The International Center “La Strada” announces a call for applications for a Consultant in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL)

The International Center “La Strada” announces a call for applications for a Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Consultant, who will support the development and implementation of a unified internal MEAL system and ensure its integration into all organizational projects and programs, with the aim of strengthening institutional capacity.

Location of consultancy: Chișinău, Republic of Moldova
Duration of consultancy: August 2025 – August 2026
Contract type: Service contract

1. CONTEXT

The International Center “La Strada” is a non-governmental organization with over 20 years of experience in protecting and safeguarding women and children against all forms of violence, exploitation, and abuse, with a strong focus on prevention, direct assistance, and advocacy for systemic change. The organization implements national and international projects annually, funded by bilateral and multilateral partners, aimed at providing integrated and sustainable responses.

To strengthen the institutional capacity for monitoring, evaluation, learning, and accountability towards beneficiaries and stakeholders, La Strada is seeking to contract a specialist who will support the development and implementation of a unified internal MEAL system and ensure its integration into all projects and programs of the organization.

2. PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSULTANCY

The purpose of this consultancy is to support the organization in developing, implementing, and continuously improving its monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning system, in order to:

• Collect and systematically analyze data on activities and results;
• Measure progress towards objectives;
• Integrate lessons learned into future planning;
• Ensure accountability and transparency towards beneficiaries, partners, and donors;
• Generate evidence for strategic decision-making.

3. RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

The consultant will carry out the following activities:

• Review the existing MEAL framework (internal documents, project plans, previous reports) and provide recommendations for improvement;
• Update the logical framework and project/program indicator sets, including accountability and learning indicators;
• Develop or update digital tools for data collection and management (forms, surveys, databases, dashboards);
• Create and implement a unified digital system for monitoring and evaluation, allowing centralized data collection, indicator tracking, and activity reporting;
• Facilitate organizational learning processes, including the collection and dissemination of lessons learned and good practices;
• Train the team on the use of MEAL tools and accurate data collection and reporting;
• Support the planning of internal and external evaluations, including defining methodologies and performance indicators;
• Assist in implementing the updated information system and completing the results section in the logical framework matrix;
• Provide mentoring and supervision to team members for the independent use of the new MEAL system;
• Ensure data quality by developing and applying verification and validation procedures;
• Analyze and interpret collected data for quarterly and annual reports;
• Develop an internal guide and operational instructions for the team on using and applying the MEAL system, including standard procedures, workflows, and practical examples. The guide will be tested during the initial implementation phase and adjusted based on team feedback and practical findings before the final version.

4. DELIVERABLES

The consultant will deliver the following:

• Analytical report on the existing MEAL framework, including strengths, gaps, and preliminary recommendations;
• Updated information system integrating activities, results, and indicators of projects and programs, with functionalities for data collection, monitoring, feedback, and reporting;
• Updated institutional feedback and complaint mechanisms (if necessary), with procedures and application tools;
• Complete MEAL toolkit (standard data collection templates, procedures, user guide) applicable to strategic projects and programs;
• At least two training sessions for the team, focusing on the use of the information system, feedback mechanisms, and MEAL tools;
• Continuous technical support over one year for implementing the updated information system and completing the results section in the logical framework;
• Final report with conclusions, recommendations, and an action plan for improving and ensuring the sustainability of the MEAL system.

6. CONSULTANT PROFILE AND QUALIFICATIONS

Required qualifications:

• University degree in relevant fields (social sciences, international development, statistics, public policy, etc.);
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning for projects/programs;
• Experience in developing logical frameworks, indicators, and MEAL tools;
• Knowledge and experience in implementing feedback and complaint mechanisms;
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills;
• Fluency in Romanian and English (written and spoken).

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience in NGOs and/or donor-funded projects;
• Knowledge of databases and digital tools for MEAL (e.g., advanced Excel, KoboToolbox, Power BI, Smartsheet);
• Experience in training teams and facilitating participatory processes.

7. APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Interested candidates should submit:

• Updated CV;
• Cover letter describing relevant experience;
• Technical and financial proposal (activity timeline and estimated number of days).

8. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION

Applications must be sent to office@lastrada.md by 22 August 2025, with the subject line: “MEAL Consultant – Applicant’s Name”.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.