Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Associate

Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) AssociateName of Project: Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) Improvement Project Khotang, ASRH and Telehealth Project SolukhumbuProject Funded by: Australian Himalayan Foundation (AHF) and Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT)Department: ProgramSalary: Competitive PackageJob Place: TaplejungProject Area:Maiwakhola, Aathrai Tribeni, Phaktanglung and Shrijunga RMsType of Job: Full timeReports to: District Project Manager/MEAL ManagerAction For NepalAFN is a high performing, community-centric organization building healthy, educated communities in Nepal through effective projects, sound strategies, efficient processes and successful partnerships. AFN is committed to respecting, protecting and promoting internationally recognized human rights including civil and political, economic, social and cultural rights, with particular emphasis on gender equality, the protection of children, people with a disability and the rights of minorities and vulnerable and marginalized groups.Position overview:The MEAL Associate supports monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning activities, including data collection, analysis, reporting, and performance tracking, to ensure evidence-based implementation and compliance with the project & monitoring framework across the Khotang RMNCAH: Strengthening Inclusive Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Healthcare Project and the ASRH and Telehealth Projects in Solukhumbu. S/he is responsible for ensuring high-quality project data, monitoring progress against agreed indicators, and producing timely, accurate reports to support evidence-based decision-making. The MEAL Associate will also strengthen accountability and learning processes, ensure compliance with donor reporting requirements, integrate gender, equity, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI) principles into monitoring systems, and work closely with the Project Manager and Project Officers to support adaptive project management and continuous improvement.Duties and Responsibilities:A. Monitoring System ImplementationLead the implementation of the project’s MEAL plan, ensuring all activities are monitored in line with the logical framework and donor requirementsSupport the Project Officer in collecting and documenting regular project information in line with M&E framework, ensuring alignment with the theory of change and intended outcomes.Assist in tracking indicators across all outputs and monitoring progress of activities against approved plans.Maintain and regularly update indicator tracking sheets and project databases.Coordinate with rural municipalities, health facilities, and other stakeholders to ensure timely and accurate data collection for all project activities.Contribute to the preparation of annual work plans, quarterly plans, and detailed activity schedules in coordination with the project team.Plan, implement, and coordinate project activities to ensure quality standards across AFN programs.Participate in joint supervision visits and in MSS assessmentsSupport data collection and documentation for MSS assessments, facility improvement plans, and supportive supervision mechanisms.Document MSS findings and track follow-up actionsAssist in the preparation and timely submission of activity reports, quarterly reports, and required data as per reporting timelines.Ensure adherence to AFN policies and procedures across all field-level activities.Maintain regular communication with the project team and provide field-level support to program implementation.B. Data Collection, Management, and DocumentationCollect and verify data from Municipalities, Health facilities, project schools, FCHVs and Community activitiesEnsure quality data in terms of Accuracy, Completeness, TimelinessSupport disability-disaggregated data recording and reportingSupport training and follow-up on HMIS/LMIS reporting and data review and management practicesConduct regular field visits to monitor project activities, collect data, prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual reports and ensure adherence to project plansCompile field monitoring findings and Data summaries and visualizationProvide regular and timely updates of the field activities and document the information;Document stories of change, best practices and learning from the project Proper documentation of all the relevant references and materialsC. Accountability and FeedbackEstablish and manage functional community feedback and complaint response mechanisms at all project sites.Ensure that feedback from beneficiaries, especially women, adolescents, Dalits, and persons with disabilities, is collected, analyzed, and used to adapt project activities.Support the strengthening of complaint and incident reporting systems related to PSEAH and child safeguarding at the facility and community levels.C. Safeguarding, Risk management and InclusionEnsure all project activities comply with the organization’s safeguarding and inclusion policies, including Child Safeguarding, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (PSEAH), and Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) standardsContribute to assessing, mitigating and reporting on risks, including risks of child abuse and exploitation and sexual abuse and exploitation, in the project areaEnsure immediate reporting to AFN of any incident of abuse and exploitation.Follow directives of AFN for follow up required regarding incidents, including reporting to concerned authorities;Ensure safety of survivor, confidentiality and survivor centered approach.Required Qualifications and ExperienceBachelor’s degree in Public Health, Statistics, or related fieldMinimum 3 years of experience after completion of bachelor’s degree in M&E, research or data managementProven experience in developing and implementing MEAL plans, frameworks, and data collection tools.Experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, with proficiency in statistical software (e.g., SPSS, STATA, R) and data visualization tools.Experience with mobile data collection platforms (e.g., Kobo Toolbox, ODK) is an asset.Experience in conducting community-based monitoring and accountability activities.Familiarity with HMIS/LMIS systems in NepalExperience working with Local governments and Health systems in NepalRequired Skills and CompetencesStrong analytical and critical thinking skills.Excellent writing, reporting, and communication skills in English and Nepali.Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks, meet deadlines, and work with minimal supervision.Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint) and database management.Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively in a team.Willingness to travel extensively (at least 50%) to remote field locations.Work Conditions:Extended working hours and overtime may be required.Travel may be necessary for meetings and site visits.Inclusive Policy: AF Nepal encourages applications from women, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and marginalized communities.