Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist

Job Description

Position Overview

The MEL Specialist will be responsible for supporting the delivery of results in line with the commitments we have made in the HICAS Project Performance Measurement Framework, which is nested within ICIMOD's Strategy 2030: Moving Mountains and Medium-Term Action Plan V (2023-2026): Embracing Change and Accelerating Impact institutional Results Framework. These institutional frameworks set out an ambitious agenda to strengthen monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL), enable adaptive management, and enhance delivery and accountability.'

The MEL Specialist plays a critical role in strengthening systems for results-based planning, monitoring, and reporting within the HICAS project, with a strong emphasis on adaptive learning, performance delivery, and the tracking of GESI-responsive and IPLC-relevant outcomes and impacts. Drawing on feminist methodologies, the MEL approach will ensure that gender and social power dynamics are captured through qualitative and intersectional analysis and are reflected in transformative changes for women and IPLCs. The role requires strong interactions with HICAS team members, the Country Project Focal Points, and partners in the HICAS countries.

This position requires relevant qualifications and experience in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, with demonstrated expertise in results-based management. The role also demands strong familiarity with human rights-based and feminist approaches to results, as well as experience working on gender equality and with Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning and Results-Based Management
• Work directly with the Senior Project Coordinator, project team, and partners to ensure that all HICAS planning, MEL activities, and reporting are fully aligned with the project's Performance Measurement Framework and MEL requirements, as well as compliant with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) procedures and contractual obligations, including for independent evaluations
• Maintain and update the HICAS Performance Measurement Framework and Theory of Change, allowing for evidence-informed refinements based on the evolving context
• Ensure that all stakeholders align annual work plans and deliverables with the Performance Measurement Framework and MEL Plan, applying feminist and human rights-based principles
• Provide strategic leadership on GESI-responsive MEL: ensure gender equality and social inclusion, as well as human rights-based approaches, are embedded across methodologies, data systems, and analysis, in collaboration with project teams and partners, including tracking of power relations
• Under the leadership of the Senior Project Coordinator, provide technical MEL inputs into annual planning, budgeting, and reporting to ensure outcome focus and adaptive management
• Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL)
• Establish and maintain a comprehensive MEL Plan for the full project cycle, aligned with the HICAS Performance Measurement Framework and ICIMOD's and GAC's MEL approaches and standards, with strong integration of feminist and human rights-based approaches
• Lead and oversee the implementation of the MEL Plan in close coordination with the Senior PC, project team, and partners
• Work closely with the Country Project Focal Points to guide their engagement and delivery of MEL activities
• Organise and participate in joint field missions to assess progress, support partners, and collect evidence and lessons learned
• Prepare annual expenditure plans for M&E activities, monitor expenditure rates, and justify reallocations where required in line with ICIMOD and GAC guidelines
• Facilitate reflection and learning reviews to support evidence-based adaptation of strategies and work plans, in close collaboration with the CPOs
• Coordinate project evaluations in collaboration with ICIMOD's Independent Evaluation Unit, ensuring integration of feminist-informed reflection and adaptive learning
• Reporting and Accountability
• Ensure that all project reporting aligns with Global Affairs Canada (GAC) requirements, including agreed formats, timelines, and technical guidance
• Coordinate and produce high-quality, timely reports aligned with donor requirements and ICIMOD standards
• Compile and review qualitative and quantitative data with project teams and partners to ensure reporting accuracy and consistency
• Work with the SRPBD- Planning, Monitoring, and Reporting team to validate data and update ICIMOD's Results Dashboard
• Lead baseline data collection across all indicators, ensuring alignment with the results tracker and data management systems
• Respond to external audits and evaluation-related requests, ensuring timely submission of documentation
• Uphold data protection, privacy, and ethical standards in line with ICIMOD policies and legal regulations
• Support preparation of key project performance reports (Annual and Final PPRs), working closely with the evaluation team and Senior Project Coordinator to highlight rights-based and GESI-responsive results and stories of change
• Capacity Building and Technical Support
• Provide technical guidance to the project team and partners on results-based planning, monitoring, and reporting
• Build team and partner capacity in feminist, gender-based, and human rights-based MEL approaches that elevate the voices and accountability of women and IPLCs
• Develop user-friendly tools, templates, and guidance materials to standardise MEL processes in line with donor and institutional requirements
• Knowledge Management and Dissemination
• Capture and share learning through documentation of best practices, success stories, and lessons for broader uptake and donor engagement
• Contribute to knowledge products, case studies, and evidence-based communications, and participate in learning exchanges
• Collaboration and Resource Mobilisation
• Work collaboratively with implementing partners, target communities, and stakeholders following ICIMOD and HICAS GESI guidelines
• Coordinate closely with SRPBD to ensure consistent application of ICIMOD MEL standards and integration across teams
• Undertake additional MEL-related tasks as assigned, including adapting to evolving GAC requirements
  
  

Contribute to resource mobilisation efforts through MEL inputs into project proposals, partnership development, or related planning tasks.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL

• Master's degree in monitoring and evaluation, statistics, development studies, policy studies, social sciences, gender, economics, or a related field
• At least five years of relevant experience in results-based approaches and the integration of monitoring, evaluation, and reporting in international, multicultural, or research settings
• Deep understanding and strong experience in integrating GESI, human rights, and feminist approaches into monitoring, evaluation, and reporting
• Proven experience in designing and implementing MEL systems tailored to diverse donor requirements
• Experience providing specialist MEL and reporting support to an organisation and its partners for a bilaterally funded grant such as GAC, European Union, USAID, FCDO, etc
• Background or experience in sustainable development, climate change, resilience, GESI-responsive programming, and other related sectors
• Ability to train and mentor staff and ICIMOD's partners in planning and reporting processes
• Knowledge of project management and planning tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Google Sheets) and monitoring platforms, including ICT tools such as Kobo Toolbox, Power BI, etc
• Strong facilitation, interpersonal, and advisory skills for working across teams and institutions, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal
• High degree of cultural sensitivity, maturity, and discretion
  
  

Preferred

Experience working in the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) or broader South Asian region, with a strong understanding of GESI and experience applying feminist and intersectional approaches in MEL.

Benefits

This is an international position at ICIMOD. The starting annual gross salary for this position is USD 34,062. Gross salary comprises basic salary, provident fund, and family/post adjustment allowance. Salaries and benefits at ICIMOD are competitive compared with other international organisations. We offer a comprehensive benefits package which includes child/dependency allowances, insurances (medical, life and accidental), children's education grant for a maximum of 2 children below 18 years of age, severance pay, paid leave (30 holidays and 10 public holidays per year) and a day care facility.

For expatriates, there is a tax exemption in Nepal; they are responsible for their home country's tax payments. Expatriate staff are entitled to housing allowance, annual home leave ticket, shipment of personal effects, and an installation and repatriation allowance.