
War Child Alliance · Netherlands - Amsterdam
YOUR MISSION The Head of MEAL provides strategic leadership for War Child’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) function, ensuring high-...
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.
Position in War Child Alliance
Reports to (Solid/Management): Director of Quality & Impact
Reports to (Dotted/Functional): n/a
Department: Quality & Impact
Unit: MEAL
Supervises (list direct reports / roles): * MEAL Team Lead(s)
(Operational) Scope: Alliance Shared Services
learning and evidence‑based decision‑making.
Theory of Change, thematic priorities and Evidence‑Based Methods (EBMs).
programme relevance and impact.
evidence standards and learning processes.
direction and scaling decisions.
relevance.
practice.
quality and coherence of practice.
while strengthening digital tools, dashboards and insight generation.
and partners, and positioning War Child as a credible sector leader in evidence, accountability and learning.
Education * Relevant academic background in MEAL, social sciences,
development, public policy, data or related fields.
Experience * Relevant experience in MEAL, knowledge management and/or
data analysis.
post‑conflict contexts.
systems and teams.
frameworks, tools and learning systems.
international standards.
facilitation.
processes
Languages * Fluency in English is required for this role.
stakeholder groups and organisational context, for
example Arabic, Dari, French, Spanish, or Ukrainian
(Technical) Knowledge * Sound knowledge and understanding of children’s rights
practices in humanitarian aid and development sectors.
world.
Miro, Sharepoint, MS Teams, etc.
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.
will apply.
Why You Should Apply
education and long-term, sustainable change.
opportunities for capacity building and growth through the role and War Child’s global network.
workplace that prioritises safety, fairness and equal opportunity for all.
Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications (CV and motivation letter in English) by July 10 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
before that date. In such a case, any responses received after that time are not processed.
from us, your application will remain active.
YOUR MISSION The MEAL Lead provides strategic leadership and technical oversight for War Child’s Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) systems, including the Quality of Care (QoC) Framework and MEAL for humanitarian and emergency responses, across the War Child Alliance and with strategic partners. The role is responsible for the effective operationalisation of MEAL strategies, frameworks, and tools, ensuring that evidence, learning, and accountability are consistently embedded in programmes and organisational initiatives. Through line management of MEAL Coordinators and engagement in strategic planning and reporting processes, the role drives programme quality, organisational learning, and evidence‑based decision‑making at scale. POSITION IN WAR CHILD ALLIANCE Reports to (Solid/Management): Head of MEAL Reports to (Dotted/Functional): n/a Department: Quality & Impact Unit: MEAL Supervises (list direct reports / roles): MEAL Coordinator(s) (Operational) Scope: Alliance Shared Services What you will do: * Lead the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of organizational MEAL strategies, frameworks, standards, and tools, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities, accountability commitments, and evidence needs. * Support results‑based planning and strategic program design processes, including the development, validation, and use of theories of change to guide planning, implementation, monitoring, and learning * Lead the integration and operationalization of Quality‑of‑Care indicators within the War Child Alliance, implementing partners and strategic partners, ensuring consistent application and use for performance monitoring and improvement. * Lead the onboarding of partners and implementing teams on Quality of Care and MEAL systems for EBMs and EIMs, providing ongoing technical support to ensure effective application and use. * Oversee technical quality assurance of MEAL systems, processes, and data, including standardization of indicators, interpretation of results, and evidence generation to ensure credibility, comparability, and use. * Strengthen organizational learning and adaptive management through consolidation and use of evidence and insights. * Build and strengthen MEAL capacity across teams and partners through guidance, tools, training, mentoring, and on‑the‑job technical support. * Lead the operationalization of the MEAL localization agenda, including application of the localization matrix and support to partner‑led MEAL systems, capacities, and leadership, in line with organizational commitments. * Contribute to the development of the organizational MEAL strategy and MEAL positioning within the Alliance. * Line manages MEAL Coordinators and oversees the performance, coherence, and effectiveness of the MEAL function across contexts, where applicable ROLE-SPECIFIC OR CONTEXT RESPONSIBILITIES * Provide leadership on Humanitarian MEAL, ensuring context‑appropriate, timely, and adaptive MEAL