Internals Only : Head of MEAL (Shared Services) at War Child Alliance

Town of Chautauqua, New York, Afghanistan -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

25 Sep, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

27 Jun, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Strategic Leadership, MEAL Framework Development, Data Strategy, Evidence-Based Methods, Quality of Care Indicators, Knowledge Management, Data Governance, Capacity Strengthening, Adaptive Management, Digital Enablement, Stakeholder Management, Technical Leadership

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

Your mission The Head of MEAL provides strategic leadership for War Child’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) function, ensuring high-quality evidence, learning and data systems that strengthen programme quality, organisational accountability and evidence‑based decision‑making. The role leads the development and operationalisation of War Child’s global MEAL framework, data strategy and quality assurance systems, with a strong focus on Evidence‑Based Methods (EBMs), Quality of Care (QoC) indicators, and continuous learning. The Head of MEAL manages a global team of MEAL, knowledge and data specialists, supports country offices and partners through mutual capacity strengthening, and positions MEAL as a core enabler of programme excellence, scaling and localisation. What you will do: Set and steward War Child’s global MEAL, knowledge and data strategy, ensuring it drives programme quality, organisational learning and evidence‑based decision‑making. Ensure effective implementation and continuous improvement of the Global MEAL Framework, aligned with organisational strategy, Theory of Change, thematic priorities and Evidence‑Based Methods (EBMs). Guarantee that MEAL systems enable accountability, learning and adaptive management at global and country levels, strengthening programme relevance and impact. Lead the integration of MEAL across the EBM portfolio, ensuring consistent application of Quality of Care (QoC) indicators, evidence standards and learning processes. Provide organisational oversight of evidence and QoC data, ensuring consolidated analysis informs leadership review, strategic direction and scaling decisions. Enable continuous adaptation, localisation and scale‑up of EBMs, using MEAL evidence to guide improvement and contextual relevance. Uphold alignment with international MEAL and quality standards, strengthening organisational credibility, consistency and best practice. Provide authoritative technical leadership in MEAL, knowledge and data, guiding global, country and partner teams to strengthen quality and coherence of practice. Ensure robust MEAL data governance and digital enablement, safeguarding ethical, secure and effective use of programme data while strengthening digital tools, dashboards and insight generation. Build and lead a high‑performing global MEAL function, ensuring strong team leadership, capacity strengthening across countries and partners, and positioning War Child as a credible sector leader in evidence, accountability and learning. ROLE-SPECIFIC OR CONTEXT RESPONSIBILITIES Ensure MEAL systems serve organisational priorities across programming, fundraising, advocacy and accountability. Act as a strategic partner to senior leadership by translating complex MEAL data into actionable organisational insights. Support localisation by promoting proportional, partner‑appropriate MEAL approaches and mutual capacity strengthening. Embed accountability to children and communities through feedback mechanisms and learning loops. Align MEAL processes with donor requirements without compromising organisational learning priorities. Strengthen internal collaboration between MEAL, Programme Quality, R&D, Advocacy, Communications and Funding teams. Support organisational change processes by ensuring learning and evidence guide adaptation and decision‑making. Represent War Child in global MEAL, learning and accountability networks and initiatives. Promote a learning culture that values reflection, curiosity, and continuous improvement. Your profile KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE Education Relevant academic background in MEAL, social sciences, development, public policy, data or related fields. Master’s degree desirable. Experience Relevant experience in MEAL, knowledge management and/or data analysis. Significant experience working in humanitarian or post‑conflict contexts. Demonstrated leadership of global or multi‑country MEAL systems and teams. Experience designing and operationalising MEAL frameworks, tools and learning systems. Strong experience with EBMs, quality frameworks and international standards. Experience in capacity strengthening, training design and facilitation. Proven ability to work through organisational change processes Languages Fluency in English is required for this role. Additional languages may be useful depending on stakeholder groups and organisational context, for example Arabic, Dari, French, Spanish, or Ukrainian (Technical) Knowledge Sound knowledge and understanding of children’s rights Knowledge of localisation and anti-racism issues and practices in humanitarian aid and development sectors. Knowledge of geopolitical trends and conflicts in the world. Knowledge of digital tools and software such