MEL & Communications Officer, Managing the Human Tiger Interface in Nepal

Job Description

Nepal’s Terai Arc Landscape has achieved remarkable success in tiger recovery, with numbers nearly tripling from 121 in 2009 to 355 in 2023. However, as a density-dependent species, dispersing sub-adult tigers are in frequent interactions with people and livestock. Consequently, human–tiger conflict is rising across Chitwan–Parsa, Bardia–Banke, and Shuklaphanta, particularly along park boundaries. Although the primary driver of conflict is a spatially expanding tiger population, habitat fragmentation, degraded grasslands, shrinking wetlands, and intense human activities compound the issue. 

The project “Managing the Human–Tiger Interface in Nepal”, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and led by the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE), Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation, aims to advance human-wildlife coexistence efforts by building consensus and capacity for coexistence, reducing impacts of human-tiger conflict, and improving habitats for tigers. It does so through four components: (1) strengthening enabling conditions — improving national policy and municipal planning for conflict management and building frontline response capacity; (2) livelihoods support — engaging communities in social-behavior change, piloting faster and fairer relief and insurance, and supporting tiger-safe livelihood options; (3) habitat management — restoring grasslands and wetlands within park core zones to keep prey and tigers inside protected areas; and (4) knowledge exchange — documenting lessons and sharing them nationally and through the GEF-funded Global Wildlife Program. Together, these interventions aim to reduce conflict, benefit more than 121,000 people, and secure healthy tiger landscapes in Nepal.

Under the direct supervision of the Project Manager, the Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL) & Communications Officer will be responsible for monitoring, evaluation, communication, and knowledge management related activities of the project. S/he will be based in PMU office.

Major Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Update and Track Results Framework

• Prepare and implement a monitoring, communication, and knowledge management plan of the project, maintaining vertical and horizontal communication.
• Prepare and implement a performance monitoring and reporting framework with gender disaggregated indicators.
• Update, revise, and maintain the project’s results framework.
• Carry out the aggregation and analysis of programmatic data to update performance/outcome indicators.
• Develop and update monitoring plans and adaptive management schedules along with formats and checklists.
• Conduct assumption testing for different outputs and outcomes.

2. Monitoring & Evaluation

• Conduct regular monitoring (performance and result) visits to ensure that strategies are working, or if “Theory of Change” requires reevaluation
• Conduct initial analysis that identifies potential opportunities for adaptive management and communicate regularly with the Project Management Unit (PMU)
• Coordinate with government line agencies and sub-grantees for effective implementation of the project result framework.
• Facilitate and coordinate mid-term and terminal evaluation of the project activities. Coordinate with WWF-US MEL Lead to ensure processes and timelines are aligned.
• Coordinate and conduct joint field monitoring visits of Government partners and WWF GEF agencies.
• Assist in creating a monitoring plan, collecting data, and disseminating knowledge for the scientific aspect of the project implementation.

3. Reporting

• Support the Project Manager in the preparation and timely update of the Project Progress Report (PPR) every six months and annually. Ensure timely submission of the Core Indicator Report and Project Completion Report.
• Closely work with GESI and Safeguards staff to ensure proper reporting of GESI, environmental, and social safeguards issues.
• Ensure a proper combination of datasets while preparing communication materials and knowledge documents.
• Ensure that the project follows the PPMS standard (WWF Network’s Project/Programme Management Standards) with a major focus on analyze/adapt & share.

4. Database Management

• Maintain and update the project database using WWF Nepal’s Online database, including the systematic collection of pictures and visuals for monitoring.
• Consolidate and collect different project data from sub-grantees, partner organizations, and government offices.
• Synthesize and analyze data to measure project progress, contribution, and impacts against the result framework.
• Establish, manage, disseminate & troubleshoot the project database system to cater to adaptive management practices adhering to the WWF Network standards.

5. Knowledge Management

• Ensure the project’s knowledge management in close coordination with the Project Manager. 
• Cross-learning and knowledge sharing within GEF and other projects, including WWF Nepal.
• Collect/compile the knowledge/learning products of the project and prepare knowledge products for wider dissemination.
• Organize periodic project-level lesson learning in the field and the center office to capture lesson learnt.

6. Communications/Documentation/Production of Success stories & Lessons

• Identify and develop opportunities to ensure the documentation, production, and communication of important success stories, case studies, and lessons with key stakeholders using the best tools and communication media. 
• Keep track of project activities updates, achievements, reports, and learning, and contribute to success stories, photo stories, and case studies of semi-annual and annual reports.
• Ensure quality production of all communication materials, presentations, and reports in line with communication standards and branding guidelines where they exist.
• Translates and edits communication and outreach materials where applicable.

7. Capacity Building

• Build the capacity of field staff, sub-grantees, and other partner institutions on monitoring and reporting processes.
• As needed, provide communication coaching or training to the field staff and other key partners to effectively communicate messages and lessons from the project and promote information about project objectives and activities.
• Support the capacity building of project personnel and stakeholders at the provincial, local, and district level agency officials.
• Develop and review the Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning related training sessions and materials.

8. Other Duties

• This job description outlines the main tasks and conveys the spirit of anticipated tasks. Other tasks may be assigned as necessary according to the project's needs.

Supervisory Responsibility: None

Working Relationships:

Internal: Works closely with PMU staff, and GESI & Safeguards staff.

External: Interact frequently with existing government, non-government, and civil society partners, consultants, and grantees.

Knowledge: Bachelor’s degree in Environment Management, Development Studies, and other Natural Resource Management-related fields.

Experience: At least 3-5 years of relevant field experience in monitoring and evaluation, in a development or conservation context, is mandatory. The individual must have experience in capturing lessons for adaptive management, and documentation, dissemination, and communication of project information. Experience in research methods, designing and implementing tools and strategies for quantitative and qualitative data collection, analysis, and production of reports is preferred. Familiarity with PPMS (Program and Project Management Standards) and results-based management principles, tools, and techniques is desirable. Experience of working in national GEF projects will be an added advantage.

Skills and Abilities:

• Strong analytical and excellent communication skills, including report writing, presenting the monitoring results, and making presentations.
• The position requires knowledge of data storage and analysis, and expertise in using database software like MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access, and MS PowerPoint. Knowledge of SPSS would be an advantage.
• Excellent cross-cultural and people skills and ability to interact with government and NGO staff.
• Adaptive Management Skills.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary and multicultural team.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.
• Should be an action-oriented and result-driven person.
• Excellent written and spoken language skills in Nepali and English.
• The ability to work under pressure, especially in terms of output delivery on deadlines.

Interested applicants are requested to apply for the position by 17:00 hours on March 5, 2026.  Only shortlisted candidates will be informed. 

For more information and to apply, visit https://careers.smartrecruiters.com/WorldWildlifeFundInc1/nepal  

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

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