Based in Kathmandu, Nepal, the Senior and Mid-level MEL Specialists will provide expert-level technical and management support to ensure fast, flexible, and demand-driven MEL support. They will work closely with USAID staff and local partners on a range of activities, including evaluations, assessments and surveys, data analytics, strategic communication on MEL outputs, and local capacity development. Nepali citizenship required.  

Note: This position is contingent upon donor award.

Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with the Chief of Party, Deputy Chief of Party and/or other Senior and Mid-level MEL Specialists to implement MEL activities;

• Provide design support, guidance and assistance on mid-term and final performance evaluations, impact evaluations, whole-of-project evaluations, and evaluation utilization, etc.;

• Support geographic, thematic, and sectoral assessments, sectoral surveys, and baseline analyses to inform Mission-strategic planning, decision-making, and project implementation;

• Produce and/or contribute timely inputs toward quality reports and deliverables for final evaluations, assessments, and research reports; MEL training materials; information dissemination; and a capacity building plan;

• Support the implementation of the Mission’s Performance Management Plan (PMP), data management and analysis, local capacity building on MEL, etc;

• Contribute to the improvement of Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) within USAID/Nepal to ensure interventions are coordinated, grounded in evidence, and adjusted as necessary to remain relevant and effective throughout implementation;

• Provide guidance and technical assistance to improve the performance monitoring capacities of Mission staff and Implementing Partners;

• Strengthen coordination, collaboration, and synergies with the Mission and with other key stakeholders regarding performance management, program interventions, MEL, and lessons learned; and 

• Help build the capacity of local MEL firms in Nepal and enable select local firms to become stronger, more strategically-focused entities that may become eligible to receive a direct award from USAID or other donors in the future.

Qualifications:

• Nepalese citizenship required;

• Advanced degree in international development, economics, statistics, research methods, political science, public policy, social science or a related field;

• At least ten years’ experience in managing research and performance management activities, including knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, and learning; 

• At least three years’ experience in one or more of the following sectors: economic development, energy, water resource management, environment, democracy, human rights, governance, population and family health, education, youth, gender, geographic information systems (GIS), management information systems (MIS), etc.;

• Extensive experience in research design, sampling, data collection methods, and conducting advanced quantitative and qualitative data analysis for international development projects and programs;

• Proven ability to work on and lead an evaluation team;

• Ability to synthesize and present complex concepts to a non-technical audience;

• Clear oral and written communication skills in English and Nepali;

• Excellent project management skills and team management skills;

• Prior experience with USAID activities and policies related to evaluation and performance management highly desirable; and

• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with people from different cultures

• Strong and demonstrated commitment to international development and capacity development.

• ​Advanced degree in international development, economics, statistics, research methods, political science, public policy, social science or a related field.