TITLE: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Manager
UNIT: Nepal office
REPORTS TO: Governance Director
SUPERVISES: Senior Program Officers and Senior MERL Specialists, as assigned

1. SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES

The Asia Foundation (the Foundation) is looking for a Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Manager to lead the monitoring, evaluation, learning, and knowledge management of its Subnational Governance Program. The MERL Manager will have significant experience working on developing program annual work plans, and organizational and program performance matrices. S/he shall be responsible for the supervision of the Sr. MERL Specialist and Sr. Program Officers, and leading the overall MERL unit.  He/she will also have significant management experience and will be responsible for Sub-National Governance Program (SNGP) donor reporting and representation of The Asia Foundation to government agencies, donors, partner organizations, diplomatic missions, and national and international institutions, as required. 

2. RELATIONSHIPS

Internal
Contact with all staff within the Foundation.

External
Regular contact with grantees, independent contractors, government officials and agencies, bilateral and multilateral development agencies and donors, business sector and civil society organizations, professional organizations, and academic and other local institutions.

3. REQUIREMENTS

Education

• Advanced degree in international development studies, public administration, political science, other social sciences, or another relevant field.

Experience

• Minimum eight years of relevant professional experience in monitoring, evaluation, research, and learning. Solid experience in qualitative and quantitative appraisal, team building in multicultural environments, efficient and effective delivery of project milestones, and donor relations. Experience in report writing, strategic planning, supervision, and field-based research experience. Gender Equality and Social Inclusion experience preferred.

Other

• Demonstrated in-depth knowledge of Nepal’s political, economic, and social context. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in English and Nepali, and ability to harmoniously interact with people from a variety of cultural and professional backgrounds. Proven management, analytical, and research skills, with strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Ability to prioritize and critically analyze information. Advanced computer skills (Microsoft Windows, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, internet). Ability to work under pressure and multi-task. Willingness to travel to districts across the country. Ability to work independently and in a team environment.

4. JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Development and Operationalize MERL System

• Advise in developing and implementing a MERL framework for SNGP in coordination with the MERL team and any other relevant staff to strengthen planning, implementation, oversight, and monitoring of program activities.
• Develop research, learning, and knowledge management strategy for the program as a critical component of the MEL system.
• Lead in the identification and preparation of program materials to support knowledge management and learning across the different strategic areas. 
• Expand the culture and practice of informed strategic decision-making and learning, drawing from relevant good practices in the wider MEL field.
• Operationalize research planning for data collection and monitoring.
• Ensure data quality and standards of partners’ deliverables including their outputs, narrative and financial reports.
• Promote evidence-based programming by identifying data and knowledge gaps.
• Support the program team on the program’s periodic progress reports, updates, and briefs to meet the required compliances.
• Plan, design, and execute the implementation of formative and summative evaluation as well as track the implementation and follow-up evaluation.
• Work closely with MEL team to facilitate the monitoring and evaluation process with the local partners engaged in creation of knowledge products and provide technical guidance and assistance to support partner organizations in delivering quality reports and documenting the impact of program activities. Periodic field visits to assess and provide technical support to program staff, and partners.
• Regular field visits to program locations to help identify issues/challenges and recommend solutions to the team.

Donor Relations

• Ensure that donor colleagues are updated regularly with project progress.
• Respond to donors’ requests as needed.

Human Resources Management/Supervision

• Oversee and manage a MERL team and occasionally consultants to implement program activities and maintain project coherence.  
• Supervise and mentor Senior MERL Specialists and Senior Program Officers. 
• Support the capacity building of the program team and partners through coaching and training on monitoring and evaluation.
• Manage a conducive team and office environment.

Representation

• Contribute to articles, blog, written materials, and documentation for publication.
• Participate in Foundation and other relevant professional meetings, forums and events with development partners, governments, and civil society organizations, sharing knowledge and experience from within and outside the organization.

Other

• Provide support to other on-going programs and activities of the Foundation as may be necessary
• Other duties as assigned by the Governance Advisor and Country Representative or designate.