Senior Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning (MERL) Manager

Job Description - Senior Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning (MERL) Manager

Position Title: Senior Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning (MERL) Manager
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal, with travel to districts
Reports To: Chief of Party
Supervise To: M&E Specialist, Data and Information Management Specialist, GESI Specialist, Research Coordinator
Contract length: 12 months

Position Summary

The Senior Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning (MERL) Managerwill provide strategic and technical direction and oversight to policy and action-oriented monitoring and research by project staff, grantees, CSOs and international partners to strengthen local capacity to inform policy around counter trafficking in persons (CTIP) efforts in Nepal. The Senior MERL Manager will lead the project learning agenda, design and implement international and local level research to contribute to evidence-based policy advocacy and global learning. The Senior MERL Manager will provide oversight for the development of the MERL system to ensure data quality and collaborative learning and adaptation throughout implementation sharing learning and providing evidence to drive the project forward to achieve meaningful and sustainable impact that reduces human trafficking. The Sr. MERL Manager will ensure full integration of gender equality and social inclusion (GESI) throughout program design, planning, and activity implementation.

Essential Responsibilities

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Provide technical leadership for M&E to the project team to ensure USAID M&E requirements are met on timely basis and guides data collection, management of the data, and display of the results – based on both quantitative and qualitative inputs. This includes data analysis, reporting, and dissemination, building capacity of M&E and technical staff in these areas, and ensuring compliance.
• Develop efficient and accurate data collection and analysis system that includes efficient processes for collecting and analyzing data and ensuring data quality.
• Lead knowledge sharing activities within project, with USAID, other implementing partners, and with target countries’ governments.
• Lead the evaluation efforts of the project, from the design stage to findings sharing and use
• Build the capacity of the project team in MEL.

Research and Learning:

• Ensure program research and learning agendas are mapped advising on methodology, target audience and informants.
• Lead, plan, coordinate and execute assigned research projects and Grants.
• Present research findings to management in an understandable manner.
• Analyze and resolve research issues promptly and accurately.
• Ensure that research deliverables meet quality standards and organization requirements.
• Ensure the program team on program’s strategic approach to enhancing research and evidence.
• Provide technical input and guidance to implementing partners and grantees around research and learning activities.
• Ensure implementation of research grants to international and national organizations ensuring quality.
• Ensure training on research design, data collection, and data analysis as needed to partner (Government and civil society) and staff.
• Ensure relevant data, best practices and lessons learned from other USAID regional CTIP projects and other country level initiatives to ensure that information and learning is informing research and programming.
• Lead on key learning opportunities across components.

Data and Information System

• Oversee on data integrated approach within the project liaising with government, CSOs and private sectors partners.
• Ensure teams and stakeholders are trained on installation and operation of MIS system in given Model.
• Ensure monitoring, evaluation and follow up of the use and results of MIS system at all levels
• Ensure development of MIS Database User Manual and disseminate.
• Ensure to date on information related to human trafficking such as online data, publications, research, etc. and ensure the project team are informed.
• Ensure technical support to data analysis by CSO and Government partners and in particular in relation to the electronic Victim Case Management System and the to-be-developed Integrated Data System for the government of Nepal.

Budget and Financial Management:

• Work with management in preparation of project budget and schedule.
• Monitor and control expenses within allotted budget.

Team collaboration coordination:

• Supervise team members to complete research projects within deadlines.
• Collaborate with other project staff, stakeholders to deliver far-reaching results and impact in line with program expectations.
• Provide technical support on program activities to ensure the quality, timeliness, and efficiency of all activities.
• Ensure program staff, partners on activities related to learning, research, assessments and evidence gathering.
• Capacity building to teams on effectively execute the desired outcome.

Internal coordination and collaboration:

• Track project progress periodically and report the same to management.
• Ensure quarterly and annual reports to USAID.
• Coordinate and collaborate closely with Program Team, home office and field office.

External Liaison and Networking:

• Develop and maintain association and liaison with relevant stakeholders.
• Actively represent in relevant forums.

Other duties are assigned.

Core Competencies:

Professionalism: Strong knowledge of the relevant technical areas.
Planning & Organizing: Ability to plan work and manage conflicting priorities.
Communication: Good spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to liaise with technical staff and present information in a clear and concise style. Fluency in written in English.
Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
Analytical skills: Ability to analyze information and solve problems with excellent attention to detail.

• Apply Before : Sep-03-2020
• How to Apply for this job?

• To apply, please submit your application by email, referencing in the subject line “Senior Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning Manager”, to  HamroSammanRecruitment@winrock.org on or before September 03, 2020 . Your application must include a cover letter and C.V. Hard copies of applications will not be accepted. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted. No phone calls please. 

  Women, people with disabilities and those belonging to discriminated groups are strongly encouraged to apply. 

  All employees should adhere to USAID, UK aid and Winrock International’s code of ethics, and specifically child safeguarding and trafficking in persons provisions covered in the project agreement.

  EEOE/AA.