Role Purpose

The Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Assistant will support the Connect, Defend, Act! (CDA) Project to systematically track implementation progress and measure results against the project log frame. The role is responsible for collecting, organizing, and validating monitoring data, supporting indicator tracking and reporting, and contributing to learning and accountability processes. S/He will assist in translating the project’s Theory of Change (ToC) into tangible, measurable indicators for monitoring and evaluation, including conducting analyses and validating indicator assumptions. The M&E Assistant will work closely with program teams to ensure timely submission of quality data to management and stakeholders, and to strengthen the project’s M&E systems and documentation.

Key Responsibilities

MEAL/MEL Systems Support

• Support the implementation and updating of the project’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL/MEL) plan and related M&E tools.
• Assist in developing and maintaining project databases, dashboards, and evidence filing systems for tracking performance and documentation.
• Coordinate with program teams to ensure timely submission of activity reports and supporting evidence for monitoring purposes.
• Maintain compliance with confidentiality and safeguarding requirements when handling beneficiary/participant information.

Results Framework & Indicator Development

• Assist in translating the project Theory of Change (ToC) into results, outcomes, outputs, and measurable indicators with clear definitions and data requirements.
• Support indicator tracking by ensuring indicators are properly coded, disaggregated (as applicable), and aligned to the project results framework/log frame.

Data Collection, Quality & Verification

• Collect, compile, and maintain routine monitoring data from program activities (tracking forms, registers, reporting templates).
• Conduct basic data cleaning and quality checks (completeness, consistency, accuracy) and flag data issues to the DMEL Officer /Project Manager.
• Support data verification processes, including documentation review and participation in field verification/spot checks as assigned.

Reporting, Analysis & Learning

• Produce inputs for donor and internal reports by analysing trends, summarizing monitoring findings, and drafting data sections.
• Support baseline/endline and/or special studies by preparing tools, coordinating field logistics, and contributing to data analysis.
• Assist with indicator analyses and interpretation (progress vs. targets, variance explanations) to support management decisions.
• Support the review and validation of monitoring results during learning meetings, reflection sessions, and quarterly reviews.
• Support continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and proposing practical recommendations for stronger data quality and usability.
• Perform other reasonable duties related to monitoring, evaluation, and learning as assigned by management.

Qualifications and Experience

Education

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Development Studies, Statistics, Economics, Social Sciences, Public Health, or a related field.
• Training/coursework in results-based management, log frames, indicator development, and data collection methods (preferred).

Experience

• Minimum 1–3 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation / data management / program reporting within development projects or NGOs (or equivalent internship/voluntary experience).
• Experience supporting indicator tracking, data compilation, and contribution to donor/internal progress reports.
• Exposure to baseline/endline processes and/or routine data verification/quality assurance (desirable).

Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of results frameworks/log frames and Theory of Change (ToC) approaches.
• Competent in data management and analysis (e.g., Excel; knowledge of Power BI, KoboToolbox, ODK, DHIS2, SPSS/R/Stata).
• Ability to perform data cleaning, basic statistical checks, and interpretation of trends.
• Strong report writing and documentation skills.

Competencies

• Attention to detail and commitment to data quality and confidentiality.
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively with program teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and maintain organized records.
• Willingness to support field work (as required).

What we offer

Hivos offers a challenging position in an international environment. The Regional office is based in Harare, Zimbabwe. This position will be based in Lilongwe Malawi.

• Support the implementation and updating of the project’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL/MEL) plan and related M&E tools.
• Assist in developing and maintaining project databases, dashboards, and evidence filing systems for tracking performance and documentation.
• Coordinate with program teams to ensure timely submission of activity reports and supporting evidence for monitoring purposes.
• Maintain compliance with confidentiality and safeguarding requirements when handling beneficiary/participant information.
• Assist in translating the project Theory of Change (ToC) into results, outcomes, outputs, and measurable indicators with clear definitions and data requirements.
• Support indicator tracking by ensuring indicators are properly coded, disaggregated (as applicable), and aligned to the project results framework/log frame.
• Collect, compile, and maintain routine monitoring data from program activities (tracking forms, registers, reporting templates).
• Conduct basic data cleaning and quality checks (completeness, consistency, accuracy) and flag data issues to the DMEL Officer /Project Manager.
• Support data verification processes, including documentation review and participation in field verification/spot checks as assigned.
• Produce inputs for donor and internal reports by analysing trends, summarizing monitoring findings, and drafting data sections.
• Support baseline/endline and/or special studies by preparing tools, coordinating field logistics, and contributing to data analysis.
• Assist with indicator analyses and interpretation (progress vs. targets, variance explanations) to support management decisions.
• Support the review and validation of monitoring results during learning meetings, reflection sessions, and quarterly reviews.
• Support continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and proposing practical recommendations for stronger data quality and usability.
• Perform other reasonable duties related to monitoring, evaluation, and learning as assigned by management.

• Strong understanding of results frameworks/log frames and Theory of Change (ToC) approaches.
• Competent in data management and analysis (e.g., Excel; knowledge of Power BI, KoboToolbox, ODK, DHIS2, SPSS/R/Stata).
• Ability to perform data cleaning, basic statistical checks, and interpretation of trends.
• Strong report writing and documentation skills.
• Attention to detail and commitment to data quality and confidentiality.
• Good communication skills and ability to work effectively with program teams and stakeholders.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and maintain organized records.
• Willingness to support field work (as required).

• Diploma or Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Development Studies, Statistics, Economics, Social Sciences, Public Health, or a related field.
• Training/coursework in results-based management, log frames, indicator development, and data collection methods (preferred).
• Minimum 1–3 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation / data management / program reporting within development projects or NGOs (or equivalent internship/voluntary experience).
• Experience supporting indicator tracking, data compilation, and contribution to donor/internal progress reports.
• Exposure to baseline/endline processes and/or routine data verification/quality assurance (desirable).