Internals Only : MEAL Team Lead (Cluster)

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 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) * Data Analsyst * Information & Knowledge Management Specialist (Operational) Scope:   Alliance Shared Services  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 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.