Based at Expertise France's coordination office in Paris, the MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning) Coordinator will lead the design, implementation, and operationalization of the MEAL system, playing a crucial role in ensuring the effectiveness of the PEERS project. His/her role involves developing monitoring and evaluation plans, establishing baselines, and executing data collection and analysis. He/she will collaborate closely with project stakeholders in the ECOWAS and EAC regions to ensure quality data collection and interpretation, as well as consistent and accurate reporting. Additionally, he/she will support and liaise with the M&E officer and the Advocacy and communication officer at ADEA. He/she will also contribute to capacity building and quality assurance activities, supporting staff and partners in the ECOWAS and EAC regions in utilizing MEAL methodologies for evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement.

Under the hierarchical supervision of the Team Leader within the Project Management Unit (PMU), the MEAL Coordinator will be responsible for the following tasks:

Responsibility 1 – Develop and implement the MEAL system

• Review, refine and update (when necessary) the Theory of change and the logical framework (indicators, targets, sources of verification, assumptions)
• Support the development of a solid MEAL system co-constructed with key stakeholders, and aligned with the overall project Result’s framework and resources, which will include:

o   the list of impact, outcome and output indicators and a description of each indicator (suitably disaggregated), together with their monitoring plan (means of verification, methodology, tools, measurement, frequency, person responsible, etc.)

o   the data flow process, from collection to use (collection, feedback, consolidation, visualization, use for steering and decision-making, reporting, etc.)

o   the data management principles (analysis, reporting, archiving, confidentiality, quality control, RGPD-compliant data protection)

o   the main data collection tools and methods

• Build and maintain the operationality of the MEAL system, adapting existing tools and monitoring instruments while introducing new tools as necessary to enhance data collection, analysis, and reporting efficiency.
• Train all stakeholders on MEAL approaches/principles and mechanisms/tools developed to facilitate their involvement in the implementation and use of the monitoring-evaluation and learning system
• Draw up the terms of reference for identifying external service providers for conducting monitoring, learning or evaluation exercises, where appropriate, and support their selection and supervision.

Responsibility 2 –Data Collection and Analysis

• Lead the establishment of a baseline to inform the initial values of all project indicators, ensuring a solid foundation for monitoring and evaluation activities.
• Develop and implement data collection tools, feedback mechanisms, and consolidation processes to systematically gather and manage MEAL data.
• Design and test methodologies for data collection, analysis, and management, focusing on quality control, database development, analysis flowcharts, and result measurement frameworks.
• Check the quality of the data and the RGPD compliance of the system
• Interact with stakeholders for data analysis and interpretation
• Aggregate data collected through monitoring activities, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and relevance for monitoring progress towards project outcomes and objectives.

Responsibility 3: Reporting and Knowledge Management

• Produce regular monitoring and evaluation indicators and reports
• Ensure MEAL data is timely available to contribute to the development and consolidation of key project documents, deliverables and communication products (including the project website and social medias).
• Contribute to the preparation of interim and final activity reports (narrative and financial) in accordance with deadlines and contractual terms.
• Contribute to quarterly project review exercises and steering/monitoring committee presentations with the Team Leader.
• Manage the Indicator’s tracking matrix (and possibly the PowerBI dashboard) to ensure the quality of information input, analysis, and reporting.
• Support the development and implementation of a comprehensive knowledge management and learning strategy, in close collaboration with the KM Expert and the Advocacy and Communication officer.

Responsibility 4 – Capacity Building and Quality Assurance

• Provide technical support and capacity building to project staff and partners on monitoring, evaluation, and learning methodologies, fostering a culture of evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Strengthen the project team's capacity to monitor and evaluate activities effectively, supporting the production of result-oriented reports and knowledge development products.
• Ensure the high quality and consistency of MEAL results in line with recognized standards, facilitating internal and external dissemination of data and insights.

These responsibilities encompass a comprehensive approach to monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning within the PEERS project, ensuring that the program's interventions are informed by robust evidence, responsive to stakeholder needs, and contribute to accelerate progress towards inclusive and equitable quality education within the ECOWAS and EAC regions. These missions will be implemented in close collaboration with Expertise France Headquarters and other Expertise France’s projects when relevant (such as the Regional Teacher Initiative for Africa).