Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Lead

POSITION DETAILS Position Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Lead (National position) Location: Kathmandu, Nepal, with travel to districts Department: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Report to: Chief of Party Project: USAID Hamro Samman II Duration: May 1, 2024 – March 31, 2026 BACKGROUND: Winrock International is seeking a MERL Lead for the USAID-funded Hamro Samman II Project. The purpose of this project is to strengthen the capacity of and facilitate coordination among the Government of Nepal (GoN), civil society, and private sector to combat human trafficking in Nepal. The MERL Lead will provide leadership, guidance, and overall direction to the Activity’s Collaboration, Learning, and Adapting (CLA) efforts and provide day-to-day management of the monitoring and evaluation system. Qualified Nepali nationals are encouraged to apply. Applicants are encouraged to submit their applications at the earliest opportunity and will be accepted on a rolling basis until filled. The position is contingent upon receipt of donor funding and approval. POSITION SUMMARY: The MERL Lead will be responsible for developing and managing MEL activities for a high-quality, results-oriented, counter trafficking-in-persons (TIP) project in Nepal that covers the “four Ps”: prevention, protection, prosecution, and partnerships. The MERL Lead will oversee the implementation of all of the program’s MERL activities, data reporting requirements to USAID and directly manage two MERL staff (including a MEL Specialist and an MEL Officer). The MERL Lead will also provide strategic and technical direction and oversight to policy and action-oriented monitoring and research by project staff, grantees, CSOs and international partners to strengthen local capacity to inform policy around counter trafficking in persons (CTIP) efforts in Nepal. The MERL Lead will manage the project’s learning agenda and implement international and local level research to contribute to evidence-based policy advocacy and global learning. The MERL Lead will also provide oversight for the management of the MERL system to ensure data quality and collaborative learning and adaptation throughout implementation sharing learning and providing evidence to drive the project forward to achieve meaningful and sustainable impact that reduces human trafficking. POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES Monitoring and Evaluation Manage the project’s MEL plan and systems, ensuring compliance with USAID requirements and Winrock’s MEL standards; developing and maintaining systems to collect and analyze data on inputs, outputs, outcomes, and impacts; and reporting accurate and timely results to USAID; Supervise timely and accurate reporting of quantitative and qualitative data by Hamro Samman partner organizations via field monitoring visits and data checks; Develop the capacity of partners to institute appropriate MEL systems within their respective organizations; Prepare data visualizations (e.g., tables, charts, etc.) of data extracted from Hamro Samman’s custom Management Information System (MIS); Identify, document, and share learnings acquired as a result of MEL to inform program planning; Research and Learning Ensure program research and learning agendas are mapped advising on methodology, target audience, and informants; Analyze and resolve research issues promptly and accurately; Ensure that research deliverables meet quality standards and organization requirements; Provide technical input and guidance to Hamro Samman partners and grantees around research and learning activities; Ensure training on research design, data collection, and data analysis as needed to partner (Government and civil society) and staff; Ensure relevant data, best practices and lessons learned from other USAID regional CTIP projects and other country-level initiatives to ensure that learning is informing research and programming. Data and Management Information System Provide MEL team (i.e., MEL Specialist and MEL Officer) with technical guidance and oversight of the project’s in-house Management Information System (i.e., Winrock MIS) including uploading data and tracking of progress and trends to generate donor reports and dashboards; Oversee data quality checks including field visits and spot checks of partner data to ensure consistency with Winrock MIS; Ensure all indicator data and associated disaggregates are populated in Winrock MIS, are accurately reflect indicator quarterly tracking tables, and available for timely reporting; Ensure technical support for data analysis by CSOs and Government partners for the electronic Integrated Data System for the Government of Nepal. Other duties as assigned. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS Master’s level degree in statistics, economics or a related field, specialized training in MEL a plus. Alternatively, a bachelor’s level degree with eight years of relevant work experience. Minimum 5-7 years of experience managing complex MEL systems for international development projects, preferably with USAID or other US government donors; Proven record of designing and implementing data collection tools including surveys using mobile platforms (e.g., KoboToolbox, etc.) and providing technical input into the design of Management Information Systems (MIS); Excellent staff management, motivational, and organizational skills are required. Proven track record working with local staff and partners to transfer MEL-related skills and knowledge; Comfortable liaising with stakeholders, USAID representatives and actively representing Hamro Samman at relevant events; Proven computer skills (word-processing, spreadsheets, and databases), data analysis, and data management skills are required; Experience with gender equity and/or social inclusion in development programs preferred; Previous technical experience in counter-trafficking in persons (CTIP), labor rights, governance, and/or research a plus; Strong communication skills, both oral and written, with fluency in English. Required Travel: Ability to travel extensively across Bagmati and Lumbini provinces. Physical Demands: Office environment with continual sitting including travels to districts. Winrock is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunity for all people and value diversity and inclusiveness. Winrock recruits, employs, trains, promotes, and compensates regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, or any other basis protected by law. At Winrock we have a clear mission: Empower the disadvantaged, increase economic opportunity, and sustain natural resources through unwavering dedication to accountability, equity, innovation, integrity, and transformation. Winrock knows that its success comes from the hard work and steadfast dedication of its diverse workforce. Winrock remains committed to maintaining diversity, inclusion, and equity across the entire organization. All employees should adhere to USAID and Winrock International’s code of ethics, and specifically child safeguarding and trafficking in persons provisions covered in the project agreement