Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer

 Position

Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) Officer

 Department

Program Quality 

 Location

Based in the Kathmandu Office with frequent travel to project locations

 Contract Length

12 months fixed term and possibility of expansion subject to funding and performance

 Working Hour

Six days a week, 8 hours a day

 Position Type

National Staff

 ORGANIZATION BRIEF

Nepal Development Society (NeDS) is a leading research and development NGO established in 2013. It has three offices located in Kathmandu, Bharatur, and Pokhara. It focuses on policy, planning, and development with a focus on social, economic, health, and environmental issues. NeDS has evolved as a multi-disciplinary research and development organization with its innovative, technical, management and research competencies. It delivers quality services to a diverse spectrum of organizations ranging from Governments, Bilateral Agencies, Multi-lateral Agencies, Development Agencies, I/NGOs, Academic Institutions, Research Firms and Private Sector Organizations.

JOB SUMMARY

The MEAL Officer is responsible for executing the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning system for the NeDS projects that focus primarily focusing on the Intervention Development for Trafficked Nepali Labor Migrants. She/he will work closely with the implementing partners, the U.S. Department of State, and their evaluation contractor NORC. The primary responsibilities of the MEAL Officer include developing and implementing the MEAL plans for the projects, ensuring that the baseline, mid-line, and end-line surveys, as well as research, periodic reviews, MEAL reports, CFRM reports, and project indicator tracking, are executed on time. Additionally, the MEAL Officer will ensure that the accountability mechanisms of the organization are effective in addressing the feedback and concerns of stakeholders. She/he will collect, analyze and disseminate project lessons learned effectively in order to improve future projects.

 REPORTING MECHANISM

 Direct Reports to

 Program Manager – Nepal

 Indirect Reports to

 MEAL Focal Person of Consortium Lead

KEY ROLES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITY

Monitoring

• Develop and implement a project monitoring plan, ensuring that project objectives, timelines, and deliverables are effectively tracked.

• Track core program indicators, doing a meta-analysisconduct analysis, and communicateing this monthly and quarterly to the program team.

• Assist in the development of the strategic plan, result monitoring plan (RMP), project log frame, and key performance indicators, particularly the targets and measurements including database management. 

• Attend weekly team meetings to become informed of project activities and suggest courses of action in line with established indicators.

• Conduct data collection by developing necessary forms, formats and templates. 

• Provide technical support and ensure the availability of reporting forms and tools. 

• Establish and maintain efficient monitoring mechanisms to assess project progress and identify areas for adjustment.

• Conduct regular project monitoring visits and spot checks to ensure the quality and accuracy of project data.

• Manage and periodically update the Common Performance Indicator (CPI) document tracking progress against J/TIP indicators.

• Support the project team the providby providinge necessary data, information and project reports to donors, government agencies and consortium organizations. 

• Develop the bencach mark and quality standard to ensure consistency in the similar activities of the project. 

• Assist the monitoring visits from government agencies, social welfare councils and other organizations. 

Evaluation

• Oversee the execution of baseline, mid-line, and end-line surveys, ensuring they are conducted in a timely manner and align with project objectives.

• Collaborate with stakeholders to conduct periodic reviews, ensuring the evaluation of project effectiveness and impact.

• Involve with the development evaluator, NORC, directly relates to MEAL. 

• Review and provide input on a pre-analysis plan (PAP) before being posted to the Evidence in Governance and Politics Research Registry.

• Conduct in-depth research on trafficking issues, analyze the scope of trafficking issues, identify trends and root causes, keeping abreast of legal frameworks, policies, and best practices related to migrant workers' rights.

• Develop the ToR and related contractual documents for the procurement of research firms and consultancy.

• Assist in the evaluation works including training enumerators, and coordinating with research firms and project teams. 

Accountability

• Ensure the organization's accountability mechanisms are effective in addressing feedback and concerns from stakeholders.

• Establish and manage a feedback system to receive and respond to beneficiary input, promoting transparency and responsiveness towards the larger community.

• Regularly assess the impact of accountability mechanisms and recommend improvements as needed.

• Facilitate the investigation process of any complaints and feedback received from the stakeholders and analyse the feedback trend. 

