Job Title:

MEAL Coordinator

Department

Programs

Position type

Full Time

Grade

Reporting line

Reports to: Programs Manager

Duty station

Head Office, Kigali

Organization profile 

Murika Development Partners (MDP) is a legally registered National Non-Government Organization (since December 2025), fully Rwandan-led and dedicated to catalyzing holistic transformation among vulnerable communities. MDP tackles the root causes of multi-dimensional poverty in partnership with the church, ensuring solutions are locally owned and sustainable. Building on 30 years of proven impact through World Relief’s church-based programs in Rwanda, MDP inherits tested tools and knowledge while advancing a locally led model. By mobilizing community networks, MDP empowers families to overcome economic, social, physical, emotional, and spiritual poverty, and equips them to design, lead, and scale solutions that endure beyond external support.

Job summary

The MEAL Coordinator is responsible for leading the design, implementation, and analysis of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) processes to enhance program effectiveness and impact. This role involves collecting and managing data, utilizing metrics to assess performance, conducting evaluations, and fostering a culture of learning through capacity building and training. In addition, the MEAL Coordinator ensures adherence to ethical standards and compliance with organizational policies while facilitating transparent communication of findings to stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Data Collection and Management (30%) 

• Design and refine data collection tools and methodologies to capture program outcomes and impacts accurately.
• Conduct field visits to collect quantitative and qualitative data while ensuring adherence to ethical and methodological standards.
• Enter, clean, and maintain datasets using appropriate data management systems and software.
• Support the development and maintenance of databases for efficient storage and retrieval of MEAL information.

2. Metrics Analysis and Utilization (30%) 

• Collaborate with program teams to identify and track relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) aligned with program goals.
• Analyze data to assess program performance and trends, providing insights and guidance for decision-making.
• Develop dashboards and visualizations to effectively communicate program metrics to stakeholders.
• Ensure timely processing, analysis, and sharing of program data with relevant partners.
• Provision of quarterly and monthly summarized metrics reports.

3. Assessments and Evaluations (20%) 

• Support the planning and execution of evaluations for various programs, including baseline, midterm, and end-line assessments.
• Participate in developing evaluation frameworks and methodologies and assist in drafting comprehensive evaluation reports.
• Conduct literature reviews and contextual analyses to inform assessment designs and evaluation processes.
• Relate regularly evaluation results to program actions to demonstrate progress and highlight areas for improvement.

4. Reporting, Accountability, and Compliance (15%) 

• Prepare timely MEAL reports summarizing key findings, lessons learned, and best practices.
• Contribute to the development of donor reports by providing accurate MEAL information.
• Assist in establishing feedback mechanisms to gather input from beneficiaries and ensure accountability to affected populations.
• Ensure all MEAL activities comply with organizational policies, donor requirements, and ethical standards.

5. Capacity Building and Learning (5%) 

• Provide training for staff, partners, and field teams on MEAL principles, tools, and best practices.
• Facilitate learning sessions to disseminate evaluation findings and encourage evidence-based decision-making.
• Develop and support training materials and resources to capture program insights and innovations.
• Collaborate with program teams to ensure learning outcomes are integrated into program design and implementation strategies.

6. Additional responsibilities

• The duties and responsibilities outlined above are not exhaustive; the role holder may be required to perform additional tasks that are reasonable and aligned with the job incumbent’s skills and experience.

Job specification requirements 

Qualifications & Experience Required

Essential skills 

• Education:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Social Sciences, Data Science, Statistics, Development Economics, or a related field with a minimum of 3 years, preferably with an international NGO, in roles that include successful report writing, document preparation, process planning, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Experience:
  • Proven experience in data collection and management, including designing and implementing data collection tools.
  • Proven track record in statistical analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, Stata) and data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI) is advantageous.
  • Prior experience in conducting evaluations and assessments is essential, including participatory approaches and methodologies.

• Strong analytical and critical thinking skills to assess program performance and trends.

• Ability to synthesize complex data and provide actionable insights for decision-making.
• Proficient in data management software (e.g., Excel, Access, or similar) and database development.
• Experience with designing data collection methodologies and tools.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills to convey complex information clearly to various stakeholders.
• Ability to develop reports, dashboards, and visuals that effectively communicate findings and metrics.
• Strong collaborative skills to work effectively with program teams, partners, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to provide training and capacity-building support to diverse audiences.
• Strong time management skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks while meeting deadlines.
• Detail-oriented approach to ensure accuracy and quality in all MEAL activities.

Core competencies

Program Coordination

Skills in coordinating various program activities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

Collaborative Skills

Ability to work collaboratively with other teams and partners to achieve common objectives.

Data Management

Proficiency in collecting, analyzing, and reporting program-related data for decision-making.

Reporting

Ability to collect and organize data systematically for reporting purposes.

Project coordination

The ability to execute project plans that meet specific objectives within defined timelines and budgets.

Time Management

Skills in managing time effectively to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.

Community Outreach

Ability to engage and mobilize community members for participation in programs and initiatives.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Timeliness and accuracy of data collection and database maintenance.
• Number and quality of data collection tools designed and implemented effectively.
• Number of relevant Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) identified and tracked aligned with program goals.
• Quality and timeliness of produced dashboards and visualizations communicated to stakeholders.
• Successful execution of baseline, midterm, and end line evaluations within the set timelines.
• Quality and comprehensiveness of evaluation reports, including actionable recommendations.
• Number of training sessions conducted and feedback from participants on the effectiveness of training.
• Timeliness and quality of MEAL reports submitted to relevant stakeholders.
• Number of feedback mechanisms established and the responsiveness to beneficiary input.

Working conditions

The MEAL Coordinator role operates within a structured yet dynamic environment that requires flexibility and adaptability in various working conditions. This position combines a mix of office-based responsibilities and fieldwork, ensuring a comprehensive approach to the monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning processes within the organization.

• Office Setting: The role is based primarily in the office, utilizing standard office equipment and software for data management, analysis, and reporting.
• Field Visits: Regular travel to various program sites is required, allowing for firsthand data collection and stakeholder engagement. Field visits may involve working in diverse conditions, including rural locations, and require adherence to ethical and methodological standards during data collection.
• Standard Hours: Work hours are generally from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday to Friday, with occasional flexibility required to accommodate program needs, training schedules, and meetings with stakeholders outside of standard office hours.
• Flexibility: Flexibility in working hours may be required to accommodate field visits, training sessions, and stakeholder meetings, which can extend beyond regular office hours.
• Safety Precautions: When conducting field visits, adherence to health and safety protocols is critical.
• Travel Safety: Staff members must exercise caution while traveling to program sites, particularly in remote areas, and should be aware of the local context and any potential risks.