MEAL Director, Madagascar

CARE seeks a Monitoring, Evaluation Accountability and Learning ( MEAL ) Director for the anticipated five-year USAID - funded Sustainable Food Entrepreneurship project in Madagascar. Sustainable Food Entrepreneurship will have two components: 1) increasing production of diverse and nutritious foods; and 2) strengthening resilient markets. The MEAL Director will be responsible for establishing and managing the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning system for CARE's program, ensuring that it aligns with both the organization’s global standards and the specific requirements of the donor. Working collaboratively with program teams to develop and implement a robust MEAL framework that captures accurate and relevant data, promotes learning, and ensures accountability to both beneficiaries and donors. This is a Key Personnel position, subject to USAID approval. It is also contingent on project award and funding. National candidates are encouraged to apply. This position will be based in A ntananarivo and report to the Chief of Party . Responsibilities: Develop the overall framework for project MEAL systems, including requirements, reporting, baseline, and evaluation surveys. Develop and monitor the project Performance Management Plan (PMP) to systematically document outcomes for project technical leads and leadership team. Ensure alignment of MEAL activities with program goals and contribute to the development of annual work plans to identify project targets and ensure inclusion of M&E and Collabor ati n g , Learning and Adapting (CLA) activities. Monitor project activities and track these activities against the results framework. Conduct field visits for data collection, and validation, and to monitor data quality. Ensure timely compilation and reporting of data. Capture and document lessons learned, and champion scaling up of best practices. Craft and execute annual program plans, set performance benchmarks, and oversee the project’s monitoring mechanisms. Offer guidance and supervision for the MEAL function, ensuring it aids the project in achieving its goals. Guarantee that MEAL activities have sufficient budgetary allocation and oversee the prudent and timely use of the MEAL budget. Lead the MEAL team by providing regular coaching, supervision, performance assessments, and capacity building to enhance their skills and professional development. Oversee the deployment and enactment of the project's MEAL strategies, protocols, and in-country activities, including organizing training sessions for both MEAL and relevant project staff. Provide technical leadership, capacity building, and support to project and partner staff in planning and implementing MEAL systems and activities, data-based program decision-making, and results reporting. Support the Chief of Party (COP) to coordinate mid-term and final project evaluations. Ensure utilization of global best practices of USAID guidelines regarding Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA). Qualifications: Master’s degree in statistics, data management , public health, international development, economic development, or other relevant is required . 8-10 years of relevant senior experience in international development as MEAL director, program director, or in a senior management role on large projects . At least 5 years of experience working in Southern Africa, preferably in Madagascar. Proven experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods Proven experience in survey design and implementation Proven experience in statistical data analysis Demonstrated MEAL experience in the project technical area of agriculture, food security, market systems, and rural development . Strong experience and knowledge of USAID M&E guidelines, systems, and reporting requirements including Collaborating, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) principles, approaches, and their application to project learning and adaptation. Strong data visualization and report writing skills, and ability to translate technical information for non-technical audiences. Experience recruiting, developing, and managing staff and teams. Demonstrated skills in building and maintaining relationships with project stakeholders, local partners, and local organizations. Strong oral and written proficiency in English and French; Fluency in Malagasy preferred . Strong oral and written communication skills; excellent demonstrated intercultural, interpersonal, and negotiation skills. Demonstrated commitment to PSHEA (Prevention of Sexual Exploitation, Harassment, and Abuse). Demonstrated commitment to principles of Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion (DEBI). Ability to travel within Madagascar and outside the country as required .