approaches that support rapid decision‑making, accountability to affected populations, and learning (through coordinating After Action Reviews) in emergency and fragile contexts. * Lead development and governance of Quality of Care and Reach indicator guidance, systems, and tools. * Support the design, oversight, and strengthening of accountability and feedback mechanisms to ensure meaningful participation of affected populations and response to community feedback. * Establish and maintain EBM and reach dashboards consolidating program delivery and learning insights. * Ensure ethical, safe, and responsible data collection, management, and use, in line with data protection, safeguarding, and organizational policies. * Promote systematic use of MEAL evidence and learning to inform program adaptation, strategic decision‑making, and organizational priorities. * Provide technical MEAL inputs to donor engagement, proposal development, and compliance with evidence and reporting requirements. * Promote alignment and coherence of MEAL, Quality of Care, and evidence systems across the War Child Alliance. * Support multi‑sectoral, technical, and rapid needs and strengths assessments. * Ensure internal and external communication of MEAL and learning results, including contributions to communications products. * Represent War Child in relevant global and inter‑agency MEAL, quality, and evidence networks. * Undertake regular travel to support implementation, oversight, and learning. YOUR PROFILE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE Education * Bachelor’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Public Policy, or a related field. * Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is an asset. Experience * Progressively responsible experience in MEAL or Monitoring and Evaluation roles. * At least 3 years’ experience working in humanitarian, development, or conflict‑affected contexts. * Demonstrated experience designing, leading, and institutionalising MEAL systems and frameworks. * Proven experience providing strategic and technical advisory support to country teams and partners. * Experience contributing to organisational strategy, programme design, proposals, implementation, and reporting. * Proven experience developing tools, methodologies, guidance, and delivering training and learning activities. * Strong experience coordinating and leading cross‑functional teams, working groups, or communities of practice. 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 * Advanced knowledge of MEAL methodologies, tools, and systems. * Strong expertise in Quality of Care frameworks, indicators, and best practices. * Solid understanding of accountability to affected populations approaches. * Experience with assessment methodologies, results frameworks, learning and adaptation processes. * Ability to design and assess indicators and measurement systems for programme and organisational initiatives. * Strong proficiency in Microsoft 365 tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Teams, SharePoint). * Sound understanding of ethical evidence use, safeguarding, and child‑centred programming principles. 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 July 10, 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.
YOUR MISSION MAIN PURPOSE The Child Protection Senior Specialist ensures the effective coordination, coherence and consistent implementation of a specific portfolio of War Child’s Evidence-Based Methods (EBMs)in a thematic area across an assigned cluster of partners and countries. The role is responsible for translating strategies, standards and methodologies into contextually relevant thematic/EBM support to partners, ensuring that EBM implementation within a cluster is feasible and achieves high quality and impact. The Child Protection Senior Specialist oversees EBM quality assurance, partner onboarding, thematic guidance, and adaptive learning within a cluster, connecting thematic and EBM strategy to practice by guiding, aligning and line managing The Child Protection Specialists supporting countries and partners in that cluster. Where relevant, the Child Protection Senior Specialist might also be assigned to directly support a country and/or partner. Clusters: * Lebanon, Yemen, Afghanistan, Ukraine * Syria, Jordan, oPt, Colombia, Global * DRC, Uganda, CAR, South Sudan, Sudan, Chad POSITION IN WAR CHILD ALLIANCE Reports to (Solid/Management): Child Protection Lead Reports to (Dotted/Functional): * Country Cluster Lead * One or more dotted lines with partnership, projectmanagementand/or engagement functions Department: Quality & Impact Unit: Technical / Child Protection Cluster Supervises (list direct reports / roles): Estimated 3-4 Specialist per Country Cluster (Operational) Scope: Country Programme / Alliance Shared Services CORE RESPONSIBILITIES * Maintain cluster-level oversight ofthematicquality assurance for EBM integration,implementationand scaling by partners, ensuring high-quality delivery of EBMs. * Coordinatethematicsupportprovided by Specialistswithin a cluster,ensuringprioritization,andadvising onresource allocation. * Ensure operationalization of thematic and EBM guidance and standards,toguaranteecontextual relevance totailored