MEAL Technical Advisor - (Ukrainian national only) in Caritas Switzerland

Position Information 

Post Title: MEAL Technical Advisor 

Duty Station: Kyiv, Ukraine  

Travel: Approx. 25% Travel to project locations, pending security approval

Supervisor / Reports to: Country director

Reporting lines: Country Director and Livelihood Advisor

Duration: 12 months (with a possibility for extension) 

Expected Workload: 100% 

Terms: Consultancy Service Agreement (National)

Background 

Caritas Switzerland is a leading organization working to reduce poverty both in Switzerland and internationally. In Ukraine, it partners with local organizations to provide support and build technical capacity. Since early 2022, Caritas has focused on helping people affected by the conflict, especially in areas such as housing, mental health, protection, and livelihoods.

One of its main initiatives, the REMARKET project (2024–2027), aims to improve economic opportunities for displaced people and local communities by helping them access markets and build sustainable incomes. The project also supports small businesses and offers training and education.

In addition, Caritas runs two other projects—CARE4U3 and RISE—which focus on improving safety, well-being, and long-term stability for people in eastern and southern Ukraine. These projects combine support for housing, protection, mental health, and financial assistance to help people recover and rebuild their lives.

Purpose 

The MEAL Technical Advisor plays a pivotal role in ensuring program quality, accountability, and learning across Caritas Switzerland’s Ukraine Country Programme. This position leads the development and implementation of comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems, with a strong focus on Information Management (IM) system development and data-driven decision-making. The Advisor is responsible for streamlining spot check procedures and third-party monitoring processes to ensure timely, accurate, and independent verification of project activities and outcomes.

In close collaboration with implementing partners and internal teams, the Advisor will guide the design of M&E frameworks, oversee data collection and analysis, and establish responsive feedback mechanisms. A core responsibility of the role is to build the technical capacity of partner organizations, ensuring they are equipped with the tools, knowledge, and support needed to implement effective MEAL practices. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement, the Advisor contributes to strategic planning, program design, and compliance with international standards and donor requirements.

Key Responsibilities 

1. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): 

• Lead the development and implementation of M&E frameworks and tools with partners to track project progress and results.
• Conduct regular field visits and spot checks to verify activities and ensure alignment with project objectives.
• Coordinate third-party monitoring processes and ensure quality reporting from implementing partners.
• Support data collection and analysis to meet internal and donor requirements.

2. Accountability:

• Support partners in establishing and managing complaints and feedback mechanisms that are accessible and responsive.
• Ensure affected populations are informed and engaged throughout the project cycle.
• Provide training and guidance on accountability standards and practices.
• Oversee CACH’s internal feedback systems and ensure timely resolution of issues.

3. Learning and Capacity Building:

• Facilitate learning through workshops, reviews, and documentation of lessons learned and good practices.
• Conduct assessments of partner MEAL systems to identify gaps and provide targeted technical support.
• Design and deliver tailored training for partners and staff on MEAL tools and approaches.
• Promote integration of learning into program design and implementation.

4. Reporting and Documentation:

• Contribute to internal and donor reports with accurate data, analysis, and visualizations.
• Present findings to senior management and external stakeholders to support strategic decisions.
• Support the development of evidence-based communication materials.
• Ensure reporting aligns with MEAL standards and donor expectations.

5. IM Data Management and Analysis:

• Guide partners in designing and using data collection tools and managing databases.
• Maintain CACH’s MEAL databases and visualization platforms to support timely decision-making.
• Ensure data quality and consistency across all projects.
• Align IM systems with international standards and project needs.

6. Programme Quality, Compliance and Standards:

• Ensure MEAL frameworks are integrated into project design and planning.
• Collaborate with Program Quality specialists to strengthen program strategies.
• Monitor compliance with international standards (e.g., Sphere, CHS) and donor-specific requirements.
• Support the inclusion of cross-cutting themes (e.g., gender, protection, localization) in MEAL systems.

Mode of Cooperation and Deliverables

The MEAL Technical Advisor will agree on work plans with the superior monthly and quarterly. He/she is requested to keep the line manager informed about activities undertaken and progress made.

Competencies and Qualifications

1. Education 

• A university degree in humanitarian or development studies, international relations, business administration, IMS, is highly desirable.

2. Professional Experience

• A minimum of 3 years’ experience in a MEAL related role with strong monitoring and evaluation skills, including planning/participating in evaluations.
• Sectoral Knowledge: Comprehensive understanding of one or more of CACH’s Ukraine Country Programme sectors of intervention, including livelihoods and humanitarian assistance and social services is highly desirable.
• Proven capacity to supervise, train and coach staff as well as ability to facilitate/conduct large technical trainings for staff.
• Proven work experience in Humanitarian assistance and social services

3. Technical Skills and Competencies

• Research Skills: Experience with research methodologies and the ability to conduct rigorous data quality checks.
• Reporting and Documentation: Strong skills in producing clear, concise, and well-structured reports that effectively communicate findings and recommendations.
• Knowledge of MEAL Standards: Good understanding of international MEAL standards and frameworks, such as OECD-DAC criteria, SPHERE standards, and the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS).
• Data collection and Analysis Toos: Experience using data collection tools (eg. KoboToolbox) and data processing and visualisation tools such as MS Excel/Access, SPSS,Nvivo, PowerBi, Tableau, etc.)

4. Interpersonal Skills and Personal Attributes 

• Partnership focused: Commitment to CACH’s localisation strategy, working with national partners to implement programme in accordance with Caritas International’s Partnership Principles.
• Effective Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of presenting complex information in an accessible manner to different stakeholders.
• Collaboration and Teamwork: Strong ability to work collaboratively with internal teams, partners, and external stakeholders, fostering a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose.
• Training and Capacity Building: Ability to train and build the capacity of staff and partners in MEAL practices, promoting a culture of continuous improvement.
• Continuous Learning: Commitment to ongoing professional development. Attending relevant training sessions, workshops, and conferences. Staying current with MEAL best practices and methodologies.

5. Language Requirements

• Proficient in written and spoken English
• Excellent written and spoken Ukrainian

6. How to apply

Proposals responding to this RFQ should include:

CV detailing experience in conducting work relevant to this role.

Maximum 1 page cover letter, with the inclusion of the desired month salary in UAH.

Contact information for two references (will be requested after 2nd round interview)

Please submit your proposal by 30 October 2025 to [email protected]. Candidates will be interviewed on a rolling basis.