External Review of ACF USA’s MEAL Function

External Review of ACF USA’s MEAL Function

REF; RLC/CON/MEAL/05/00

Background

Action Against Hunger leads the global movement to end hunger. We innovate solutions, advocate for change, and reach 28 million people every year with proven hunger prevention and treatment programs. As a non-profit that works across 55 countries, our 8,990 dedicated staff members partner with communities to address the root causes of hunger, including climate change, conflict, inequity, and emergencies. We strive to create a world free from hunger, for everyone, for good.

Action Against Hunger USA is part of the Action Against Hunger International network. As an independent NGO, Action Against Hunger USA currently manages operations in 8 countries: Kenya, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia and Haiti. Action Against Hunger-USA has over $100 million in programs, and approximately 1,800 permanent staff based in New York City, Washington D.C, Nairobi, and country offices. Additional growth is anticipated.

Rationale

Action Against Hunger USA (ACF USA) continues to invest in strengthening its Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems at both headquarters/HEARO and country office levels to support evidence-informed decision-making, accountability to affected populations, adaptive project/program management, donor compliance, and organizational learning. As part of these efforts, ACF USA has conducted two internal/self-led MEAL system reviews in recent years:

• A Country Offices MEAL Capacity Self-Assessment (2024), covering eight country offices across 13 MEAL thematic areas, which highlighted uneven maturity, with persistent weaknesses in data systems, data safety and security, budgeting, and system-wide standardization.
• An ACF USA MEAL System Diagnostic (2025), which provided a comparative synthesis of self-assessment findings, identified systemic risks (notably around data protection, staffing, and individual-level data systems), and explicitly noted the limitations and subjectivity inherent in self-assessment methodologies.

Both reviews relied on a standardized internal tool, the MEAL Capacity Assessment Tool (MEALCAT), covering functional domains such as human resources, MEAL planning, data collection and management, data quality assurance, accountability, learning, evaluation, leadership, and budgeting.

While these internal reviews have generated valuable insights and informed several improvement actions, ACF USA leadership now seeks an external, independent review to:

• Validate and triangulate existing findings through an objective lens;
• Assess effectiveness of our MEAL systems and infrastructure/architecture and the extent to which they are fit for purpose (including the ability to respond to ACF Network measurement needs)
• Identify blind spots and systemic risks that internal processes may not fully capture;
• Benchmark ACF USA’s MEAL system against international best practice;
• Provide prioritized, actionable, and costed recommendations to guide the next phase of MEAL system strengthening.
• Assess existing ACF US compendia indicators (including outcome indicators) and how these are utilized for project designs, monitoring and evaluation?
• Assess data quality assurance protocols (accuracy, completeness, timeliness) and extent of adherence to those protocols at all levels (base, country office, regional office, and global).
• This engagement will focus on how we can improve the MEAL function fundamentals around project design, start up, implementation (including Monitoring and Evaluation), and closeout, including alignment between program portfolios and country strategies.

1. Purpose and Objectives of the Review

Purpose

The purpose of this consultancy is to conduct an independent, organization-wide assessment of the ACF USA MEAL function;

a) Benchmark it against best practice,

b) Determine gaps, and

c) Provide recommendations to address the gaps.

Specific Objectives

The consultant will:

1) Assess the design, coherence, and functionality of the ACF USA MEAL system across all organizational layers, from bases to country offices, regional and global structures; including the architecture, governance, and interrelationships between these levels.

2) Evaluate the extent to which the MEAL system is fit for purpose, including its ability to:

• Support program design, implementation, and closeout
• Meet ACF Network measurement and reporting requirements
• Enable coherent data flows, aggregation, and decision-making across levels

3) Validate, triangulate, and integrate findings from previous assessments, including:

• The 2024 and 2025 internal MEAL self-assessments, and
• Earlier ELA-led MEAL assessments,

identifying areas of convergence, divergence, and potential bias.