as Mural, Miro, Sharepoint, MS Teams, etc. What we offer Location : We work with global teams with team members being based in different locations. War Child is currently operates in: Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Colombia, DR Congo, Germany, Jordan, Lebanon, the occupied Palestinian territory, South Sudan, Sweden, Syria, Uganda, Ukraine (soon to be registered), and Yemen. We also have offices in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Preference is given to applicants who reside and have valid working permits. War Child does not offer relocation. Type of Contract : Local contract with salary and secondary labour conditions based on the in-country salary scale, local T&C's will apply. Internals only may apply. Why You Should Apply Meaningful Impact : Contribute directly to improving the lives of children and families affected by conflict through quality education and long-term, sustainable change. Professional Growth: Join a dynamic organisation that values learning, innovation, and professional development, with opportunities for capacity building and growth through the role and War Child’s global network. Global Reach : Play a key role in scaling a ground-breaking programme across multiple conflict-affected contexts worldwide. Collaborative & Inclusive Culture : Work alongside passionate, mission-driven colleagues in a diverse, inclusive and respectful workplace that prioritises safety, fairness and equal opportunity for all. How to Apply Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications (CV and motivation letter in English) by June 22, 2026. We are reviewing submissions on a rolling basis, so early applications are strongly recommended. ________________________________________________________________________________ By submitting your application you certify that all of the statements made in your application are true, complete, and correct and are made in good faith. You understand that falsifying, misrepresenting or intentionally withholding information will be grounds for rejection of your application or withdrawal of any offer of appointment or, if an appointment offer has been accepted, this will be ground for employment sanctions, such as, but not limited to, instant dismissal. In addition, you understand that you need to submit a Criminal Record Certificate and that, if you fail to submit it, no employment relationship can be established. Disclaimer Only applications received via our website are processed. If we appoint a suitable candidate before the given closing date, we reserve the right to remove the vacancy from our website before that date. In such a case, any responses received after that time are not processed. It could be that during our selection process the closing date for the vacancy is extended. If so, and you have not yet heard from us, your application will remain active. About us The War Child Alliance is an international non-governmental organization committed to providing psychosocial support, child protection, youth empowerment programming and quality education to the children affected by armed conflict. We implement evidence-based interventions to empower key stakeholders—including governments, educators, caregivers, and communities—to foster children’s wellbeing, education, and self-determination. We work with global teams with team members being based in different locations. War Child is currently operates in: Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Colombia, DR Congo, Germany, Jordan, Lebanon, the occupied Palestinian territory, South Sudan, Sweden, Syria, Uganda, Ukraine (soon to be registered), and Yemen. We also have offices in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Learn more about War Child and our programmes https://www.warchild.net/ Safeguarding and Integrity Our work with children and at-risk adults to keep them safe is the most important thing we do. We are committed to the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults in all areas of our work. We have zero tolerance for any behaviours and practices that puts children and/or vulnerable adults at risk of abuse and/or harm. All (prospective) employees will be expected to be compliant with and sign up to our Child Safeguarding policy, our Code of Conduct and PSEA: Adults at Risk Policy. You can find the Child Safeguarding and Adults at Risk policy here: Integrity & Safeguarding - Home Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) and Belonging (DEIB) We value diversity and inclusion and are committed to ensuring that all our people and job applicants are treated fairly, irrespective of where, what or whom they were born, or of other characteristics. We want to offer a safe and inclusive workplace where all our people, especially those who are currently marginalised or underrepresented, can be themselves at work. If you have any questions about our commitment to Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) and Belonging (DEIB) do get in touch: JEDI.team@warchild.net

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership for the global Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) function to strengthen programme quality and evidence-based decision-making. Lead the development of global MEAL frameworks, data strategies, and quality assurance systems while managing a global team of specialists.