supportto countries and partners. * Lead and/orfacilitateadaptive learning cycles for EBMsat cluster level, ensuring learning agendas aredeveloped andexecuted, lessons learned are documentedand findings inform practice and strategic direction. * Strengthenorganisationaland partner capacity inChild ProtectionEBMs, through training,mentoringand scalable learning approaches. * Represent and build up the profile and reputation of War Child's EBM Care System Portfolio and thematicexpertiseexternally intheappropriatefora, strengthening sector engagement,interagencycollaboration andorganisationalcredibility, and contributing to shaping policy and sector discourse. * Contribute to the learning agenda for EBMs within your portfolio includinggatherand sharing learnings on partner experiences and feedback. Each staff member is responsible for contributing to creating a culture committed to our mission, vision, internal safeguarding standards, JEDI ((Social) Justice Equity Diversity Inclusion) principles and the CHS (Core Humanitarian Standard) framework and are expected to actively promote this in their work. These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the role. ROLE-SPECIFIC OR CONTEXT RESPONSIBILITIES * Acts asprimaryinternal and externalthematicfocalpoint for an assigned cluster. * Overseethematiccomponents ofpartnershipengagementwithin a cluster, liaising with partnership colleaguesand with other cluster Coordinatorswhere relevant * Collaborate effectivelywiththe Partnership Department, ensuringappropriate matrixmanagement of Specialists and complementary ofresponsibilities. * Contribute todevelopmentof EBMs Partnership Packages and other relevant resources. * Contribute to the strengthening and evolution of theChild ProtectionEBM Care System portfolio,including throughcompiling knowledgeand lessons learned fromcountries andpartnersin the cluster. * Coordinate and contribute to learning activities,task teams,workinggroupsand Communities of Practice related totheirthematicareaand EBMs. * Support scalable learning approaches (e.g.blended learning, training pools,ToT/ToF models), includingby compiling cluster-levelinputstotraining content, and learning materials. * Coordinatesupport toMEAL processes withina cluster, includingcompliance withQuality of Careindicators. * Providethematic/EBMsurge supportin emergencies or priority contexts where needed. * Contribute with thematic inputs into organizational processes such as development and delivery of strategies, annual plans,etc.at team, departmental andorganisationallevels, leading on cluster-level inputs where relevant. * Lead cluster-level reportingorganisationa-wide reporting processes related to the EBMs in their portfolio and contributes to grant/project reporting processes, where relevant. * Collaborate closely withteams in their department(MEAL and Humanitarian) and with other relevant departments such as R&D, Partnerships, Engagement and Operations. * Act as aback-stopfor Specialists where necessary. YOUR PROFILE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE Education * Relevant academic background inChild Protectionor a closely related field. Experience * Relevant experience in the thematic area, including in humanitarian or post‑conflict contexts. * Experience working with partners on co‑creation and delivery of programmes. * Demonstrated experience in programme design, needs assessment, learning cycles and quality assurance. * Experience developing methods, tools, guidelines,trainingand learning materials. * Experiencefacilitatingtrainings,workshopsand virtual learning. * Programme or grant management experience is an asset Languages * Fluency in English isrequiredfor this role. * Additionallanguages may be useful depending on stakeholder groups and organisational context, for example Arabic, Dari, French, Spanish, or Ukrainian (Technical) Knowledge * Strong understanding of quality standards, evidence‑basedprogrammingand MEAL integration. * Knowledge of cross‑sectoral integration (Education, Child Protection, MHPSS). * Understanding of localisation,accountabilityand participation principles. * Familiarity with digital collaboration and learning tools (e.g. Mural, Miro, SharePoint, MS Teams). WHAT WE OFFER Eligibility: This vacancy is open to internal candidates only. Location: We operate in a global context, with team members based across multiple countries. War Child currently works in Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Colombia, DR Congo, Germany, Jordan, Lebanon, the occupied Palestinian territory, South Sudan, Sweden, Syria, Uganda, Ukraine (registration in progress), and Yemen. We also have offices in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Preference is given to candidates who reside in one of these locations and hold valid work authorisation. War Child does not provide relocation support. Type of contract: This is a locally contracted position. Salary and secondary employment conditions are aligned with the applicable in-country salary scale, and local terms and conditions will apply. HOW TO APPLY Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications (CV and motivation letter in English) by 10-July-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.