• Establish effective community engagement strategies, conducting Focus Group Discussions and involving migrant worker communities in project development and implementation.

• Follow the U.S. Department of State Award Provisions guidelines requirements for reporting needs.

• Submit quarterly reports on lessons learned, information on improving program outcomes, and how to foster the adoption of promising practices to the US Department of StateLabor in partnership with the Project team.

Learning

• Contribute to the organization's capacity-building efforts by sharing MEAL knowledge and best practices with colleagues.

• Collect, analyze, and disseminate project lessons learned effectively to enhance the organization's knowledge base.

• Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions within the organization, incorporating insights from project experiences to improve future initiatives.

• Actively participate in webinars and training sessions and supports continuous learning. 

• Collaborate with partners and stakeholders to promote a culture of learning and continuous improvement.

• Advocate for policy changes and legal reforms based on evidence generated from the project and other sources.

• Communicate with the Project team when issues or concerns arise, such as activities not meeting project objectives.

General

• Provide project planning and management support, ensuring clear objectives, timelines, and deliverables are met.

• Collaborate with the program team to prepare monthly update newsletters and manage social media for effective communication.

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with governmental agencies, NGOs, migrant networks, and civil society organizations, especially with the team of La Isla Network, Inc (LIN), USA to enhance project impact.

• Collaborate with implementing partners both in-country and internationally, ensuring effective communication and coordination.

• Act as a key member of the organization, providing MEAL support across various projects.

• Collaborate with project teams to ensure consistency in monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning practices.

• Undertake tasks as assigned by the line manager, which may include specific MEAL-related assignments or broader organizational responsibilities.

• Provide MEAL expertise to strengthen the development of concept notes and proposals for new funding opportunities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.

• Collaborate with colleagues from different departments to ensure effective integration of MEAL practices.

• Work collaboratively with the leadership team in organizational discussions to refine and enhance overall monitoring, evaluation, accountability, and learning strategies.

QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE

Academic Qualification

• Master’s degree in Public HealthMaster’s degree in Public Health,/ Economics/, Management/, Social Science/ and Statistics, and relevant disciplines. 

Relevant Experience

• At least five years of experience in the design and implementation of M&E in national/international NGOs/UN bodies/ Government

• Proven experience in project management and implementation, particularly in the context of human rights and modern slavery.

• Excellent communication and advocacy skills, with the ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

• Experience in capacity building, knowledge management, and training programs.

• Demonstrate diplomacy in building relationships and working with diverse cultures, audiences, sensitive situations, and subject matter.

• Experience in strategic planning approaches, including needs assessment, program design, logical framework development, indicator selection, monitoring plan implementation, supporting evaluations, and data analysis.

• Experience in Monitoring and Evaluation methods and approaches, including quantitative, qualitative, and participatory work with historically oppressed communities.

Essential Attributes

• Experience in capacity building, knowledge management, and training programs.

• Experience in the internet, MS Office package, data management and analysis software such as SPSS, Stata, REDCap, Kobotool box, and Google forms. 

• Proficient in reading, writing, and speaking in Nepali and English language. 

• Honesty, transparent, collaborative and learning attitude

Desirable Attributes

• Prior working experience in research-based projects with academic institutions consortium. 

• Experience in conducting qualitative data collection and analysis using Software, preferably Nvivo. 

• Familiarity with international and national legal frameworks related to human rights and labor rights

• Strong knowledge of issues related to migrant workers, labor migration, human trafficking and health and safety issues of the migrant workers.

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive salary, provident fund, and festival allowance.

• Medical and accidental insurance.

• Career growth opportunity. 

Application Process

To apply: Please submit your CV and Cover letter, with two references and expected monthly salary at vacancy@nedsnepal.org.np, mention Position in the email subject   
Deadline for applications: 27^th January 2024 5.00 pm. We will only get in touch if you have been shortlisted 

Disclaimer:

Nepal Development Society (NeDS) encourages diversity of genders, races, ethnicities, profiles, and statuses among its human resources. Therefore, it complies with the principle of non-discrimination throughout its recruitment process.

Nepal Development Society (NeDS) will not charge any fees for the recruitment process, including shortlisting, interviews, tests, or training. It reserves the right to accept and reject applications.