Purpose of the position
Under the guidance of the Base MEAL Manager and with technical support from the MEAL Department in Kabul, the MEAL Officer ensures high-quality monitoring, data accuracy, and accountability across all project activities at the field level. The role supports the design and implementation of MEAL plans, conducts regular field monitoring, manages project data and reporting, and contributes to surveys and assessments.
The MEAL Officer also works closely with partners (OCCD and OPHCD) to harmonize reporting, strengthen data quality, and maintain effective feedback and complaints mechanisms. By providing timely evidence and supporting learning, the MEAL Officer helps ensure services are delivered transparently, safely, and in line with the needs of affected communities.
Objective 1: Support MEAL Design and System Strengthening
· Contribute to the development and updating of the project MEAL Plan, including indicators, targets, and monitoring frameworks aligned with ACF MEAL systems.
· Support the Base MEAL Manager in designing and harmonizing MEAL tools, including quality monitoring checklists, supervision templates
· Maintain an organized and secure data filing system (digital and hard copy) covering and monitoring data.
· Provide MEAL technical support to project teams (ACF, OPHCD, OCCD) on MEAL tools, indicator definitions, and data quality standards.
· Support indicator review sessions and orientation of partners’ staff on project indicators and performance measurement.
· Prepare and maintain database effectively
Objective 2: Support Planning and Implementation of MEAL Activities
· Plan the MEAL System and measures and implement in the intervention areas and conduct comprehensive MEAL site Visitation from the Health facilities of Helmand and Oruzgan.
· Participate in all assessments and surveys (baseline, end line, beneficiary verification, PDMs, satisfaction surveys, etc.).
· Support the project staff in data collection and data entry to ensure effective data management for the project
· Conduct routine monitoring visits to BHCs, HSCs, FHHs,TFUs, FFSs and outreach teams—ensuring every facility is visited at least once per month as required by ACF.
· Support health facility teams in accurate and timely data collection, reporting, and data accuracy
· Contribute to the dissemination of Feedback & Complaints Mechanism (hotline numbers, complaint boxes, banners) and conduct awareness sessions with communities and health shuras.
· Train program and partner teams on routine monitoring, indicator tracking, data quality assurance, and use of MEAL tools.
· Feed timely findings and recommendations to Program Managers and the Base MEAL Manager after each monitoring visit through debriefing sessions.
Objective 3: Contribute to data management of the projects: Monitoring and data analysis
· Generate graphs, pivot tables, dashboards, and visual summaries for monthly provincial review meetings.
· Share analytical reports with Program Managers and Base MEAL Manager to support evidence-based decision-making.
· Support MEAL systems strengthening of OPHCD and OCCD, including data quality audits, coaching, and feedback to health facilities.
· Maintain confidentiality and secure handling of sensitive information including FCRM, safeguarding, SEA, fraud, and corruption-related complaints.
· Ensure gender-sensitive and protection-sensitive data is collected, including sex- and age-disaggregated datasets.
· Report data quality issues or implementation challenges to the Base MEAL Manager on time.
Objective 4: Reporting and analysis of M&E activities
· Support establishment and effective functioning of FCRM systems in OPHCD and OCCD project areas; coordinate closely with FCRM focal points.
· Ensure all FCRM channels are functional: hotline numbers, complaint boxes, in-person reporting, SMS/mobile, Awaaz Afghanistan referral pathways.
· Collect, record, categorize, and follow up complaints/feedback at field level and ensure timely escalation of sensitive cases (SEA, safeguarding, corruption).
· Ensure that serious complaints are escalated within 24 hours and minor complaints are resolved within seven days.
· Conduct community awareness sessions on FCRM, PSEA, safeguarding, available health services, and rights to feedback.
· Ensure gender-sensitive, PSEA-compliant, and inclusive accountability practices are applied across monitoring, reporting, and community engagement.
· Participate in accountability review meetings and contribute to monthly updates of the centralized FCRM tracker.
· Close feedback loops through phone calls, community meetings, and field visits.
· Assist program manager in the preparation of reports on the findings and lessons learned from project interventions;
· Work in close collaboration with the Data Entry and data management Officer, Accountability Officer and MEAL manager
Objective 5: Reporting, Learning, and Evidence Generation
· Prepare monthly, quarterly, semi-annual, and annual MEAL reports—including monitoring findings, service quality performance, PMMS, analysis, and trend summaries.
· Support Program Managers and partner teams in preparing analysis for the APRs, narrative reports, and data reporting templates.
· Contribute to analysis and reporting of FCRM data, including trends, lessons, and programmatic implications.
· Participate in joint monitoring missions with ACF, OPHCD, OCCD and other stakeholders.
· Document lessons learned, success stories, and best practices from project implementation.
· Support organization of lessons learned workshops for OPHCD & OCCD, and contribute to ACF’s consortium-level learning workshop.
· Work closely with Data Management Officers, Accountability Officers, and MEAL to ensure harmonized reporting.
Perform any other duties assigned by line manager