Head of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (Head of MEAL)

Job Title: Head of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (Head of MEAL)
Location: Kampala, Uganda
Reports to: Programmes Director

Application Deadline: 11th December 2025

About the Role

GOAL is currently seeking to hire a Head of MEAL who will be responsible for leading the GOAL Uganda (GU) Country Programme MEAL team, ensuring that an effective Programme monitoring, evaluation, research and learning, and accountability and data management system is in place for diverse program portfolio. The incumbent will be also responsible for a sufficiently resourced department that oversees the collection, storage and visualization of MEAL data through GOAL sanctioned tools and platforms such as COMMCARE and POWERBI. The Head of MEAL is expected to lead the team contributing to improved learning and program quality, enabling adaptive management, promoting efficiency and effectiveness and improving communications to our internal and external audiences. The position will directly manage the Country MEAL, Communications and MIS teams. The MEAL team, housed within the larger Programme Department, provides a crucial function in supporting GU to achieve our impact, improve our programmes and systems and share our successes.

To be successful in this role, you will need:

 Essential

• Master’s degree in data science, development economics, Development Monitoring & Evaluation, Monitoring & Evaluation and Statistics.
• 8 years + INGO demonstrated experience in a similar role developing and managing institutional level monitoring, evaluation, research and learning agenda & strategies, as well as complex MEAL systems and large teams.
• Experience in qualitative and quantitative data collection methodologies including outcome monitoring & harvesting and other participatory approaches to monitoring, evaluation and learning.
• High proficiency in MIS tools and databases such as CommCare, PowerBi.

 Desirable

• Experience in results measurement of market systems development programs.
• Familiar with cross-cutting themes such as GESI, Participation and Accountability.
• Experience in facilitating learning within organisations and in sharing learning and evidence with internal and external audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to influence perceptions and behaviours in relation to MEAL uptake and usage within wider organisations – change management experience.
• Ability to summarise large sets of data and technical information into concise and tailored reports for various target groups.

 The key responsibilities of the role will be:

Strategic Leadership and Partnership

• Lead the development of Country Programme level MEAL budget, annual planning and reporting processes.
• Lead the design and integration of the different donors’ programme portfolios’ MEAL plans, measurement tools, and indicators at country, donor and GOAL Global level reporting
• Lead on the coordination of the timely collection and analysis of all M&E data for periodic reporting (monthly, quarterly, biannual and annual) for all donor reports.
• Contribute to organisational processes, such as the development and implementation of Country Strategic Action Plan, the impact measurement standards and strategy, localisation, longer-term nexus programming and sustainability, as well as contributing to organisational change processes.
• Deliver technical support to SMT in programme design/proposal writing to ensure that programme quality is fully embedded, and more specifically support the development of the theory of change and measurement plans.
• Provide oversight and leadership to GU’s effort in meeting its internal and external accountability commitments through the implementation of sound accountability, client feedback, and response mechanisms.
• Provide technical support and guidance to consultants/partners/stakeholders working with GU on MEAL related services and ensure that all assignments are effectively and efficiently executed with high quality deliverables.

 Technical Oversight and implementation of GU’s MEAL Strategy and System

• Lead and provide technical leadership on the design and the implementation of a strong GU M&E Strategy, reporting and related processes, systems/tools that integrate various MEAL requirements for individual projects throughout the project cycle, programme teams, country-level indicators and global GOAL indicators, streamlining monitoring and reporting tools, data capture, databases and monitoring processes on COMMCARE and PowerBi/Score and other GOAL approved tools.
• Lead and coordinate the qualitative and quantitative approaches to monitoring, evaluation, research and learning across Programme teams, including through outcome harvesting/monitoring and participatory approaches to MEAL.
• Lead and coordinate the Programme MEAL teams in the development of individual results frameworks, indicators and data collection plans (monitoring plans) for GU projects and programmes.
• Work with Programme teams to develop and promote the use of standard GOAL Global and GOAL Uganda MEAL guidelines, indicators, tools and forms (as appropriate) and coordinate the collection of information required for country-level management.

 Data Collection, Storage, Analysis and Reporting

• Lead and coordinate the development of Terms of References (TORs) and the design, collection and analysis of baselines, annual, mid and end line surveys, assessments and regular monitoring processes. Facilitate feedback and review with Programme teams.
• Lead, oversee and ensure that all programme participants’ and partners’ databases are regularly captured/updated in COMMCARE with uniquely identifiable registry system and in compliance with donor and GOAL requirements.
• Generate regular reports drawing from the database and monitoring tools, ensuring reports/information are available to programme staff as required.
• Closely monitor and report on the results and progress made with regard to projects and programme implementation and prepare monthly reports/provide feedback to the PD and SMT on implementation and progress of the MEAL team workplans.
• Systematically conduct data quality assessments and other data quality assurance measures for GOAL and partner programmes to ensure data collected is accurate and reliable. Documented results and recommendations should be shared with relevant stakeholders.
• Conduct regular field visits to ensure all elements of the MEAL system are being utilized effectively, assessing and identifying breakdowns and areas that require clarifications and improvements.
• Contribute to monthly, quarterly and annual reports and other ad hoc reports to meet donor, GOAL Global and internal requirements.
• Ensure standardisation of MEAL tools used by GOAL and Partners, including monitoring and reporting tools, SoPs, data aggregation tools and guidelines, and take lead on training and orientation sessions to uniform application across teams.

Internal and External Communications and GU Visibility

• Identify, prioritise and participate in relevant thematic fora, platforms and networks for sector coordination, expertise exchange, learning and influencing.
• Work with the wider MEAL team to produce and implement a Communications Plan for both internal and external stakeholders Work with MEAL and programme staff to ensure the regular development and dissemination of high-quality communication and learning materials such as learning briefs, case studies, success/challenge stories, newsletters, blogs, photo journals and videos for GU’s Programmes as per the Communications Plan.
• Ensure compliance with GU and GOAL Global communications and branding protocols and standards.

