The MEAL Expert will contribute to SC Italy Evidence and Learning goals, by supporting the integration of highest standards in international programmes MEAL systems, supporting impact measurement and management, and promoting cross learning in line with SC Italy’s 2025-2027 Strategy.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Contribute to ensuring quality, consistency, and coherence of SC IT international programmes through MEAL:

In proposal development:

In close coordination with all involved functions in SC Italy, support the design and adequate resourcing of MEAL components in proposal development, in alignment with Save the Children Italy’s strategic priorities and according to the needs identified with the MEAL Manager. In particular:

• Support the identification and integration of relevant data and information to ensure proposals are evidence-based, also aided by Artificial Intelligence.
• Support the identification of applicable indicators in line with donor requirements and promote utilization of SC Global Outcome Indicators whenever appropriate.
• Support the definition of MEAL plans, including monitoring mechanisms and data collection tools; baseline and evaluation studies, ensuring the appropriate design is identified and adequately resourced at the outset; accountability mechanisms and learning components in line with SC procedures, standards and Global Research Evidence and Learning Agenda.
• Promote the adoption of digital technologies and innovative solutions in MEAL, where relevant.
• Contribute to the identification of relevant research and evaluation partners and institutions to involve in programmatic activities.

In project implementation:

In close coordination with all involved functions in SC Italy, where needed, provide technical support to COs on the implementation of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning components in selected programmes, including on:

• Performance Indicators Reference Sheet (PIRS), data collection methods and tools, information management, indicator tracking and project reporting, including on Total Reach.
• Project baseline and evaluation studies throughout the evaluation cycle in all relevant phases as defined with COs at the process outset, including by ensuring systematic adherence to centralized guidance documents and procedures, sharing templates and available tools at the planning stage; reviewing TORs, inception reports and draft evaluation reports to ensure quality and rigour in the process.
• Support the implementation of learning agendas, and knowledge sharing activities with relevant teams.
• Contribute to strengthening MEAL capacity in the field through field missions, dedicated remote support, training and resource sharing as opportunities allow.
• Promote adherence to SCI MEAL related procedures and standards.
• Provide technical review to donor reports, ensuring accurateness and completeness, and assisting the team in the field as needed.

Contribute to learning generation and dissemination, evidence uptake and data utilization:

• Develop and keep up to date evidence briefs, programme cards, presentations and visuals able to easily communicate methodological approaches and results to a variety of audiences.
• Organize and conduct webinars and other meetings to share evidence and learning acquired in supported programmes with other interested teams.
• Be proactive in identifying and promoting opportunities of learning and transferability of approaches, methodologies, tools and experience across programmes, regions and themes, also with the national programmes in line with identified opportunities.
• Conduct analysis of relevant KPIs related to SC Italy’s performance on MEAL, prepare synthesis and present results to relevant audiences. Contribute to data collection and reporting on SC Italy’s strategy KPIs.
• Contribute to generating evidence on innovative approaches developed by SC Italy’s technical team, or on Common Approaches.