4) Assess capacities, competencies, and skill gaps of MEAL staff across all levels, including:

• Technical MEAL skills
• Competencies in data quality assurance, accountability to affected populations (AAP), evaluation, and learning
• Capacity to appropriately use digital tools and emerging technologies (including AI)
• and provide recommendations for strengthening MEAL human resource capacity.

5) Assess the effectiveness of MEAL systems, data architecture, and data management practices, including:

• Integration and interoperability of systems
• Data quality assurance processes and adherence
• Data protection and responsible data practices

6) Evaluate the quality and use of MEAL data and processes across the full MEAL spectrum, including monitoring (quantitative and qualitative), evaluation, AAP, and learning, with a focus on how evidence is used for decision-making, adaptation, and accountability.

7) Assess the quality of MEAL integration into program design and implementation, including theories of change, indicators (including compendium indicators), lifecycle integration of baselines and evaluations, and alignment with country strategies.

8) Review ACF USA’s engagement with the Action Against Hunger Network MEAL architecture, including alignment with network standards, platforms, and coordination mechanisms.

9) Explore and assess opportunities for the responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced analytics within the MEAL system, including:

• Potential use cases to improve data collection, analysis, reporting, learning, and decision-making
• Risks related to data protection, bias, ethics, and accountability
• Organizational readiness (systems, skills, governance) to adopt AI responsibly
• and provide practical recommendations for safe, ethical, and value-adding use.

10) Provide practical, prioritized, and sequenced recommendations (short-, medium-, long-term), including resource implications, to strengthen the MEAL system holistically.

2. Scope of the Review

The review will be organization-wide, covering ACF USA offices in the US, Nairobi and a sample of four country offices, and twelve bases (three bases per country office). Tentatively: Ethiopia, Somalia South Sudan and Zambia or Kenya) will be visited by the consultant. The consultant will virtually engage with the rest of the country offices where there will be no field visits. Furthermore, the consultant will engage with the Evaluation, Learning and Accountability (ELA) team and other ACF network members.

Thematic Scope

The review will cover, at minimum, the following:

a) MEAL System Architecture, Governance, and Relationships

• System design across HQ, regional, CO, and base levels
• Governance, roles, and decision-making structure
• Functional relationships and data/reporting flows
• System coherence in relation to program and organizational hierarchies

b) MEAL Capacity and Resourcing

• Staffing structures and workload distribution
• Skills and competency gaps across MEAL domains
• Capacity in DQA, AAP, evaluation, and learning
• Capacity to use digital tools, data systems, and emerging technologies (including AI)
• Training systems and career pathways

c) MEAL Systems, Data Architecture, and Digital Ecosystem

• Data systems (including ADMS and other tools)
• Integration and interoperability across levels
• Data flows from base to HQ and to network
• Data storage, accessibility, and usability
• Readiness of systems to support advanced analytics and AI-enabled processes

d) Data Quality Assurance and Responsible Data

DQA systems and adherence

e) Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Functions

• Monitoring systems (quantitative and qualitative)Evaluation planning and quality
• Accountability to affected populations (AAP)
• Learning systems and knowledge management
• Use of evidence for decision-making and adaptation

f) MEAL Integration in Program Design and Implementation

• MEL plans, theories of change, and results frameworks
• Indicator selection and use (including compendium indicators)
• Integration of baselines and evaluations
• Alignment with country strategies and program portfolios

g) Use of Evidence and Decision-Making

• Credibility and use of data
• Feedback loops and adaptive management
• Use of evidence in strategic and operational decisions

h) Engagement with the ACF Network

• Participation in MEAL IWG and other forums
• Use of network standards and platforms
• Contribution to global learning and evidence

i) Innovation, AI, and Advanced Analytics in MEAL

• Current use (if any) of AI or automation in MEAL processes
• Potential use cases (e.g., data cleaning, forecasting, anomaly detection, text analysis, learning synthesis)
• Risks (bias, data privacy, misuse, over-reliance on automated outputs)
• Governance, safeguards, and ethical frameworks for AI use
• Organizational readiness (skills, systems, policies)

