MEAL Officer

Role DescriptionMonitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer Play it Forward Zambia works with over 2,500 young people each year through education, health, and sport programmes. Our focus is on delivering practical and measurable impact - from improving school attendance and digital skills to supporting wellbeing and pathways into employment. As we grow, we are strengthening how we measure, evidence, and communicate impact to improve programme quality and meet donor requirements.The MEAL Officer will lead the development and day-to-day implementation of simple, effective MEAL systems across all programmes. This is a hands-on role focused on ensuring data is accurate, useful, and actively used to improve delivery and demonstrate impact.About UsOur mission is to empower young people in Zambia to develop sustainable livelihoods through education, health, and football programmes.We work with young people from disadvantaged communities, delivering initiatives including health education, digital skills, and pathways into further education and employment - helping them build the skills and confidence to succeed in life.UK Charity Registration Number 1108821Zambia Non-Profit Registration No. 120170010072Job DetailsLocation: Play it Forward Office, Livingstone, ZambiaType:Full-time Contract:One year (minimum), subject to a 3-month probation Salary:CompetitiveReports to: Head of ProgrammesEssential skills and experienceDegree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Social Sciences, Project Management, or a related field.Minimum 3 years’ experience in MEAL within the development sector (Sport for Development desirable).Proven experience designing and implementing practical, field-ready MEAL systems.Strong skills in data collection, analysis (quantitative & qualitative), and reporting.Experience conducting assessments/surveys and meeting donor reporting requirements.Excellent communication skills and confident use of data tools (e.g. Excel, Kobo, Google Forms).Main duties and responsibilities1. Monitoring & Data SystemsKey Output: Reliable, consistent, and user-friendly data systems used across all programmes.Design and implement simple, practical data collection tools (e.g. attendance tracking, outcome indicators, surveys) that can be easily used by programme staffEnsure all programmes are consistently tracking clear, relevant indicators aligned to organisational priorities and donor requirementsMaintain a centralised, simple, and well-organised MEAL system (e.g. Google Drive, Kobo, Excel), ensuring data is accurate, up to date, and accessibleEstablish and carry out regular data quality checks to verify accuracy, completeness, and consistency across programmesSupport the transition from ad hoc data collection to standardised systems and processes across the organisation2. Reporting & AnalysisKey Output: Clear, insight-driven reporting that demonstrates impact and supports decision-making.Lead the preparation of high-quality donor reports (e.g. FIFA Foundation, DOT), ensuring accuracy, clarity, and timely submissionAnalyse programme data to identify key trends, outcomes, and insights (not just raw data)Translate data into clear, concise insights, reports and presentations for internal teams, management, and external stakeholdersWork closely with programme staff to ensure data collected is relevant, complete, and aligned with reporting requirementsSupport the development of impact summaries, case studies, and success stories for fundraising and communications3.  Field MonitoringKey Output: Regular field insights that improve programme quality and ensure data reflects realityConduct regular visits to programme sites (schools, pitches, community sessions) to observe delivery and verify data accuracyWork alongside programme staff during visits to check data collection tools are being used correctly and consistentlyDocument findings from visits, including strengths, challenges, and areas for improvementProvide practical, actionable feedback to programme teams to strengthen delivery and data qualityEnsure safeguarding, attendance, and programme data reported aligns with what is observed in the field4. Accountability & FeedbackKey Output: Effective feedback systems that strengthen accountability and improve programme quality.Design and implement simple, accessible feedback mechanisms (e.g. surveys, suggestion boxes, focus groups) for participants and communitiesEnsure feedback systems are safe, inclusive, and aligned with safeguarding standardsRegularly collect, review, and analyse feedback to identify trends, concerns, and opportunities for improvementWork with programme teams to ensure feedback is acted on and informs programme deliveryMaintain clear documentation of feedback and responses to support accountability to participants and donors5. Learning & ImprovementKey Output: Clear evidence of learning being used to improve programme quality and impact.Lead regular reflection sessions (e.g. quarterly) with programme staff to review data, outcomes, and key learningsSupport teams to identify and apply practical improvements based on data and field insightsDocument lessons learned, best practices, and challenges across programmesContribute to the development of case studies, impact stories, and internal learning briefsPromote a culture of continuous learning and evidence-based decision making across the organisation6. Capacity BuildingKey Output: Confident staff who can effectively collect, understand, and use data.Train programme staff on data collection tools, basic MEAL principles, and reporting requirementsProvide ongoing, hands-on support to ensure staff can accurately and consistently collect dataDevelop simple guidance and templates to support standardised MEAL practices across programmesMentor staff to improve their ability to use data for planning and decision-makingIdentify capacity gaps and support continuous improvement in MEAL across the teamTo learn more about the work we do visit our website: https://play-itforward.org/How to applyWe welcome applications from people of all ages (over 18) and backgrounds who have the skills and experience to help strengthen our team.Please submit your CV along with a cover letter of no more than one A4 page outlining your suitability for the role to workwithus@play-itforward.orgDue to the high number of applications received, only short-listed applicants will be contacted.The Application deadline is Monday 4th May 2026.To learn more about the work we do visit our website: www.play-itforward.orgPlay it Forward is fully committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children, young people and adults at risk (vulnerable groups) that are in our care or attending our premises. Applicants must be willing to undergo background checks appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers. The Employee must ensure a positive commitment towards equality and diversity by treating others fairly and not committing any form of direct or indirect discrimination, victimisation or harassment of any description and to promote positive working relations amongst Employees and beneficiaries.