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Heifer Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Director

Job ID 676
Program / Project Management Kathmandu, Nepal

Description
About Us

Heifer has worked in Nepal since 1957 and has had a permanent corporate office in the country for the past 25 years. Heifer’s economic growth work in Nepal has been funded by its own funding from private donations and work with all donors from USAID, European donors, multi-lateral banks, foundations, private sector partners and the Nepali national and local governments. Our technical assistance projects cover everything from small holder farmers, cooperatives, to women empowerment, local government development, environment, youth employment, entrepreneurship, SME development and value addition for livestock and agriculture products (everything from post- harvest handling, packaging to market linkages).

In addition to our Nepal work, Heifer is currently implementing similar projects throughout 20 offices around the world. Heifer International is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, status as a protected veteran, among other things, or status as a qualified individual with some form of disability.

Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Director – Proposal

Heifer International is currently seeking a MERL Director for the upcoming 5-year USAID-funded Nepal Agricultural Transformation activity. The position is contingent upon award, with an anticipated total value of $25-50 million.

The fulltime Nepal-based MERL Director manages all aspects of the project monitoring, research, evaluation, learning and reporting. He/she manages, analyzes information and reports to the Chief of Party (COP) and provides the project team and partners with feedback on progress toward the achievement of key results as stated in the project annual workplans and project Performance Management Plan (PMP). The MERL Director ensures that the project collects, analyzes, and disseminates accurate data consistently and timely, aggregates project-generated knowledge and lessons learned through routine monitoring and evaluation of the project activities. Specific responsibilities include:

Roles and Responsibilities:

The roles and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Develop and refine the overall project PMP and key performance indicators (KPIs) ensuring that all project components have end-of-the-project and annual indicators (inputs, output, outcomes, and impact), established baselines and measurable and achievable targets
• Work with the project team and collaborate with Nepali counterparts on developing project indicators, including their definitions, measurement, process of data collection, analysis, interpretation, presentation, and reporting
• Establish and oversee project database, including data verification, entry, and cleaning
• Identify and advise the project team on implementation of innovative solutions to data collection and monitoring
• Identify and mitigate challenges in the project data management that impact effective project implementation
• Promote the shared responsibility of the project MERL function among the project team and partners through regular meetings, trainings, and communication
• Provide timely qualitative and quantitative information to the project team on the project quarterly and annual progress reports, programmatic updates, success stories, briefs, newsletters, as required
• Keep updated on developments in MERL best practices, relevant to the project
• Keep abreast of Nepal socio-economic statistical indicators and provide timely updates to the project team to ensure effective planning and adapting the project activities
• Conducts political economy analysis in Nepal on the routine bases to help project staff to think and work politically
• Contribute to the development of the project annual work plans
• Conceptualize, and conducts additional research activities as required by the project
• Supervise and mentor MERL staff
• Represent the project at external technical events, including conferences, webinars, and other events, as required
• Travel to project sites to provide on the ground technical assistance to project staff, partners, and counterparts
• Ensures the project compliance with the donor branding and marking requirements

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in international development
• Seven (7) years of progressive experience in managing research, monitoring and evaluation in economic grow or other social sectors
• Seven (7) years of experience working with donor funded projects
• Strong analytical abilities and participatory management style
• Proficient in database management and data analysis
• Experience working on similar USAID or other donor-funded programs; familiarity with USAID regulations and policies preferred
• Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to lead and work effectively in team situations
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Full professional proficiency in English is required

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. CVs submitted for this opportunity may be retained in our database for other/future opportunities, unless we are directed otherwise.