TERMS OF REFERENCE

DEVELOP A COMPREHENSIVE MONITORING, EVALUATION, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND LEARNING (MEAL) SYSTEM FOR THE ZAMBIA NATIONAL EDUCATION COALITION (ZANEC) 2026-2030 STRATEGIC PLAN

BACKGROUND

The Zambia National Education Coalition (ZANEC) is a coalition of 93 civil society organisations (CSOs) working in the education sector. The mandate of ZANEC is to conduct research and advocate for the provision of quality and inclusive education for all at the national level. The work of the Coalition mainly focuses on advocacy, policy analysis, research, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at addressing systemic challenges within the education sector. Specifically, the organization envisions “A sustainable and inclusive education system that responds to national aspirations and fosters an environment for self-fulfilment”. The mission of ZANEC is to promote quality and inclusive education for all, through influencing policy, building consensus, holding duty bearers accountable, and strengthening the capacities of stakeholders in the education sector”. Therefore, with financial support from the Global Partnership for Education (GPE) through the Education Out Loud (EOL) Pragramme managed by Oxfam Denmark, ZANEC is seeking a consultant to develop a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) system.

Purpose of the Consultancy

ZANEC just concluded the development of its 2026-2030 Strategic Plan. There is, therefore, a critical need to develop a robust, practical, and learning-oriented MEAL system to support the implementation of the strategic plan. This system will ensure effective tracking of progress, demonstration of impact, accountability to stakeholders, and continuous organisational learning.

The primary purpose of this consultancy is to design and develop a comprehensive, user-friendly, and sustainable MEAL system for ZANEC’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan. This system will serve as the primary framework for planning, monitoring, evaluating, reporting, learning, and adaptive management throughout the strategic period.

 Objectives of the Consultancy

The specific objectives are to:

·      Develop a MEAL Framework logically linked to the strategic plan’s goal, strategic objectives, outcomes, and outputs.

·      Design a set of SMART indicators (with clear definitions, data sources, and disaggregation by factors such as gender, disability, and geography) across all levels of the results chain.

·      Create practical data collection tools, templates, and protocols for routine monitoring, periodic surveys, and case studies.

·      Establish clear roles and responsibilities for MEAL implementation across the ZANEC Secretariat, members, and partners.

·      Develop a data management, analysis, and reporting plan (including frequency, formats, and dissemination strategies).

·      Design an evaluation and learning plan outlining key mid-term and final evaluations, as well as routine learning and reflection mechanisms.

·      Propose a technology-enabled solution (e.g., database, dashboard) for efficient data aggregation, visualisation, and reporting.

·      Produce a simple, operational MEAL Manual and build the capacity of key ZANEC staff on its use.

Scope of Work and Key Deliverables

The consultant will be expected to deliver the following:

·      Produce an Inception Report with a detailed work plan and methodology.

·      Review ZANEC’s 2026-2030 Strategic Plan, existing MEAL practices, and relevant donor reporting requirements.

·      A full draft MEAL Framework with results matrix, indicators, and data collection tools.

·      Final MEAL Framework and Results Matrix.

·      MEAL Implementation Manual: A practical guide covering roles, data flow, tools, reporting schedules, and learning protocols.

·      Recommend a simple software/database (e.g, Kobo, Power BI, simple CRM) with a prototype dashboard for key strategic indicators.

·      Capacity build secretariat staff on the operationalisation of the manual and data tools.

Methodology

The consultant is expected to propose a detailed methodology, which should include, at a minimum:

·      Document review (strategic plan, reports, existing MEAL documents).

·      Key Informant Interviews (KIIs) with ZANEC Management, Program Staff, Board, and selected member organisations.

·      Presentation and validation of drafts at key stages with ZANEC Secretariat.

Duration of the Assignment

The assignment is expected to be completed within 23 working days

Consultant Qualifications and Experience

·      Advanced degree (master’s or higher) in Monitoring & Evaluation, Social Sciences, Statistics, Development Studies, or a related field.

·      Minimum of 7 years of proven experience in designing and implementing MEAL systems for NGOs, networks, or coalitions, preferably in the education/advocacy sector in Sub-Saharan Africa.

·      Strong conceptual and practical understanding of advocacy, policy influence, and coalition-based programming and how to measure their outcomes.

·      Demonstrated expertise in developing results frameworks, theory of change, and SMART indicators.

·      Proficiency in data management software and visualisation tools (e.g., SPSS/STATA/R, Power BI, Tableau).

·      Excellent facilitation, training, and report-writing skills in English.

·      Familiarity with the Zambian NGO sector will be a distinct advantage.

All expressions of interest with a detailed budget for the consultancy must be submitted through email to the address below by 17:00hrs on Friday, 6^th February 2026.

The Executive Director,

Zambia National Education Coalition,

Plot 125/90A Mufufuma Road,

Jesmondine

P.O. Box 30774,

Lusaka-Zambia,

Email: admin@zanec.org.zm

CC: za2002nec@yahoo.com