Location: Kathmandu, Nepal 
Department: Human Rights, Education, and Empowerment 
Reports To: Deputy Chief of Party, Equity and Inclusion in Education Activity 

Winrock International is recruiting applicants for the position of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist for the anticipated U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) project “Equity and Inclusion in Education” Activity in Nepal. The project will  support the Government of Nepal in reducing the number of out of school children and  improving learning outcomes for marginalized students. It will provide targeted support to  municipalities to implement evidence-based interventions that are driven by the local context in agreed upon provinces. The position is contingent upon receipt of donor funding. 

General: 

Winrock International is a nonprofit organization that works with people in the United States and around the world to empower the disadvantaged, increase economic  opportunity, and sustain natural resources. By linking local individuals and communities  with new ideas and technology, Winrock is increasing long-term productivity, equity, and  responsible resource management to benefit the poor and disadvantaged of the world. 

Position Summary: 

In coordination with the Chief of Party, the MEL Specialist will design the project’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning MEL plan. S/he will be responsible for the  development and day-to-day management of a monitoring and evaluation (M&E) system  to track project performance framework, indicators, and targets to measure progress toward project objectives and expected results. The MEL Specialist will ensure quality  routine data collection, data entry, data analysis, and timely reporting, under the project  Performance Measurement Plan. S/he will oversee routine data quality assurance exercises and participate as needed in M&E with the focus on improving monitoring  systems, data quality, and data use at project sites. Coordinating closely with project staff,  partners, and other key stakeholders, the MEL Specialist will oversee the analysis, interpretation, and tracking of all program data and documents. The MEL Specialist will  facilitate the development and dissemination of lessons learned, best practices, and other project deliverables through pause and reflect and other structured learning practices. 

Responsibilities: 

• Provide technical leadership in the development and updating of the project’s MEL  plan 
• Lead day-to-day implementation of all M&E related activities under the project MEL  Plan
• Provide support for the recruitment of consultants and temporary field staff for M&E related activities 
• Contribute to the development of quantitative and qualitative tools and  implementation of robust context-appropriate systems for data collection, quality  assurance, analysis, and reporting on activity outputs/outcomes and program  quality 
• Conduct data collection, entry, verification, analysis, and reporting on actual achievements against set targets, highlighting emerging patterns and offering clear reports on findings and conclusions 
• Operationalize a project collaborative learning and adapting (CLA) approach by leading its implementation as per the MEL plan 
• Ensure data quality, integrity, and security standards and procedures are in place and are aligned with country national monitoring and evaluation guidelines,  protocols, information, and reporting systems 
• Engage with partners and local stakeholders to monitor the progress and success of activities 
• Design a reporting system that ensures data flow and utilization and provides insights on activity performance and areas, contributing towards strategic decision making and project planning with project leadership 
• Work closely with project leadership, including partners and local stakeholders, to develop, implement, and monitor the implementation of a robust learning agenda  for continuous learning, collaboration, and adaptation to further the project’s  learning agenda 
• Contribute to the development and sharing of information and knowledge products with all relevant stakeholders in a timely manner 
• Contribute to annual workplan preparation in the design of M&E activities. 

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor's degree in monitoring and evaluation, education, demography, social  science, mathematics, economics, or relevant discipline 
• Significant study in international development and/or program monitoring and  evaluation 

Experience 

• At least 6 years of experience in the design and implementation of M&E in  development projects implemented by national/international NGOs, preferably in education 
• Demonstrated understanding of and expertise in USAID funded MEL plans and  reporting
• Demonstrated experience in designing tools for data collection, analysis, and  production of reports 
• Demonstrated experience in analyzing data using statistical software 
• Strong quantitative and analytical skills and ability to articulate technical  information clearly and effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences 
• Must have demonstrated mentoring and facilitation skills and the ability to network  and communicate with a wide range of stakeholders 
• Advanced cross-cultural sensitivity, including experience working and  communicating with professional and support staff in a multicultural, multi-linguistic  environment; ability to promote an atmosphere of trust and mutual respect 

Other:  

• Ability to travel throughout Nepal (in compliance with Covid-19 restrictions). 
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Office, including proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, Teams, and SharePoint 
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills 
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Nepali 

Salary: The annual salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience. Excellent benefits offered. 

Winrock is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal  employment opportunity for all people and value diversity and inclusiveness. Winrock  recruits, employs, trains, promotes and compensates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care  status, or any other basis protected by law. 

At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic  opportunity and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to  accountability, equity, innovation, integrity and transformation. 

Winrock knows that its success comes from the hard work and steadfast dedication of its diverse workforce. Winrock remains committed to maintaining diversity, inclusion and equity across the entire organization