CESVI has been active in Ethiopia since 2018, with ongoing operations in multiple regions. The organization focuses on strengthening community resilience and supporting humanitarian responses, particularly in areas affected by climate-related and socio-economic challenges. Its activities include promoting climate-smart agriculture and agroforestry to enhance the productivity and food security of smallholder farmers. This involves introducing resilient crops such as sorghum, encouraging the cultivation of moringa and legumes, and improving soil health through sustainable practices. CESVI also supports the development of local value chains by fostering farmer associations—especially among women and youth—and linking producers to micro-enterprises for processing and marketing. The agency combines technical expertise with community engagement and academic collaboration to promote sustainable, inclusive development aligned with global sustainability goals. CESVI’s intervention “Borena A.S.P.I.R.E.S.: Sustainable Agriculture, Pastoralism, and Inclusion for Economic Resilience and Stabilization in Borena”, funded by the Italian Ministry of the Interior, adopts a systemic approach to strengthen community resilience by addressing urgent needs while building long-term solutions. The program includes the rehabilitation of water infrastructure and hygiene services, alongside support for agriculture and pastoralism through cash transfers and livestock restocking. Farmers receive seeds and tools, and agricultural and veterinary extension workers are trained to ensure ongoing support. Efforts also target improved nutrition and health for vulnerable groups, particularly women and children. Additionally, disaster risk reduction is a key focus, with community-based early warning systems and response plans in place. The initiative incorporates a Survivor and Community-Led Response (SCLR) approach, ensuring that local actions are integrated with regional and national strategies, helping to reduce inter-community conflicts and enhance disaster resilience.

Job Description

Job summary: The Project Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEAL) Expert will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing comprehensive MEAL systems to assess project performance and impact. The ideal candidate will analyze data, generate meaningful insights, and provide actionable recommendations to support evidence-based decision-making and ensure the project achieves its objectives efficiently and effectively.

Responsibilities:

1. MEAL System Design and Implementation

• Develop comprehensive MEAL frameworks, tools, and methodologies aligned with project objectives and results frameworks.
• Establish robust processes for data collection, management, and analysis to track key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Ensure MEAL systems are effectively integrated across all project activities and components.

2. Data Collection and Analysis

• Conduct regular field visits to gather both quantitative and qualitative data from project sites.
• Analyze data to assess project progress, outcomes, and overall impact against predefined targets.
• Ensure data accuracy and reliability through systematic verification and validation processes.

3. Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare high-quality MEAL reports, including progress updates, evaluation summaries, and case studies.
• Develop user-friendly data visualizations (e.g., dashboards, graphs, infographics) for diverse stakeholders.
• Document lessons learned, success stories, and best practices to guide ongoing and future programming.

4. Capacity Building and Training

• Train project staff, implementing partners, and stakeholders on MEAL systems, tools, and data collection techniques.
• Strengthen team capacity to incorporate MEAL practices into daily operations.
• Foster a culture of learning, reflection, and adaptive management within the organization.

5. Evaluation and Learning

• Design and oversee mid-term and end-line evaluations to assess project effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability.
• Facilitate learning sessions and reflection workshops to review findings and adjust project strategies as needed.
• Provide evidence-based recommendations to improve implementation and inform decision-making.

6. Stakeholders Coordination

• Collaborate with government bodies, NGOs, donors, and other stakeholders to ensure alignment and coordination of MEAL efforts.
• Represent the organization in MEAL-focused meetings, technical working groups, and sectoral forums.

7. Compliance and Accountability

• Ensure all MEAL activities adhere to donor requirements, ethical standards, and organizational policies.
• Promote transparency and accountability by engaging beneficiaries in participatory monitoring and feedback mechanisms.

Essential requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Sciences, Statistics, Development Studies, or a related field; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in monitoring and evaluation, preferably within development or humanitarian programs and with INGOs.
• Solid understanding of MEAL frameworks such as Logical Frameworks and Theory of Change, and proficiency with tools including Kobo Toolbox, ODK, SPSS, or Power BI.
• Demonstrated experience in designing and implementing M&E systems for multi-sectoral projects.
• Strong analytical skills with a proven track record in statistical analysis and data visualization.
• Excellent report writing and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work effectively under pressure, and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders.
• Familiarity with participatory MEAL approaches and methodologies.
• Fluency in spoken and written English and Amharic; proficiency in Oromiffa is highly desirable.
• Willingness to travel to project sites, often in remote areas.
• Familiarity with institutional donor requirements and reporting standards is an advantage.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and multitasking skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work across teams and with diverse stakeholders.

Other requirements

Safeguarding

CESVI has a zero-tolerance approach to any harm to, or exploitation of, a child or a vulnerable adult by any of our staff, related persons or partners.

CESVI commitment to being a safe organization begins with the staff recruitment process which includes meticulous checks, such as criminal records checks or check disclosure of previous convictions, to ensure children and vulnerable people are safeguarded and abuse is prevented. Safeguarding checks are part of the selection process performance

For further information regarding CESVI policies: https://www.cesvi.eu/who-we-are/transparency/our-policies/

How to Apply:

Persons qualified for this position are invited to submit their CVs (including 3 referees) and COVER LETTER ONLY to CESVI to the e-mail address: recruitment.nairobi@cesvioverseas.org. Please quote the Position in the subject line of your e-mail application. Please do not apply twice, applicants should not attach certificates at this stage. Inquiries by phone or e-mail will not be entertained.

This position is only open to Ethiopian Nationals, who must be eligible to live and work in Ethiopia. More information about CESVI can be found on cesvi.eu

Female candidates are encouraged to apply.

Please note:

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 28th May 2025 at midnight EAT. However, Cesvi reserves the right to close the vacancy before the above-mentioned date in case a large number of applications is received. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.