Summary Table

Organization

Action Against Hunger -USA

ACF USA Office (Washington & New York), HEAR Office and Country Offices i.e. Ethiopia, Haiti, Kenya, Somali, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, USA and Zambia

Sample

ACF USA offices in the US, Nairobi and a sample of four country offices i.e. Ethiopia, Somalia South Sudan and Zambia or Kenya and twelve bases (three bases per country office will be visited by the consultant

Consultancy Title

External Review of ACF USA’s MEAL Function

Duration: Three Months

Proposed External Review :1st July to 30th September 2026

3. Key Review Questions

Indicative questions include (to be refined by the consultant):

System Architecture and Coherence

· How coherent is the MEAL system across base, country, regional, and HQ levels?

· How effective are the relationships and coordination mechanisms between these levels?

· Do current structures support efficient data flows, accountability, and decision-making?

System Performance and Fitness for Purpose

· To what extent is the MEAL system fit for purpose across diverse operational contexts?

· How well does it meet ACF USA and ACF Network requirements?

· What systemic risks most affect performance and compliance?

Capacity and Resourcing

· Do MEAL teams have the required skills and competencies across all levels?

· What are the key gaps in DQA, evaluation, AAP, learning, and digital/AI-related skills?

· Are staffing structures and workloads appropriate?

Data Systems, Quality, and Responsible Data

· How effective are current data systems and architectures?

· To what extent are DQA protocols consistently applied?

· How robust are responsible data and data protection practices?

Quality and Use of MEAL Processes

· How effective are monitoring systems (quantitative and qualitative)?

· How strong are evaluation, AAP, and learning processes?

· Are these components sufficiently integrated across programs?

Use of Evidence and Decision-Making

· To what extent are MEAL data used for decision-making and adaptation?

· How effective are feedback loops between evidence and programming?

Program Design and Integration

· How well are MEAL components integrated into program design and lifecycle?

· Are indicators, baselines, and evaluations appropriately used?

Engagement with the ACF Network

· How effectively does ACF USA engage with and contribute to the Network?

· Are network tools, standards, and platforms effectively used?

Artificial Intelligence and Innovation in MEAL

· What opportunities exist to use AI and advanced analytics to strengthen MEAL functions?

· What risks could arise from AI use (e.g., bias, data privacy, ethical concerns), and how can they be mitigated?

· What systems, governance structures, and safeguards are required for responsible AI use?

· What is the current readiness of ACF USA (skills, infrastructure, policies) to adopt AI in MEAL?

· Which AI-enabled use cases would provide the highest value for improving data quality, analysis, learning, and decision-making?

Previous Assessments and Improvement Priorities

· How do previous assessment findings compare with current system performance?

· What are priority actions for high-impact MEAL system strengthening?

4. Methodology

The consultant is expected to propose a rigorous, mixed-methods methodology, which should include:

• Desk review of relevant documentation (including the 2024 and 2025 self-assessments, MEALCAT tool, policies, SOPs, reports, and dashboards);
• Key informant interviews with ACF leadership, technical advisors, IT/data staff, and country office management and MEAL & Program teams;
• Review of the Action Against Hunger Data Management System (ADMS)
• Focus group discussions with selected program staff and partners (where feasible);
• Sampling and verification of MEAL data flows, tools, and systems;
• Comparative benchmarking against recognized humanitarian MEAL good practice.
• Field visits to sampled bases and country offices (sampling to be finalized during inception)

5. Deliverables

The consultant will produce:

i) Inception Report

Refined methodology, sampling, tools, workplan, and risk mitigation measures.

ii) Interim Debriefing themes presented to ACF USA senior management.

iii) Draft MEAL System Review Report

Systematic analysis by theme;

Clear validation of previous self-assessment findings;

Identification of critical gaps and systemic risks

iv) Final MEAL System Review Report

• Executive summary;
• Prioritized and sequenced recommendations;
• Proposed MEAL system strengthening roadmap.

v) Presentation and Facilitation

Presentation of findings to leadership and MEAL stakeholders;

Optional facilitation of a management response or action-planning workshop.

