Join Our Team: MEAL Specialist (Sama-Sama Project Philippines)

Terms of Reference (TOR)

Title	Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) specialist
Contract type	Project-based, Full-time
Workstation	Cebu City
Supervisor	Program Manager – Philippines
International Relationships	All project team members in Nepal, Regional Team Leader-Asia, Project Officer in Canada
External Relationships	Partners, donors, and government stakeholders in the Philippines
Travel Requirement	Frequent travel to the project areas in the Philippines
Duration	1 year, renewable based on performance and project needs (July 2025 start)

1. Introduction

The Centre for International Studies and Cooperation (CECI), founded in 1958, promotes sustainable and inclusive development worldwide. Committed to poverty reduction and gender equality, CECI empowers women, girls, and vulnerable communities through innovative solutions in leadership, economic inclusion, governance, climate resilience, and peacebuilding. With operations in 17 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, it has implemented over 350 projects, partnered with 400+ organizations, and engaged 440+ employees and volunteers globally. Our key priorities include (1) Women and Girls’ Rights – Advocating for equal opportunities, (2) Women’s Economic Empowerment – Strengthening skills for employment and entrepreneurship, (3) Climate Change Adaptation – Supporting communities in environmental resilience, and (4) Inclusive Governance & Peacebuilding – Promoting participatory governance in fragile contexts. CECI collaborates with key partners to drive transformative, gender-inclusive approaches and scale best practices. Its efforts in research, innovation, and international cooperation foster sustainable solutions to global challenges.

The Center for Emergency Aid, Rehabilitation and Development (CONCERN) Inc. is a non-stock, non-profit social welfare development organization formed in 1986 to comprehensively address and support the needs of disaster victims and communities at risk in the Philippines. CONCERN is a long-term partner of CECI in the Philippines. It works hand-in-hand with local communities, civil society organizations, government, with the support of our partners, in strengthening the capacities in rights-based and gender-integrated disaster risk reduction and management.

2. Background

The Sama-Sama project is a 3-year development project implemented by the CECI, with funding support from the Government of Canada, in partnership with Pro Public in Nepal and CONCERN in the Philippines, from March 2025 to December 2027. This initiative aims to strengthen civil society in Nepal and the Philippines to reinforce civic engagement and democratic participation among women and marginalized groups (WMGs). In the Philippines, the project will be implemented in Eastern Samar, Metro-Cebu, Cagayan De Oro City, Iligan City, and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). The project will be implemented in 12 LGUs across Nepal’s Madhesh and Lumbini provinces.

2. Position Overview

The MEAL Specialist is responsible for developing and managing a gender-responsive, results-based MEAL system. This includes ensuring data quality, alignment with donor requirements, integration of accountability mechanisms, and facilitation of learning processes. The role supports evidence-based decision-making and works closely with partners to uphold ethical standards and promote continuous project improvement.

3. Duties and Responsibilities

The MEAL specialist shall be responsible for the following:

1. MEAL System Design and Oversight

Lead the development and implementation of a gender-responsive MEAL plan in collaboration with key stakeholders.
Regularly review and update the Performance Measurement Framework (PMF) to assess progress and ensure alignment with project objectives.
Coordinate with the MEAL Senior Advisor in Montreal and the MEAL specialist in Nepal to ensure quality assurance and consistency with MEAL standards.

2. Monitoring, Data Quality, and accountability

Consolidate and analyze project data on a monthly basis; conduct quarterly audits and quality checks.
Develop and maintain systems for tracking project performance, risk mitigation, and compliance.
Design, supervise, and support ethical and gender-sensitive data collection activities, ensuring confidentiality and informed consent.
Guide the development of tools to monitor project outcomes and stakeholder impact.
Integrate accountability mechanisms and feedback loops into MEAL systems to ensure responsiveness to beneficiaries.

5. Capacity Building and stakeholder Engagement

Design and deliver training and support plans on gender-responsive MEAL for project teams and partner organizations.
Co-organize annual and semi-annual review meetings with stakeholders
Gather and synthesize data from partners to contribute to high-quality semi-annual and annual narrative reports.

6. Learning and impact assessment

Facilitate knowledge-sharing and learning processes, including documentation and capitalization of project experiences.
Support the development of learning materials and best practice documentation, particularly during review and closure phases.
Review the quality and relevance of evaluation findings and ensure their integration into project strategy and decision-making.
Perform other related tasks as may be assigned by the Program Manager.

SAFEGUARDING AND ETHICS

Adhere to CECI’s and CONCERN’s procedures, policies, and security guidelines.
Promote security awareness and ensure compliance with relevant procedures for team members and partners.
Uphold CECI’s Code of Conduct, preventing exploitation, abuse, and harassment, Policy on the Protection of Children; Policy Against Corruption; Policy on Data Protection, while fostering diversity, equity, and inclusivity.

4. Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Statistics, MEAL, Social Sciences or a related field.
At least 10 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation of development projects, with at least 7 years in an INGO project.
Demonstrated experience in developing and implementing M&E systems within development organizations.
Expertise in participatory research methods, including participatory action and learning approaches.
Hands-on experience in field data collection, verification, and comprehensive report writing.
Experience in research, impact assessments, and learning events to enhance program effectiveness.
Strong communication skills and proficiency in MS Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and their Google Workspace equivalent.

5. Reporting and Supervision

The MEAL Specialist will report directly to the Program Manager and will coordinate closely with the MEAL senior advisor in Montreal and other project staff and partners.

6. Work Conditions and Logistics

Transportation allowance for official activities, communication allowance, and a work laptop will be provided.
Statutory benefits (SSS, PhilHealth, Pag-IBIG, 13th Month Pay, Leave Credits) and HMO/insurance will be provided.
CECI/ CONCERN Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from women and marginalized groups, including people with disabilities. Reasonable accommodation for people with disabilities are available upon request for candidates participating in every step of the hiring process.

REFERENCE AND VETTING PROCEDURE

CECI conducts comprehensive background and reference checks, emphasizing protection and safeguarding. Candidates must provide contact details for three references, who will only be contacted with explicit consent.

APPLICATION

Submit your Cover Letter and CV/resume to info@concerninc.org with subject [PH MEAL] [Last Name] on or before June 27, 2025 Friday.