Quality Assurance and Learning

• Provide input into R&D processes to identify research needs and opportunities within GU which contribute to the Country Programme priorities.
• Ensure a shared MEAL Policy, Country Monitoring Framework and operational guidance is developed and rolled out in collaboration with the regional and HQ-based MEAL teams.
• Support the Project MEAL Coordinators/Managers in the implementation of the Learning Strategy and ensure technical capacity and resources are available.
• Support the Programme Safeguarding and Accountability team in ensuring independent verification, adherence to and learnings about Core Humanitarian Standard requirements.
• Work with programme teams to ensure data analysis and reports are integrated into programmatic decision-making to improve the impact of the programme and enable adaptive management.
• Facilitate cross-departmental learning events, including monthly MEAL team meetings and quarterly Programme Coordination and Learning events.

Capacity Building

• Conduct regular needs assessments for GU and partner staff and determine MEAL training needs and tools to support staff.
• Develop training materials and conduct trainings to GU and partner staff on identified areas, including results-based management and creating effective monitoring indicators, plans, processes, and systems to improve performance monitoring.
• Ensure implementation and review of thematic sector strategies in close collaboration with regional & HQ thematic experts.

• Implement support and strengthen capabilities in implementing the GOAL Global Monitoring system, including guidance to support the different programmes and their partner organisations.

 Database Management

• Oversee the GU MEAL MIS, ensure an online system for centralizing and standardizing indicator results and monitoring project information is developed and maintained.
• Ensure database and monitoring information is regularly reviewed, cleaned, updated and shared, and that data is stored in accordance with GOAL’s global policies, data protection and compliance measures.

Team Management

• Collaborate in the recruitment of country MEAL staff, consultants and support their onboarding.
• Lead and manage the MEAL team by guiding, coaching, instructing, motivating and promoting their growth and development, providing vital tools and resources, as well as on the job training.
• Supervise the MEAL team across multiple sectors and geographic areas to meet the overall objectives within GU’s Annual Country Plan.
• Ensure all team members have clear workplans (monthly, quarterly and annual) as well as set clear performance objectives and targets; establish regular performance reviews.
• Champion a positive working environment for professional development and facilitate team building; foster an inclusive and respectful team climate, where all staff are valued and respected and can contribute to their maximum potential.
• Drive excellent cross-team working and with other leaders in the programmes Team.

 General Terms and Conditions

We strongly encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every single requirement listed.  At GOAL we welcome people of all abilities and want to ensure that our hiring and interview process meets the needs of all applicants. If you require a reasonable accommodation to make your application or interview experience a great one, please just contact our Recruitment Team at recruitment@ug.goal.ie

GOAL Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:
GOAL is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to building an inclusive environment for all employees. We foster an inclusive culture where all voices are heard and valued. We know that the more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

All employees share in the responsibility for fulfilling GOAL’s commitment to equal employment opportunity and equal treatment. GOAL does not discriminate against any employee on the basis of sex, race, colour, ethnic background, tribe, birth, creed or religion or social or economic standing, political opinion, disability.

Code of Conduct and Accountability within GOAL

GOAL is an equal opportunities employer and has values and behaviours framework which defines our code of conduct. Any candidate offered a job with GOAL will be expected to adhere to the following key areas of accountability.

• Comply with GOAL’s policies and procedures with respect to safeguarding, Code of Conduct, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality, do no harm principles and unacceptable behaviour protocols.
• Report any concerns about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult or any wrongdoings within our programming area.
• Report any concerns about inappropriate behaviour of a GOAL staff or partner.

Safeguarding

Children and vulnerable adults a must be safeguarded to the maximum extent from deliberate or inadvertent actions and failings that place them at risk of abuse, sexual exploitation, injury, and any other harm. One of the ways that GOAL shows this on-going commitment to safeguarding is to include rigorous background and reference checks in the selection process for all candidates.

 GOAL 

Established in 1977, GOAL is an international humanitarian agency and works with the most vulnerable communities to help them respond to and overcome humanitarian crises, and to assist those facing poverty and exclusion achieve greater resilience and well-being. GOAL envisions a world beyond humanitarian crises where poverty no longer exists, where vulnerable communities exposed to shocks and stresses are resilient, where barriers to well-being are removed and where everyone has equal rights and opportunities. 

General Description of the Country Programme 

First operational in Uganda in 1979, the current GOAL Uganda country programme focuses on Health, (including WASH, Health Accountability and Nutrition); and a market-based systems approach to improving agricultural livelihoods and WASH. GOAL Uganda mainstreams gender, child protection, social behaviour changes and resilience strategies across all programming. GOAL uses a mixture of direct implementation and partnerships with national and international civil society organizations, local government, the private sector and communities to give effect to our mission.  

GOAL believes that if the inherent capacities of vulnerable people are developed, the systems in which they live and work are strengthened, and positive global action is catalysed, then communities facing crisis, poverty, and exclusion will achieve greater resilience and well-being. GOAL Uganda has a skilled team of over 130 personnel and has a head office in Kampala and field offices in 7 locations across Northern, Southwestern and Eastern regions of Uganda.  GOAL Uganda’s donors include the Mastercard Foundation, charity: water, Irish Aid, The Kingdom of Netherland Embassy in Uganda (EKN) and other private donors.  

Interested applicants who meet the requirements should submit their applications with at least 3 reference contacts (current or former Line Manager) from the last three employers and daytime contact number.