ABOUT THE TASK

To work for Save the Children is to make a difference. You know that your work contributes to making the world a better place för children and young people, and you are surrounded by dedicated colleagues who share common values.

Save the Children Sweden (SCS) is looking for a MEAL consultant to support the implementation of a baseline for a new child rights and civil society program during the spring 2026. The baseline process is past the design stage and main tasks are to assure it proceeds with technical MEAL expertise guidance and collaborate communication to the team in Sweden and to teams at 9 country offices.

In addition, and for the same period, the consultant is to support Save the Children in our collaboration with an international external evaluation team. The evaluation is of a humanitarian response supported by the 2021-2025 Framework Agreement between Sida and Save the Children Sweden. The main task is to review, and quality assure draft and final reports and support the Swedish team with technical expertise.

DOES IT SOUND INTERESTING?

This consultancy would ideally start end of February and end in June.

If interested in applying for this consultancy, please make sure to read the terms of reference (ToR) below. The ToR outlines the objectives, scope, tasks, management, and timeline. Welcome to contact Petra Strader, Director, Knowledge and Method Support Section at petra.strader@rb.se, with any questions.

Please send your Expression of Interest by applying no later than Monday 9th February 2026

Applications will be reviewed based on an assessment of how well the applicants understand and can respond to the scope of the assignment and how they meet the selection criteria. Validation interviews may be requested during the final selection stage. References will be requested as a final step.

Terms of Reference

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Consultant, March-June 2026 for baseline and evaluation technical support for two programmes:

• Child Rights and Civil Society Strengthening Programme 2025 – 2028 

• Humanitarian response program 2021-2025

Background

Save the Children Sweden, with support from Sida, is in 2026 starting its implementation of a Child Rights and Civil Society Strengthening Programme (2025–2028). It is a multi-country initiative supporting approximately 90 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) across 9 countries. The programme includes activities to strengthen CSOs as effective child rights actors, enhance their platforms, and promote accountability through child rights governance.

As the global team supports the county offices and partners in their process of baselining country program results and anchoring a results-oriented management approach, MEAL support is key to success. Save the Children in Sweden is now looking for a consultant to fill a gap between the departure of a MEAL manager in February and before a new candidate is recruited and introduced, which is predicted by June 2026.  

In parallel, Save the Children is implementing an external evaluation of another multi-country program. This is a humanitarian program implemented in partnership with Sida. The evaluation team is independent of Save the Children and already recruited and onboard. 3 countries were selected for case studies. The consultant is to lead Save the Children’s review and quality assure of the evaluation team’s deliverables, as well as support Save the Children with technical expertise during the process.

Objectives

The consultant will support MEAL activities in the start-up and evaluation of the two programs during the spring 2026. As both the baseline and evaluation are already designed and started, this is not part of the objective. It is rather to assure technical expertise and quality during implementation until end of June.

Scope of Work and Key Deliverables

Deliverables related to the Child Rights and Civil Society program (Deadline end of May & end of June)

1. Support to Country Office teams during baseline implementation. This support is performed during a period when teams survey partners, do data analysis and compilation, set targets, and write baseline report. The support is to include drop-in calls and feed-back on a need’s bases.

2. Ongoing support to Save the Children team in Sweden.

- Clarification and technical support on baseline process

- Review and feedback to all first and second drafts of country office teams’ baseline reports (narrative and excel for 9 countries)

- Support on how to review country office log-frames in PRIME

3. Compilation of all baseline data against indicators in Excel, PPT, and PRIME.

4. Facilitate baseline data global analysis with Save the Children team in Sweden to review and reflect on the data and inform a consolidated report.

5. Develop a baseline narrative report for the program

Deliverables related to the Save the Children Humanitarian Program (Deadline April-June)

1. Review and quality assurance of the evaluation report, both at draft reporting stage (April) and for final reporting stage (June)

2. Support the Program Manager and team with MEAL technical expertise during the implementation of the evaluation

Timeline

Start Date: 25 February

End Date: 30 June

The assignment is expected to take approximately 50 days in total.

Roles and Responsibilities

The consultant should:

• Complete the tasks outlined above under the scope of work and deliverables.

• Respond to feedback and revise deliverables as necessary to meet requirements.

• Provide weekly updates on progress towards deliverables.

The Knowledge and Method Support Section (director or delegated team-member) should:

• Provide an introductory meeting to describe the background and objectives of the assignment and outline expectations for the deliverables.

• Provide all necessary documents for the consultant to carry out the assignment.

• Provide support to the consultant and review progress towards deliverables, as needed.

• Review and approve final deliverables.

Reporting and Communication

• The consultant will report directly to Petra Strader (Knowledge and Method Support Section) and will be expected to provide weekly updates on the progress towards deliverables.

• Regular meetings will be scheduled to discuss challenges, review deliverables, and make any necessary adjustments to the work plan.

• The consultant will ensure timely delivery of all reports and updates, as per the agreed-upon schedule.

• Key communication will be through email and virtual and/or in-person meetings.

Confidentiality and Ethics

• The consultant is required to maintain confidentiality regarding all project data, especially related to partner CSOs' personal data, throughout the consultancy period.

• The consultant must adhere to ethical standards, including those related to transparency, impartiality, and child protection.

• The consultant is expected to disclose any conflicts of interest or issues that might affect the objectivity or quality of the work.

Save the Children should reflect the equality we work for in society and strive for diversity and differences. Therefore, we welcome a wide range of skills, perspectives and experiences in this consultancy. Final candidates will also be screened against the EU sanctions list. All employees and consultants are expected to follow our important guidelines on safety and security for all, as well as our values and ethical guidelines. Read more about these important guidelines, HERE.