Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Manager
Organisation: African Women Rising
Duty Station: Gulu, Uganda
About Organisation:
African Women Rising was founded in 2006 to empower women affected by war with the tools to rise out of extreme poverty. Rooted in the conviction that women should be active stakeholders in defining their own development strategies, African Women Rising builds on initiatives that the women themselves have started.
Job Summary: Importantly, AWR is entering a significant period of MEAL system growth and digital transformation, transitioning from program-level monitoring tools to a more integrated organization-wide digital MEAL system. The new MEAL Manager will play a central leadership role in guiding and shaping this transformation.
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Manager will lead and strengthen the MEAL systems, Staff capacity and data driven learning across the organization. The MEAL Manager will head the MEAL Department, oversee the design, implementation and modernisation of MEAL systems and technologies guiding the organization through a major MEAL growth period, including the shift toward more robust, integrated digital systems.Uganda job market
A key part of the role will be to build the capacity of the MEAL team and enhance coordination between MEAL, programs, and field staff to promote improved data quality, stronger learning practices, and better use of evidence in decision-making.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
Strategic Leadership and System Strengthening
- Lead the design, rollout, and maintenance / adaptation of organizational and program-level MEAL frameworks, including log frames, theories of change, and MEAL strategy aligned to AWR’s mission.
- Lead AWR through an upcoming period of MEAL system growth and digital transformation, guiding the shift from program-level outcome tracking to a fully integrated digital MEAL system. This includes advising on best-fit technical solutions, engaging with technical vendors, and managing the change process across MEAL, program, and management teams.
- Provide visionary leadership during this MEAL expansion phase, ensuring readiness for new processes, technologies, and data-driven ways of working.
- Lead the development, review and maintain robust MEAL tools and digital systems for data collection, management, and analysis.
- Standardize indicators, data collection tools, and reporting processes across all AWR programs.
- Support program teams to use data for adaptive management, planning, accountability and learning.
Data Management and Analysis
- Provide strategic oversight of data management systems to ensure production of high-quality, reliable, and timely data across all programs.
- Lead and strengthen data quality assurance processes including verification, validation, and routine Data Quality Assessments (DQAs).
- Capacitate and mentor MEAL Officers and Data Assistants to lead day-to-day data analysis, visualization, and reporting.
- Review, synthesize, and quality-check analytical outputs produced by the MEAL team, ensuring that insights are accurate, actionable, and meet management and donor needs.
- Guide integration of analytical products into program dashboards, digital MEAL systems, and management tools.
Capacity Building and Staff Support
- Design and implement MEAL capacity-building plans for MEAL staff, program teams, and field facilitators.
- Provide ongoing coaching and mentorship to improve staff skills in data collection, quality assurance, and analysis.
- Strengthen cross-department collaboration to ensure MEAL is fully integrated into program cycle management.
Accountability and Learning
- Strengthen community feedback and accountability mechanisms to ensure responsiveness to participants.
- Lead organizational learning events, after-action reviews, and documentation of lessons learned, best practices, and success stories.
- Promote a culture of learning, reflection, and adaptive programming across the organization.
- Represent AWR in MEAL-related working groups, networks, and coordination platforms.
Donor Compliance and Quality Assurance
- Interface with the Development Team to ensure all MEAL activities meet donor requirements and align with project indicators and reporting frameworks.
- Lead internal data quality audits (DQAs) and ensure strict adherence to data verification and validation standards.
- Support proposal development by providing MEAL inputs such as indicators, logframes, and monitoring strategies.
Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Applied Economics or Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field; an advanced certificate in M&E is strongly preferred.
- At least 5-7 years of progressive experience in MEAL roles, including 3 years in a supervisory or managerial position.
- Experience in designing and implementing comprehensive MEAL systems, including developing results frameworks, log frames, theories of change, and performance indicators.
- Expertise in developing and using data collection tools, especially mobile data collection platforms like Kobo Toolbox, ODK Collect, CommCare, or ONA.
- Proficiency with qualitative and quantitative data approaches and analytical software such as SPSS, STATA, Advanced Excel, PowerBI, Tableau, or similar visualization platforms.
- Knowledge and experience in establishing and maintaining effective Community-Based Feedback and Response Mechanisms (CBFRM) and ensuring accountability to affected populations (AAP
- capacity to train, mentor, and coach program and partner staff on MEAL concepts, methodologies, and tools to improve data quality and M&E skills.
- Capacity and Passion
- Strategic and analytical thinking.
- High integrity and commitment to data confidentiality.
- Capacity and passion for strengthening teams, nurturing talent, and promoting a culture of learning and data use.
- Results-oriented and innovative mindset.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Compensation and Benefits
AWR offers a competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience and local market standards.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit:
A cover letter explaining their motivation and suitability for the role;
A detailed CV (maximum 4 pages) including three professional referees.
Please send applications by email to: [email protected] by December 22, 2025 with the subject line: “Application – MEAL Manager”
Deadline: 22nd December 2025
NB: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. AWR is an equal opportunity employer. Women are strongly encouraged to apply.
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Level of Education: bachelor degree
Work Hours: 8
Experience in Months: 60