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Job Summary
- Employer: World Vision International
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Lilongwe, Malawi
- Category: Monitoring and Evaluation
- Closing Date: 2026-10-03
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of a MEAL system for the Able to Thrive Project.
- Develop consistent data collection and reporting tools and protocols
- Implement regular , monitoring, data management and data quality assessments to ensure data quality and adherence to protocols.
- Coordinate the planning and implementation of baseline/evaluation surveys, LQAS surveys, QRMs and community reviews.
- Facilitate and contribute to development and review of project plans and progress reports
- Facilitate planning and implementation of data quality audits.
- Monitor and support alignment of disability programming in the project to World Vision strategy, Technical Programmes, and World Vision International standards
- Provide technical leadership in reporting and communication including documentation of best practices.
- Produce monthly, quarterly, semiannual and annual reports
- Develop standardized reporting templates and guidelines specific to disability inclusion.
- Systematic process for regular data collection and analysis related to disability inclusion.
- Consolidate all relevant data and follow data protection mechanisms
- Use inclusive data collection methods that consider the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities (such as braille, sign language interpreters, or easy-to-read formats, to ensure that all beneficiaries can participate in data collection)
- Share project documentation and reports with relevant stakeholders, including individuals with disabilities and their families, project staff, partners, and donors.
- Capture and document lessons learned, and data trends to inform decision making and adaptation; and champion the scaling up of best practices
- Identify the MEAL training needs of the project team.
- Develop and implement a capacity training plan related to project goals
- Build capacity of staff and stakeholders in community based monitoring as well as GESI DM&E toolkit
- Build capacity of volunteers in Case Management System on disabilities
- Facilitate planning and implementation of project transition
- Build capacity of staff and stakeholders in project transition
- Transfer M&E knowledge and provide training to the incoming team.
- Ensure a smooth handover of M&E data and records.
- Conduct a comprehensive review to improve M&E for the incoming project
- Working with the DM&E for HEA to develop accountability frameworks for all project sites
- Provide leadership in implementing and rolling out structured community and feedback mechanisms for project operations
- Establish accessible feedback channels and train staff for responsive handling.
- Ensure inclusive communication methods and materials for all beneficiaries.
- Actively engage individuals with disabilities in project planning and decision-making.
Requirements
- Bachelor degree in Social Science, Biostatistics, Public Health, Economics. High level of proficiency in qualitative and quantitative analysis using statistical packages including SPSS /STATA and ENA for SMART/EPI INFO
- 5 years experience in program design and Design, Monitoring & Evaluation for an NGO, foundation or other similar project
- Ability to design a MEL Plan, DM&E tools, surveys, surveillance systems, and evaluations
- Demonstrated ability to build capacity of team members and local partners
- Committed to World Vision Values
- Ability to maintain relationships, with their team, colleagues, members and external partners and supporters
- Excellent drafting and analytical skills
How to Apply
REF Code: JR25500
About the Company
World Vision International is an interdenominational Christian humanitarian aid, development, and advocacy organization. It was founded in 1950 by Robert Pierce and Kyung-Chik Han as a service organization to provide care for children in Korea. In 1975, emergency and advocacy work was added to World Vision's objectives. It is active in over 100 countries with a total revenue including grants, product and foreign donations of US$3.14 billion.
Website: https://www.wvi.org/malawi
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications or certifications do I need to become a MEAL Specialist with an NGO like World Vision in Malawi?
Most employers require a bachelor's degree in statistics, social sciences, development studies, or a related field. Professional certifications such as M&E from the University of Malawi or international credentials like IPDET training strengthen your application. Proficiency in data analysis software including SPSS, STATA, or KoboToolbox is increasingly essential.
What are the typical day-to-day responsibilities of a MEAL Specialist in Malawi?
You will design monitoring frameworks, collect and analyze field data from districts like Mzimba or Nsanje, and prepare reports for donors and government partners. Regular travel to rural communities to train enumerators and verify data quality is standard. You also support project teams to use evidence for program improvements and adaptive management.
How does the work culture and employer expectations differ for MEAL roles in Malawian NGOs compared to government positions?
International NGOs typically demand faster reporting cycles, strict donor compliance, and English-language documentation. Flexibility with evening or weekend work during project evaluations is common. Government roles move more slowly but offer greater job security and less pressure for rapid turnaround on deliverables.
What career progression paths exist for MEAL Specialists working in Malawi's development sector?
With experience, you can advance to MEAL Manager, then Director of M&E or Program Quality roles overseeing multiple projects. Some specialists transition into technical advisory positions with UN agencies or regional NGOs based in Lilongwe. Others pursue consultancy work or academic research positions at institutions like Chancellor College.
What benefits should I expect or negotiate for as a MEAL Specialist with an international NGO in Malawi?
Standard packages typically include medical insurance, pension contributions, annual leave of 20-25 days, and professional development allowances. Field-based positions often provide travel per diems and transport allowances for district visits. Always confirm whether benefits extend to dependents and whether contracts are fixed-term or indefinite.
How do I successfully apply for MEAL positions with organizations like World Vision in Malawi, and what do employers prioritize?
Tailor your CV to highlight quantitative skills, field experience in Malawi's development context, and specific tools you have mastered. Employers prioritize candidates with prior NGO experience, demonstrated report writing in English, and knowledge of sector frameworks like USAID or DFID monitoring requirements. Networking through the Malawi Evaluation Association and attending sector events improves visibility to hiring managers.