YOUR MISSION MAIN PURPOSE The MHPSS Senior Specialist ensures the effective coordination, coherence and consistent implementation of a specific portfolio of War Child’s Evidence-Based Methods (EBMs)in a thematic area across an assigned cluster of partners and countries. The role is responsible for translating strategies, standards and methodologies into contextually relevant thematic/EBM support to partners, ensuring that EBM implementation within a cluster is feasible and achieves high quality and impact. The MHPSS Senior Specialist oversees EBM quality assurance, partner onboarding, thematic guidance, and adaptive learning within a cluster, connecting thematic and EBM strategy to practice by guiding, aligning and line managing The MHPSS Senior Specialist supporting countries and partners in that cluster. Where relevant, the MHPSS Senior Specialist might also be assigned to directly support a country and/or partner. Clusters: * Lebanon, Yemen, Afghanistan, Ukraine * Syria, Jordan, oPt, Colombia, Global * DRC, Uganda, CAR, South Sudan, Sudan, Chad POSITION IN WAR CHILD ALLIANCE Reports to (Solid/Management): MHPSS Lead Reports to (Dotted/Functional): * Country Cluster Lead * One or more dotted lines with partnership, project management and/or engagement functions Department: Quality & Impact Unit: Technical / MHPSS Cluster Supervises (list direct reports / roles): Estimated 3-4 Specialist per Country Cluster (Operational) Scope: Country Programme / Alliance Shared Services CORE RESPONSIBILITIES * Maintain cluster-level oversight of thematic quality assurance for EBM integration, implementation and scaling by partners, ensuring high-quality delivery of EBMs. * Coordinate thematic support provided by Specialists within a cluster, ensuring prioritization, and advising on resource allocation. * Ensure operationalization of thematic and EBM guidance and standards, to guarantee contextual relevance to tailored support to countries and partners. * Lead and/or facilitate adaptive learning cycles for EBMs at cluster level, ensuring learning agendas are developed and executed, lessons learned are documented and findings inform practice and strategic direction. * Strengthen organisational and partner capacity in MHPSS EBMs, through training, mentoring and scalable learning approaches. * Represent and build up the profile and reputation of War Child's EBM Care System Portfolio and thematic expertise externally in the appropriate fora, strengthening sector engagement, interagency collaboration and organisational credibility, and contributing to shaping policy and sector discourse. * Contribute to the learning agenda for EBMs within your portfolio including gather and sharing learnings on partner experiences and feedback. Each staff member is responsible for contributing to creating a culture committed to our mission, vision, internal safeguarding standards, JEDI ((Social) Justice Equity Diversity Inclusion) principles and the CHS (Core Humanitarian Standard) framework and are expected to actively promote this in their work. These duties provide a framework for the role and should not be regarded as a definitive list. Other reasonable duties may be required consistent with the grade of the role. ROLE-SPECIFIC OR CONTEXT RESPONSIBILITIES * Acts as primary internal and external thematic focal point for an assigned cluster. * Oversee thematic components of partnership engagement within a cluster, liaising with partnership colleagues and with other cluster Coordinators where relevant * Collaborate effectively with the Partnership Department, ensuring appropriate matrix management of Specialists and complementary of responsibilities. * Contribute to development of EBMs Partnership Packages and other relevant resources. * Contribute to the strengthening and evolution of the MHPSS EBM Care System portfolio, including through compiling knowledge and lessons learned from countries and partners in the cluster. * Coordinate and contribute to learning activities, task teams, working groups and Communities of Practice related to their thematic area and EBMs. * Support scalable learning approaches (e.g. blended learning, training pools, ToT/ToF models), including by compiling cluster-level inputs to training content, and learning materials. * Coordinate support to MEAL processes within a cluster, including compliance with Quality of Care indicators. * Providethematic/EBM surge support in emergencies or priority contexts where needed. * Contribute with thematic inputs into organizational processes such as development and delivery of strategies, annual plans, etc at team, departmental and organisational levels, leading on cluster-level inputs where relevant. * Lead cluster-level reporting organisationa-wide reporting processes related to the EBMs in their portfolio and contributes to grant/project reporting processes, where relevant. * Collaborate closely with teams in their department (MEAL and Humanitarian) and with other relevant departments such as R&D, Partnerships, Engagement and Operations. * Act as a back-stop for Specialists where necessary. YOUR PROFILE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE Education * Relevant academic background or a closely related field. Experience * Relevant experience in the thematic area, including in humanitarian or post‑conflict contexts. * Experience working with partners on co‑creation and delivery of programmes. * Demonstrated experience in programme design, needs assessment, learning cycles and quality assurance. * Experience developing methods, tools, guidelines, training and learning materials. * Experience facilitating trainings, workshops and virtual learning. * Programme or grant management experience is an asset 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 * Strong understanding of quality standards, evidence‑based programming and MEAL integration. * Knowledge of cross‑sectoral integration (Education, Child Protection, MHPSS). * Understanding of localisation, accountability and participation principles. * Familiarity with digital collaboration and learning tools (e.g. Mural, Miro, SharePoint, MS Teams). WHAT WE OFFER Eligibility: This vacancy is open to internal candidates only. Location: We operate in a global context, with team members based across multiple countries. War Child currently works in Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, Colombia, DR Congo, Germany, Jordan, Lebanon, the occupied Palestinian territory, South Sudan, Sweden, Syria, Uganda, Ukraine (registration in progress), and Yemen. We also have offices in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom. Preference is given to candidates who reside in one of these locations and hold valid work authorisation. War Child does not provide relocation support. Type of contract: This is a locally contracted position. Salary and secondary employment conditions are aligned with the applicable in-country salary scale, and local terms and conditions will apply. HOW TO APPLY Qualified candidates are encouraged to submit their applications (CV and motivation letter in English) by 10-July-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.