Project MEAL Officer, Early Grades (Grades 1–3) Full Time NEW

Position Title: NRD-Project MEAL Officer, Early Grades (Grades 1–3)
Project: I1d-NRD Project
Duty Station: Karat Twon, Konso Zone
Travel Requirement: Frequent travel to the project target woredas of Konso Zuria
Organization: Imagine1day International Organization
Reports to: Regional MEAL Coordinator

Duration: One Year with possibility of Extension

Functional relationship: Regional Program Manager, Education Program Manager/Director, MEAL Manager/Director, Finance Manager/Director

Technical Liaison: Konso Zonal Education Department, Woreda Education Offices, and NRD, including other project partners

Contract Type: Full Time

Position Summary

The NRD-Project MEAL Coordinator, Early Grade Numeracy will lead the design, coordination, and implementation of monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning systems for the I1d–NRD Project in Konso Zone. The role is central to ensuring that high-quality data and evidence are generated, analysed, and used to improve early grade (Grades 1–3) numeracy instruction and learning outcomes.

The position will support research-informed implementation, including baseline, midline, and endline assessments, classroom observations, fidelity monitoring, and learning reviews. A strong background in mathematics or mathematics education, together with practical experience in early grade numeracy assessment (e.g., EGMA), is essential for this role. He/she also works to produce high-quality learning and knowledge in early-grade numeracy that could contribute to the education system.

Key Responsibilities

1. MEAL System Design and Implementation

• Lead the design and implementation of the project MEAL framework in line with the NRD intervention design and research protocol.
• Develop and maintain data collection tools, indicator tracking systems, and reporting schedules.
• Ensure integration of monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities into routine program implementation.

2. Learning Assessment and Research Support

• Coordinate baseline, midline, and endline assessments focused on Grades 1–3 numeracy learning outcomes.
• Conduct real-time distribution monitoring, and PDM
• Support the implementation of early grade numeracy assessments (including EGMA-aligned tools where applicable).
• Ensure rigorous data collection, data quality assurance, and ethical research practices.
• Support classroom observation tools and fidelity-of-implementation monitoring.
• Conduct classroom instructional intervention gap-filling research.

3. Data Quality Assurance and Analysis

• Establish and oversee data quality assurance mechanisms, including training enumerators and field teams.
• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data to track learning progress and implementation quality.
• Produce clear data summaries, dashboards, and analytical reports for technical and non-technical audiences.

4. Learning, Adaptation, and Evidence Use

• Facilitate regular learning and reflection sessions with program teams and education stakeholders.
• Support adaptive management by translating data and findings into actionable program improvements.
• Document lessons learned, best practices, and emerging evidence from the Konso Zone implementation.

5. Accountability and Feedback Mechanisms

• Establish and manage accountability and feedback mechanisms for schools, teachers, and communities.
• Ensure that feedback and complaints are documented, analyzed, and addressed appropriately.
• Promote transparency, participation, and responsiveness in project implementation.

6. Capacity Building and Technical Support

• Build the MEAL capacity of Program Officers, teachers, supervisors, and education officers through training and mentoring.
• Support field teams to understand and use data for instructional improvement in early grade numeracy.
• Strengthening local capacity for data-informed decision-making within government education structures.

7. Coordination, Reporting, and Compliance

• Coordinate closely with program, finance, and technical teams to align MEAL activities with implementation plans and budgets.
• Prepare high-quality MEAL reports for internal use, donors, and government stakeholders.
• Ensure compliance with Imagine1day MEAL standards, donor requirements, and safeguarding policies.

8. Promote Digitalization and Digital MEAL & KM Systems

• Contribute to the digital transformation of MEAL & KM functions, including planning, monitoring, data collection, analysis, reporting, and learning processes.
• Coordinate the integration and use of ERP systems for MEAL planning, activity tracking, indicator monitoring, and reporting across all projects.
• Design, standardize, and oversee digital data collection tools (e.g., KoboToolbox) for assessments, routine monitoring, PDMs, and evaluations.
• Develop and manage dashboards and visualization tools (e.g., Power BI) to support real-time decision-making, performance tracking, and donor reporting.
• Strengthen information management systems to ensure data accuracy, consistency, version control, and timely access.
• Ensure data protection, confidentiality, and ethical information management, in line with organizational policies and donor requirements.
• Provide technical guidance, coaching, and capacity building to MEAL, KM, and program staff on digital tools and systems.
• Monitor the effective utilization of digital MEAL & KM tools, identify gaps, and recommend system improvements.
• Document and disseminate digital learning products (dashboards, briefs, case studies) to support organizational learning and accountability.

  9. Safeguarding Commitment

Imagine1day has zero tolerance for violations of Child and Adult Safeguarding, Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, and the Code of Conduct. In the process of recruitment, selection, and appointment, Imagine1day implements a range of procedures and actions, including Criminal Background Checks/ International vetting/Certificates of good conduct to ensure children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded and abuse is prevented.

• Master’s degree (preferred) or bachelor’s degree in mathematics, Mathematics Education, Education Research, Statistics, or related field.
• Minimum 5–7 years of relevant experience in MEAL for education programs in NGOs
• Demonstrated practical experience with early grade numeracy assessment, including EGMA or similar tools.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative data analysis and reporting skills.
• Experience supporting research-oriented or innovation-focused education projects.
• Familiarity with Ethiopia’s primary education system and early grade curriculum.

Core Competencies

• Early Grade Numeracy Assessment and Learning Measurement
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Research Methodologies
• Data Analysis and Evidence-Based Decision Making
• Learning Facilitation and Adaptive Management
• Strong Coordination and Capacity-Building Skills
• Technical Writing and Reporting
• Commitment to Accountability, Child Safeguarding, and Ethical Research Practices