). 

• Produce analytical briefs, dashboards, and quarterly learning reports highlighting program impact and localization progress. 

• Lead After-Action Reviews (AARs) and Learning Workshops to ensure adaptive programming. 

E. Cluster Coordination & Representation 

• Represent Solidar Suisse in MEAL Technical Working Groups, Protection Cluster IM WG, and AAP/Localization Task Forces. 

• Contribute to inter-agency data-sharing standards (GBVIMS+, IARF) and joint monitoring tools. 

• Support Shelter and WASH Cluster protection mainstreaming by developing indicators on safety, dignity, and accessibility. 

F. Proposal and Programme Development 

• Contribute to the design of new project proposals by developing robust MEAL frameworks, including logical frameworks, indicators, and results chains aligned with donor requirements. 

• Provide technical input to ensure inclusion of clear monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning components across all programme proposals. 

• Support project teams in defining realistic targets, baselines, and data collection methodologies during proposal development. 

• Review and refine theories of change and results frameworks to ensure logical coherence and evidence-based design. 

• Collaborate with programme, technical, and partner teams to integrate gender, protection, and inclusion-sensitive MEAL approaches. 

• Ensure MEAL cost elements are appropriately reflected in proposal budgets. 

• Develop or adapt MEAL tools and templates for new projects, ensuring consistency with organisational standards. 

• Liaise with HQ or regional MEAL focal points to align new initiatives with Solidar Suisse’s overarching MEAL and learning strategies. 

4. Deliverables 

• Harmonized MEAL Framework (Protection + Shelter/WASH). 

• KOBO-based reporting suite (accountability, people reached, partner capacity). 

• Quarterly Partner MEAL Capacity Reports. 

• Annual Localization Outcome Report. 

• Functional Digital MEAL Dashboard (KOBO/Power BI/Excel). 

5. Workplan & Key Milestones (2026) 

Q1 2025 

Master Logframe Development 

Align all project logframes under the Country Strategic Results Framework (2025–2027), embedding localization and cluster-aligned indicators. 

KOBO Reporting System Design 

Develop standardized KOBO suite:  
• People Reached Form  
• Accountability Feedback Form  
• Partner Capacity Tracker  
• Protection Incident Follow-up 

Partner MEAL Capacity Baseline 

Conduct initial capacity assessment and define individualized capacity-strengthening plans.  

Q2 2025 

Integration of Digital Data Systems (CommCare / Indi / Kit) 

 Pilot integration between KOBO and CommCare/Indi/Kit for real-time data visualization and secure partner self-reporting.  

Partner Coaching & DQA Cycle #1 

 Conduct joint supervisions with WROs; document findings in a learning brief. 

Q3 2025 

Localization Outcome Measurement Framework 

Define and track partner autonomy, leadership, and institutional MEAL maturity. 

Digital AAP System Rollout 

 Launch KOBO-based accountability and feedback mechanism across all WGSS and partner sites.  

Q4 2025 

Annual Learning & Reflection Workshop 

Facilitate a national MEAL Learning Event with WROs, donors, and clusters to present localization results. 

6. Required Qualifications & Experience 

Essential: 

• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in Social Sciences, Statistics, or Humanitarian Studies. 

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in MEAL for Protection / GBV / WASH / Shelter programs. 

• Expertise in localization monitoring, capacity-strengthening evaluation, and participatory MEAL. 

• Proficiency with KOBO, CommCare, Power BI, ActivityInfo. 

• Familiarity with Protection Cluster, GBV AoR, and Shelter Cluster frameworks. 

• Strong analytical, facilitation, and mentoring skills. 

• Bilingual proficiency (Ukrainian & English). 

Desirable: 

• Experience with Women’s Rights Organizations (WROs) and survivor-led CSOs

7. Core Competencies 

• Results-Based Management and analytical thinking. 

• Commitment to localization and survivor-centred protection. 

• Excellent mentoring and training facilitation skills. 

• Upholds confidentiality, Do No Harm, and PSEA principles. 

8. Supervision & Coordination 

Reports to: Country Director / Program Manager (Protection) 
Works closely with: 

Partnerships Unit (for capacity building & due diligence) 

Finance/Admin Unit (for partner compliance) 

Protection Technical Team (for GBV/CRSV data integration) 

Advocacy/Communications (for evidence-based visibility) 

Contract

Type of contract: Employment Contract or Service Agreement or FOP

Duration of contract: 6 months (renewable subject to performance and funding)

If you want to work for a better delivery of humanitarian assistance in Ukraine and are interested in this assignment, please apply with detailed CV in English

PLEASE APPLY HERE: MEAL Specialist 

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.