POSITION OVERVIEW
The Team Leader will act as the principal technical expert and overall supervisor of the MEAL delivery team, ensuring the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and thoroughness in all MEAL products produced throughout the assignment—from initial design to final Edline evaluation. This role requires close collaboration with the client’s designated MEAL focal point to synchronize work planning, methodological approaches, and reporting procedures. Additionally, the Team Leader will serve as the primary representative of the MEAL team in high-level discussions with donors and program stakeholders.
Oversee and execute critical duties encompassing strategic planning, operational management, and team leadership to ensure organizational objectives are met efficiently. Develop and implement policies, procedures, and best practices to optimize workflows, enhance productivity, and maintain high performance standards. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align departmental goals with broader company initiatives, fostering a cohesive and results-driven work environment. Monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) and provide data-driven insights to senior leadership, enabling informed decision-making and continuous improvement.
You will be responsible for designing and finalizing comprehensive evaluation and assessment methodologies, with a key focus on operationalizing the program Results Framework indicators for Baseline, Midline, and Edline evaluations.
You will be responsible for managing and ensuring the quality of the complete third-party monitoring process, which encompasses the creation and approval of verification tools, key informant interview guides, focus group discussion protocols, and data quality assurance procedures.
Direct primary data collection, coupled with a comprehensive review of secondary data sources, is conducted alongside triangulation methods to support the development of major assessment products, thereby upholding methodological precision and contextual relevance.
Expertly oversee the conception, development, and execution of social network analysis (SNA) initiatives integrated within the Midline and Edline evaluation frameworks.
Prepare comprehensive Baseline, Midline, and Edline evaluation reports, incorporating detailed case studies for each major assessment conducted at both geographic and thematic levels.
Ensure the analytical rigor, evidence-based conclusions, and factual accuracy of all quarterly third-party monitoring reports before granting final approval.
Assist in organizing and co-leading semi-annual Outcome Harvesting sessions alongside program implementing partners by developing structured agendas, creating digital facilitation resources, and compiling session outputs into concise learning briefs.
Collaborate with implementing partners and the donor to co-facilitate annual in-person learning events, taking the lead on group sessions focused on thematic or geographic learning gaps as assigned.
Offer comprehensive technical leadership and guidance to the technical teams, including Research Officers, Field Coordinators, and GIS Analysts, throughout the data collection and analysis processes.
Collaborate closely with the Communications Officer to transform insights gleaned from MEAL initiatives into clear, contextually relevant communication materials.
Compile and present formal findings to the program management team, as well as to donors and advisory board members, ensuring clarity and professionalism in delivery.
Oversee the creation and upkeep of a comprehensive inception report that outlines the team’s strategy for all MEAL components, key timelines, communication protocols, DESI integration approach, and the risk register.
We are seeking a highly motivated professional with a proven track record in a similar role, possessing the necessary qualifications and relevant experience to excel in this position. Candidates should hold a degree in a related field and demonstrate a minimum of three years of hands-on experience in a comparable environment. Strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with the ability to work independently and collaboratively. Familiarity with industry-standard tools and software is required, and prior leadership or project management experience is a definite advantage.
With at least a decade of hands-on experience, you will have spearheaded the design and execution of Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) initiatives within the Somali context, demonstrating a clear progression in responsibility throughout your career.
An advanced university degree, specifically a Master’s or equivalent credential, in social sciences, development studies, political science, international relations, economics, or a closely aligned field is required.
Proven proficiency in diverse evaluation methodologies encompassing qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods approaches, as well as participatory frameworks, is essential.
Experienced in performing or managing social network analysis within intricate social or political environments. Prior involvement in Social Network Analysis (SNA) within the Somali governance sector is highly beneficial.
Demonstrates a strong history of implementing conflict-sensitive and gender equality, and social inclusion (DESI)-responsive monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning (MEAL) initiatives, with a proven ability to customize tools and methodologies for fragile and politically sensitive contexts.
With a proven track record in overseeing field teams comprising analysts and research officers—including in environments with restricted access—this role demands strong leadership and operational expertise.
With a proven track record in developing evaluation reports, learning briefs, and monitoring outputs, candidates must demonstrate experience working with bilateral donors, multilateral agencies, or international NGOs, supported by verifiable evidence where applicable.
Experienced in delivering evaluation findings to senior donor and government stakeholders.
Proficiency in applying Outcome Harvesting or alternative emergent/contribution-focused evaluation approaches within governance program contexts is required.
Proficiency in European Union (Denmark, Norway, or Sweden) development cooperation priorities and evaluation frameworks represents a considerable advantage.
Applicants are required to compile all requested documents and submit them in a single email to the specified address. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. Please send applications to hr@hacof.com, ensuring the subject line clearly indicates the position title in the following format: [POSITION TITLE]. As this is a continuous recruitment process, early submissions are highly encouraged. The shortlisting phase will commence immediately upon receipt of applications and will remain open until the position is successfully filled.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 years