Management and Reporting Arrangements

The consultant will report to the Senior Technical Advisor, MEAL (HQ) and work closely with the Chief Impact Officer and designated focal points. Strategic oversight will be provided by ACF USA senior management.

Duration and Level of Effort

The consultancy is expected to take place over a period of three (3) months (i.e. 1st July 30th September 2026), with level of effort sufficient to ensure depth, triangulation, and credibility of findings across the ACF US network.

Required Qualifications and Experience

The consultant should demonstrate:

• Advanced experience conducting organizational or system-level MEAL evaluations;

· Essential - Advanced Degree: A post-graduate degree (master’s or PhD preferred) in a related field such as international development, social sciences, planning & statistics

· Desirable - Recognised Certification: Certification in Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) and in research, evaluation methodologies is highly desirable.

· At least 15 years leading organizational or system-level MEAL function assessment and improvement

· Strong knowledge of humanitarian MEAL standards, CHS, and responsible data principles;

· Proven experience with data systems, data protection, and DQA in complex settings;

· Ability to deliver practical, implementable recommendations;

· Independence from prior ACF USA MEAL self-assessments.

Ethical Considerations

The consultant must adhere to ethical standards related to confidentiality, informed consent, data protection, and conflict of interest, consistent with humanitarian and evaluation ethics.

Application and selection process

This Consultancy Service ToR serves as a call for applications from individual consultants interested in conducting the external review of ACF USA’s MEAL Function. Interested applicants/consultants are requested to submit the following information as part of the technical and financial proposal. These criteria will also be used for evaluating the offers and selecting the consultant

Technical Proposal:

· Profile or/and Curriculum Vitae of the consultant

· Brief letter of motivation summarizing relevant experiences and qualifications for the Consultancy. The brief letter of motivation (max. 25 pages) should also demonstrate clarity and understanding of the assignment/interpretation of the ToR and an appropriate methodology (Candidates should clearly outline the technical approach to achieve the assignment and mitigate project risks (qualitative and/or quantitative approaches)).

· Detailed Work plan (provide a detailed breakdown of the data collection timeline (e.g., estimated days per country))

· Three (3) samples of previous similar works, demonstrate expertise in designing and writing high quality documents for publication regarding similar work (where the publications cannot be shared, please share a list of works and the organizations worked for, with a contact person)

· At least three (3) traceable references and completion certificates in the last five (5) years for similar service done

· If applicable, proof of legal registration, e.g. Valid Tax Registration, Tax Compliance Certificate and copy of passport/ID.

Financial proposal:

· The financial proposal shall be inclusive of all taxes and should indicate a detailed breakdown of the calculated expert days.

· The financial proposal should include indicative costs for logistics and field visits, including accommodation; the costs for logistics and field visits should be indicated separately.

· Quote shall be in US Dollars (USD)

· Inclusive of taxes i.e. 20% for foreign nationals while 21% for Kenyans (contract shall be issued by HEARO, Kenya)

EVALUATION CRITERIA & SCORING

Evaluation Criteria

Previous similar consultancy experience in/proven understanding of ACF USA Countries

Demonstrated experience in the last 5 years with INGOs, International Organizations, Governments or the UN Humanitarian Response and development work

Profile or/and Curriculum Vitae of the consultant

Brief letter of motivation summarizing relevant experiences and qualifications for the Consultancy (please attach authentic completion certificates in the most recent five (5) years in similar practical work experience.) The brief letter of motivation should also demonstrate clarity and understanding of the assignment/interpretation of the ToR and an appropriate methodology (Candidates should clearly outline the technical approach to achieve the assignment and mitigate project risks).

Detailed Work plan (provide a detailed breakdown of the data collection timeline (e.g., estimated days per country

Copies of contracts for similar previous works done i.e. demonstrate expertise in designing and writing high quality documents for publication (where the publications cannot be shared, please share a list of works and the organizations worked for, with a contact person (5marks per contract)

The financial proposal rated against the most competitive bi