Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist/Program Associate

DAI is a global development company with corporate offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, EU, Nigeria, Pakistan, and Palestine and project operations worldwide. We tackle fundamental social and economic development problems caused by inefficient markets, ineffective governance, and instability. DAI works on the frontlines of global development. Transforming ideas into action—action into impact. We are committed to shaping a more livable world. DAI and its employees are committed to confronting racism and holding ourselves accountable for positive change within the company and in the communities, cultures, and countries in which we live and work. DAI is committed to attracting and retaining the best employees from all races and backgrounds in our continued effort to become a better development partner. DAI upholds the highest ethical standards. We are committed to the prevention of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment as well as other ethical breaches. All our positions are therefore subject to stringent vetting and reference checks.

USAID Biodiversity will conserve nature, enhance human well-being, and safeguard Nepal’s biodiversity to improve the health of ecosystems, fight environmental crime, and improve the ability of communities to prepare for and adapt to impacts caused by climate change and natural disasters. USAID Biodiversity will achieve measurable conservation targets within the biodiversity-rich, terrestrial, and freshwater ecosystems in and around the Chitwan-Annapurna Landscape, Kailash Sacred Landscape, Terai Arc Landscape, and the proposed Karnali Conservation Landscape while increasing resilience to climate change and contributing to the inclusive and sustainable development of the Nepali people. To accomplish this, USAID Biodiversity will implement activities aligned with three mutually interrelated and reinforcing objectives: Improve the health of ecosystems (Objective 1), Strengthen environmental crime control and natural resource safeguards (Objective 2), and enhance the climate resilience of natural and human systems (Objective 3).

Position: Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

BASE OF OPERATIONS: Kathmandu

GRADE:    8

Positions Report to Monitoring and Evaluation Manager

Objectives of the assignment 

The M & E Specialist is primarily responsible for systematic monitoring, evaluation and learning for  USAID Biodiversity. S/he will maintain/update database systems for both quantitative and qualitative data, collect/report all data/information/evidence, provide activity status updates and periodic data reports to the supervision of Monitoring and Evaluation (M and E) Manager. S/he will be responsible for undertaking  routine monitoring activities and supporting partners/field teams to provide timely and evidence-based reporting on USAID Biodiversity activities. S/he will carry out comprehensive field monitoring to ensure that activities are implemented per program design and reflect appropriate indicators and targets.

Tasks & Responsibilities

The M & E Specialist tasks and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Work closely with M & E Manager and field teams to collect and analyze data, and establish baselines and targets, as well as outcome and impact indicators. 
• Support baseline survey, mid-term evaluation, periodic surveys and periodic impact evaluations.
• Support partners, field teams and program team on planning their monitoring and evaluation system, and to prepare monitoring and evaluation plans.
• Perform data entry, verify and maintain timely and systematic database, in both offline and online formats, for every activity.
• Maintain/update data management system for both qualitative and quantitative data.
• Conduct routine data verification and data quality assessments under the supervision of M&E Manager. 
• Organize Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning orientation and training programs for partners. 
• Conduct relevant studies to assess progress over outcomes of project activities and document the findings. 
• Assist in conducting needs assessments, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and program activity surveys. 
• Contribute to, and participate in, project reporting, events, and learning activities – particularly the Annual Pause and Reflect sessions. 
• Work with the Communications team to develop and disseminate knowledge products.
• Undertake regular field visits for data verification and validation, and support field data collection exercises.
• Perform other tasks that arise based on the needs of program and as directed by M & E Manager

 Required Qualification and Experience:

• At least 6 years with master’s/10 years with a bachelor’s of experience in monitoring, evaluation and learning of donor funded development activities, including implementation of baseline and midline surveys, and managing large M&E databases. (Subtract one year of relevant experience—5 years with MA or 9 years with BA—for persons of excluded groups) 
• Bachelor’s or Masters degree in a field of study related to statistics, demographics, or other field related to monitoring and evaluation of biodiversity or environmental activities preferred. 
• Strong understanding of quantitative analysis with proficiency in statistics and statistical packages like SPSS, STATA to be used for data set analyzing.
• Track record in managing survey/evaluations, with strong quantitative research skills, and proven ability to produce demonstrable results.
• Strong understanding and relevant M & E experience on project design, M&E methods, processes, and tools including result-based monitoring (including quantitative, qualitative and participatory).
• Strong familiarity with international donor M&E practices, theory and requirements, ideally with USAID (preferred) and/or other donors and NGOs (required).
• Demonstrate results-oriented program design, strategic planning and program evaluation; experience leading and/or contributing to baseline assessments, periodic reviews and/or evaluations. 
• Ability to manage multiple tasks, people and priorities simultaneously and work remotely.

Position: Program Associate

Base of operations: Kathmandu

Grade: 5

Position reports to Deputy Cheif of Party

Objectives of the position 

The Program Associate is primarily responsible for supporting the Senior Technical team in managing internal coordination, communication and external relations with partners and stakeholders. 

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Senior Technical specialists, organize program meeting and take meeting notes,
• Coordinate and support external meetings, consultations, and workshops, 
• Support to organize workshops and events with stakeholders,
• Compile and manage technical documents, reports and presentations for internal and external meetings,
• Coordinate with field offices and schedule field visits of government stakeholders, donors, and Senior management teams,
• Support and participate in field visits and consultations required,
• Assist Chief of Party (CoP) and Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) for their schedule, admin and operation needs,
• Other duties assigned by the CoP and DCoP.

Qualifications  

• Highly organized with an ability to multitask.
• Experience of organizing meetings, visits, and workshops highly preferred.
• Excellent writing and speaking skills in English and Nepali.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills required. 
• Strong computer skills (MS Office suite) required.
• Academic or professional exposure to USAID Biodiversity’s objective areas is preferred but not necessary.
• Experience: for a candidate with a master’s 1 years of professional work experience is required, for a candidate with a bachelor’s 4 years of relevant technical experience is required. (Subtract one year of relevant experience- 0 years with a master’s or 3 years with a Bachelors- for persons of excluded groups). 

Application instructions:

Select the position in which you are interested in applying for, fill out the required information and upload your CV. Please note, due to the volume of applications that we receive and the urgency to fill-up positions, only shortlisted applicants will receive notifications on next steps. 

Application link: 

For Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

https://fs23.formsite.com/OLJTgx/p5qkxfp8ur/index

For Program Associate

https://fs23.formsite.com/OLJTgx/p5qkxfp8ur/index

Interested candidates should submit their application no later than 31st March 2023

Women and persons from excluded groups are encouraged to apply.

Consistent with DAI’s commitment to attracting and retaining staff from all races, ethnicities, castes and backgrounds, DAI may adjust eligibility requirements to allow for applicants from excluded groups.  In these cases, the Scope of Work and vacancy announcement will clearly indicate the minimum requirements according to the Country Compensation Plan as well as the revised minimum requirements for applicants representing an excluded group. DAI promotes workforce diversity and in Nepal, DAI considers excluded groups to be women, Dalits, indigenous ethnic minority groups, Madhesi, Muslim, persons with disabilities, people living in remote areas, and sexual and gender minorities.