POSITION OVERVIEW
The Team Leader will act as the principal technical authority and oversee the MEAL delivery team, ensuring high standards throughout the process. This role carries full responsibility for the quality, timeliness, and thoroughness of all MEAL deliverables, from initial design to the final Edline evaluation. Close collaboration with the designated MEAL focal point on the client team will be essential to synchronize work planning, methodology, and reporting. Additionally, the Team Leader will serve as the primary representative of the MEAL team in high-level discussions with donors and program stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Direct the development and refinement of evaluation and assessment methodologies, ensuring the practical implementation of program Results Framework indicators across Baseline, Midline, and Edline evaluations.
Responsibilities include managing and ensuring the quality of the entire third-party monitoring process, from the creation and approval of verification tools to the development of key informant interview guides, focus group discussion protocols, and data quality assurance procedures.
Responsibilities include gathering primary data, evaluating secondary data, and employing triangulation techniques for key assessment outputs, with a focus on maintaining methodological precision and contextual relevance.
Oversee the design and implementation of social network analysis (SNA) within the Midline and Edline assessment cycles.
Prepare comprehensive Baseline, Midline, and Edline evaluation reports, incorporating detailed case studies for each significant assessment conducted at both geographic and thematic levels.
Ensure rigorous quality assurance and final approval of every quarterly third-party monitoring report, verifying that findings are analytically valid, evidence-supported, and devoid of substantial factual inaccuracies.
Support the bi-annual Outcome Harvesting sessions by assisting with preparation and co-facilitation alongside program implementing partners, including agenda drafting, the creation of digital facilitation tools, and the consolidation of outputs into concise learning briefs.
Support the co-facilitation of in-person learning events held annually in collaboration with implementing partners and the donor, where you will lead group sessions focused on addressing thematic or geographic learning gaps as specified.
Offer overall technical leadership and guidance to the technical teams—including Research Officers, Field Coordinators, and GIS Analysts—throughout the data collection and analysis stages.
Collaborate with the Communications Officer to transform MEAL findings into clear, contextually relevant communication materials.
Craft and present structured reports detailing discoveries to the program management team, as well as to the donor and advisory board, whenever necessary.
Oversee the creation and upkeep of a comprehensive inception report that outlines the team’s methodology for all MEAL components, key timelines, established communication protocols, DESI integration strategy, and the risk register.
Seeking candidates with a Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field and at least three years of professional experience in a comparable role. Proficiency in industry-standard software and tools is required, along with strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Excellent communication abilities, both written and verbal, are essential for collaborating with cross-functional teams. Familiarity with project management methodologies and a track record of delivering measurable results are highly valued. Prior experience in a leadership or mentoring capacity is a plus.
With a minimum of 10 years of progressive experience, you will have led the design and implementation of MEAL activities specifically within the Somali context.
An advanced university degree—specifically a Master’s or equivalent qualification—in fields such as social sciences, development studies, political science, international relations, economics, or a closely related discipline is required.
Proven proficiency in diverse evaluation methodologies, encompassing quantitative and qualitative techniques, mixed-methods frameworks, and participatory strategies.
Proven expertise in performing or managing social network analysis within intricate social or political contexts is required. Candidates with prior Social Network Analysis (SNA) experience in the Somali governance domain will be particularly favored.
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 demonstrated ability to tailor tools and methodologies to fragile and politically sensitive contexts.
Proven track record in leading and overseeing field teams comprised of analysts and research officers, even in environments with restricted access.
Seasoned professionals with a proven track record in developing comprehensive evaluation reports, insightful learning briefs, and rigorous monitoring outputs for bilateral donors, multilateral organizations, or international nongovernmental entities—candidates should be prepared to present relevant documentation upon request.
Professional rewrite:
Demonstrated ability to present evaluation findings to senior-level donor and government stakeholders.
Proficiency in Outcome Harvesting or comparable emergent/contribution-focused evaluation approaches within governance initiatives is essential.
Proficiency in European Union development cooperation priorities and evaluation standards, particularly in Denmark, Norway, or Sweden, is highly advantageous.
Applicants are required to compile and submit all requested documents in a single email to the designated address. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed. Applications must be sent to hr@hacof.com, with the email subject line formatted as follows: [POSITION TITLE]. This recruitment is conducted on a rolling basis, so prompt applications are strongly encouraged. The shortlisting process will commence immediately upon receipt of complete applications and will remain ongoing until the role is successfully filled.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 years
