Senior Monitoring and Management Information System (MIS) Officer

Scope of Work

USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal)

USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal) 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 (Jal Jangal) 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 (Jal Jangal) 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).

1.     Objectives of the assignment 

The Senior Monitoring, and Management Information System (MIS) Officer is primarily responsible for systematic monitoring, evaluation and database management for USAID Biodiversity (Jal Janga). 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 is responsible for the overall management of the activity’s database, data validation and documentation, and overall data quality assurance. S/he will work closely with the M and E Manager in developing and deploying data products. Also, s/he will support with the design, development and programming of tools for surveys and assessments to collect program specific data and information and monitor quality and performance of the activities implemented and/or partners. S/he will be responsible for undertaking routine monitoring activities and supporting partners’/field teams/grantees to provide timely and evidence-based data reporting on USAID Biodiversity (Jal Jangal) ensuring up-to-dated MEL Database System. S/he will carry out comprehensive field monitoring to ensure that activities are implemented per program design and reflect appropriate indicators and targets.

2.     Tasks & Responsibilities

The Senior Monitoring, and Management Information System (MIS) Officer tasks and responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Facilitate on effective roll out of the USAID Biodiversity’s (Jal Jangal) MEL Database System 
• Assist M and E Manager on effective implementation of MEL database system including managing the partners’ profile with different level of users, update and uses of tools, periodic data verification, validation and consolidation.
• Lead the effective roll out and functional of MEL Database/DAI Collect recording and reporting system through capacity development and technical support to all the activity team, subcontractors, and grantees. 
• Develop and tests information flow mechanisms, and data collection and analysis tools for profiling, assessment, monitoring, and evaluation purposes, as necessary
• Work closely with M and 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.
• Lead routine data management and documentation process.
• Maintain and ensure quality data entry of implementing partners and thematic teams in MEL System, (extracting reported figures thematic reports).
• Supports M and E Manager to ensure timely, accurate, and reliable high-quality data with evidence as per MEL Plan
• Lead design and programming of Kobo based MEL tools; monitoring checklist, data collection, recording and reporting forms and formats for partners and technical team, as per the need. 
• Assist M and E Manager in USAID data reporting process (DIS and performance narrative reports), including data collection from community stakeholders, partners/firms, stakeholders, etc. for indicator reporting and learning documentation.
• Undertake regular site visits for data verification and validation, including technical support to landscape team, partners and grantees on MEL activity implementation 
• Lead the sub-contractor and grantee level MEL plan development, induction and effective execution of the plan activities in coordination with M and E Manager, Technical Focal Point and partners 
• Timely compile quarterly and annual master datasets and assist M and E Manager on performance indicator-based updates for periodic reporting. 
• Regular coordinate with Snr. M&E and Comms officers (Landscape level) and assist them for ensuring timely and quality data reporting by the activity team, sub-contractors and grantees in DAI Collect 
• Contribute on effective and timely implementation of MEL plan activities with support of M and E Manager and the activity team. 
• Contribute/support in CLA Self-Assessment tool update, roll out and effective execution process. 
• Documentation of review and reflection of progress, learnings, challenges, and way forwards discussed in QPR. 
• Conduct routine data verification and data quality assessments under the supervision of M and E Manager. 
• Deliver MEL training and technical assistance to activity counterparts, grantees, or subcontractors to ensure the quality of their reporting
• Conduct relevant studies to assess progress over outcomes of project activities and document the findings. 
• Contribute to, and participate in, project reporting, events, and learning activities – particularly the Annual Pause and Reflect sessions and Quarterly Review
• Assist in conducting needs assessments, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and program activity surveys. 
• 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.
• Perform other tasks that arise based on the needs of program and as directed by M & E Manager

3.     Required Qualification and Experience:

• Experience in monitoring, evaluation and learning of donor funded development activities, including implementation of baseline and midline surveys, and managing large MEL databases and other relevant areas, preferably with an international donor-funded organization. For a candidate with a master’s 6 years of professional work experience is required, for a candidate with a bachelor’s 10 years of relevant technical experience is required. (Subtract one year of relevant experience—5 years with MA or 9 years with BA—for persons of excluded groups)
• Bachelor’s or Master’s 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.
• Relevant Data Management and MEL Database System handling experience in international development, including experience and/or technical knowledge in the design, data management and data visualization.
• Track record in managing survey/evaluations, with strong quantitative research skills, and proven ability to produce demonstrable results.
• Familiar with USAID recording and reporting process (DIS reporting, PITT, PIRS etc.) and data quality assessments.
• Experience in operating Management Information System (MIS systems), Power-BI, Mobile data collection apps, and software such as Kobo toolbox, SPSS, NVivo, and GIS preferred.
• Previous experience in operation web-based MIS, and statistical software
• Strong familiarity with international donor M&E practices, theory and requirements, ideally with USAID (preferred) and/or other donors and INGOs (required).
• Demonstrate results-oriented 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.

Application Link: 

https://fs23.formsite.com/OLJTgx/v0btufp6dt/index

Application instructions:

Please select the position and location for which you are interested in applying for, fill out the required information and upload your CV. Only shortlisted applicants will receive notifications on the next steps.

Interested candidates should submit their application no later than 13 January 2025. 

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 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, Muslims, persons with disabilities, people living in remote areas, and sexual and gender minorities.