Job Summary
- Type: contract
- Location: Harare
- Category: Monitoring and Evaluation
- Closing Date: 2026-08-24
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement an appropriate mixed-methods evaluation approach.
- Triangulate quantitative and qualitative information from multiple sources.
- Ensure meaningful and safe participation of women, girls, youths, PWDs and children.
- Review existing MEAL data, outcome monitoring surveys, Most Significant Change stories and outcome harvesting records.
- Conduct desk reviews, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, surveys and case studies as appropriate.
- Propose a cost-efficient sampling strategy.
- Analyse quantitative and qualitative data.
- Submit datasets, transcripts, analysis files and data collection tools alongside the final report.
- Apply appropriate ethical, safeguarding and child-protection procedures.
Requirements
- 🎓 A postgraduate Master’s degree or higher in Social Sciences, Development Studies, Gender Studies, Monitoring and Evaluation or a related field.
- 💼 At least 5 years’ demonstrable experience designing and leading development and/or humanitarian programme evaluations.
- 📊 Strong knowledge and experience applying OECD-DAC evaluation criteria .
- 🌍 Ideally, knowledge of the Core Humanitarian Standard (CHS) and/or Sphere standards.
- ♿ Demonstrated experience in gender equality, gender-transformative programming and disability inclusion.
- 📋 Experience using tools such as the Washington Group of Questions .
- 🇿🇼 Familiarity with the Zimbabwean context, including faith-based organisations, Caritas/church structures and rural communities in Manicaland, Masvingo and Mashonaland Central.
- 💻 Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills, including experience with KOBO or similar digital data collection platforms .
- ✍️ Excellent English report-writing and presentation skills.
- 🗣️ Working knowledge of Shona is an advantage.
- 📑 A strong record of producing high-quality evaluation reports within tight budgets.
- 🛡️ Willingness to comply with CAFOD’s Safeguarding and Child Protection policies and undergo required checks.
Salary
USD 13,000 all-inclusive
How to Apply
About the Company
The Catholic Agency for Overseas Development, commonly known as CAFOD, is an international development and relief charity. It is the official aid agency of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
Website: https://cafod.org.uk/about-us/where-we-work/africa/zimbabwe
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and certifications are typically required for an External Evaluation Consultant role in Zimbabwe?
A Master’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field is commonly required. Professional certification such as the M&E Practitioner Certificate (offered by ZIMSTAT or local universities) or international credentials like the CEME is increasingly valued. Relevant experience conducting donor-funded evaluations—especially for UK-based NGOs like CAFOD—is essential.
What does a typical day look like for an External Evaluation Consultant working on a project like SERARP in Zimbabwe?
You’ll spend time reviewing project documents, conducting field visits to rural districts (e.g., Mashonaland or Matabeleland), interviewing stakeholders including community members and local leaders, and validating findings with implementing partners. Remote coordination with CAFOD Zimbabwe staff in Harare and report drafting using tools like Excel, NVivo, or ODK is standard practice.
How does Zimbabwean work culture influence expectations for external consultants, especially in M&E roles?
Respect for hierarchy and relationship-building through face-to-face engagement—particularly with traditional leaders and district officials—is expected before data collection begins. Punctuality is valued, but flexibility around travel delays, electricity outages, and mobile network limitations is understood and built into timelines.
What career progression opportunities exist after completing an external evaluation consultancy in Zimbabwe?
Successful consultants often transition into long-term M&E Advisor or Head of M&E roles with INGOs or government departments like the Ministry of Local Government. Others establish local consultancies registered with the Registrar-General’s Office and pursue accreditation with the Zimbabwe National Association of Non-Governmental Organisations (ZINANGO).
What benefits can I realistically expect as an external consultant on a short-term assignment like SERARP?
As a consultant, you’re typically engaged on a contractual basis and not entitled to employer-provided medical aid, pension, or annual leave—these are self-managed. Some contracts include field allowances, transport reimbursement, and per diems aligned with UN/INGO rates applicable in Zimbabwe, subject to agreement and tax compliance.