Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning (MERL) Coordinator

MERL Coordinator – Job description

POSITION DETAILS

Position Title: Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning (MERL) Coordinator

Location: Banke, Nepalgunj, Lumbini Province Nepal with frequent field visits to districts 

Department: MERL

Report to: MERL Lead

Project: USAID Hamro Samman II

Duration: One year with possible extension

BACKGROUND:

The USAID Hamro Samman II project builds on the successes of the Hamro Samman (HS) project. This new 24-month project will collaborate closely with the Government of Nepal (GON), the private sector (PS), and civil society organizations (CSOs) to reduce trafficking in persons (TIP) in Nepal. Together, these partners will address TIP through three objectives: 1) strengthening federal, provincial, and local government (LG) efforts to combat TIP; 2) improving CSO advocacy and engagement to address TIP; and 3) increasing private-sector partnerships to service TIP survivors and at-risk populations. By convening both public and private stakeholders and refining coordination, capabilities, policies, and systems, Hamro Samman II will contribute significantly to establish enduring partnerships and increase prevention, protection, and prosecution of TIP cases in Nepal.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The USAID Hamro Samman II MERL Coordinator’s prime role will in providing MERL support to the partners, ensuring data quality and reporting, facilitate data collection during assessments/surveys and document learning and successes from the implementation.  S/he will actively contribute to implementation of MERL plan, use of MERL tools, templates, and MEL system to capture data, track progress and results, facilitate the review and performance of CSOs and PS partners and promote data use for planning and decision making. The MERL Coordinator will also support research activities.  The position is responsible for ensuring that TIP data documentation and implementation of the Social Information Management System (SIMS) in relevant Local governments LGs via continuous coordination with the project team. Further, the MERL Coordinator will provide necessary technical support and guidance to implementing partners in Lumbini Province and Rukum district on the use of MERL tools and systems, ensuring quality implementation and documentation of project learnings and results.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

Main Responsibilities

Data collection, processing, and management

• Support the development and maintenance of TIP data collection and other required tools.
• Train partner staff to collect real time data per the projects and USAID’s data collection and data reporting guidelines.
• Coordinate with project team and partners team to verify reported data are valid and manage the cleaned data in Winrock MIS.
• Collect and document evidence of reported data, adhering to USAID’s deadlines.
• Support the analysis of captured data in the MIS as per the reporting requirement to the donors and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to the design of methodologies for monitoring and evaluation of the project and mechanisms for assuring quality in implementation of project activities.
• Support on external and internal Data Quality Assessment processes.
• Support tracking the data results in MIS, SIMS and promote data use among partners and government agencies. Facilitate data collection process during assessments and surveys conducted by the project.

Partner Field Monitoring and Reporting

• Visit partners in the field to complete the data verification process of implementing activities, monitor partners to ensure that they are following appropriate tools and methodologies.
• Conduct field monitoring visits and provide onsite and/or virtual MERL support to partners and project team. 
• Support the development and maintenance of partner-specific MERL Plan(s) and MERL-related activities in Lumbini province and Rukum district. 
• Monitor the quality of partner activity implementation, disseminate reports on monitoring findings, and conduct follow-up monitoring of action points identified via internal data quality assessments (iDQAs). 
• Coordinate the capacity building of partners in use of MIS system, tools, templates and procedures for data collection/recording, verification, analysis, and reporting.
• Visit the field to collect success stories.
• Support the program team to ensure appropriate referrals process, maintain confidentiality of individual data. Support the events like job orientations and job placement of the TIP and AES identified people. Visit the private sector employers to conduct job placement verification.
• Support the program team for coordination at local and provincial level government and non-governmental entities and conduct process monitoring.

Evaluation and Learning: 

• Participate in research and learning based data collection processes, ensuring quality assurance of the collected data.
• Support in learning tool development and roll-out, contribute to analysis and preparation of learning-related deliverables including success stories, presentation slides, infographics, posters, photos, etc.
• Collect feedback and recommendations for Hamro Samman II, and document learning outcomes. 
• Support in data analysis using Hamro Samman II’s project database and other sources, sharing data findings, and maximizing usage for learning. 
• Support CSOs to conduct research, assessments, follow-up assessments of committee capacity and performance index (CCPI) measurement of local governments/Local Committees to Combat Human Trafficking LCCHTs and of other entities.

Social Information Management System (SIMS) Implementation Support:

• Coordinate and visit partners and local government entities to support and monitor TIP data collection and reporting on Social Information Management System (SIMS). Engage with shelter homes, childcare homes, and service centers, providing support entering TIP related data in SIMS system. 
• Coordinate with IT support partners on reporting issues faced by SIMS reporting entities and support with the troubleshooting of issues.
• Conduct SIMS relevant training, meetings and workshops and provide necessary support to trainees.

Other duties:

• Participate in sharing/learning events and webinars organized by Winrock’s Global MERL team, Winrock’s Asia CTIP team, and Hamro Samman II partner organizations.
• Adhere to organizational policies, guidelines, and standards (i.e., Winrock Code of Conduct, core values, safeguarding, do not harm, zero tolerance, etc.)
• Perform other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Master’s degree in information technology, information management, statistics, mathematics, economics, development studies, social work, or related fields.

Experience:

• Minimum of five (5) years of professional experience (with a master’s degree) or seven (7) years of experience (with a bachelor’s degree) related to data management, management information systems (MIS), MERL for international development projects, etc.

Computer/Technical Skills: 

• Previous experience using management information systems (MIS), mobile data collection software including Kobo toolbox, Survey123, etc. 
• Proficiency in word processing, spreadsheets (MS Access and Excel), and presentation software (MS PowerPoint) 
• Strong training and presentation skills, with the ability to lead MERL activities in the project.
• Exposure to SQL and GIS-related skills are a plus.

Communication Skills: 

• Strong management, written and verbal communication, and negotiation skills with ability to coordinate with multiple partners and stakeholders to collect and disseminate data.

Language: 

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in Nepali and English are required.

Required Travel: 

• Willingness to travel frequently.

Position-Specific Skills:

• Previous experience using off-the-shelf and/or custom Management Information Systems, and statistical software.
• Knowledge of results-based monitoring and evaluation, qualitative and quantitative data, database management and data visualization
• Familiarity with counter trafficking in persons (CTIP), human rights, labor rights, migration, governance and gender equity and social inclusion (GESI) a plus. 
• Experience in leading and facilitating training and capacity building activities for partners. 
• Familiarity with USAID systems and reporting requirements (DIS reporting) preferred.

Core Competencies: 

• Professionalism: Strong knowledge of the relevant technical areas.
• Planning & Organizing: Ability to plan work and manage conflicting priorities.
• Communication: Good spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to liaise with technical staff and present information in a clear and concise style. Fluency in written in English.
• Teamwork: Good interpersonal skills and ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relations in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment with sensitivity and respect for diversity.
• Analytical skills: Ability to analyze information and solve problems with excellent attention to detail.

Physical Demands: 

• Office environment with continual field travels to districts. 
• Willing to travel 60% at field level.

To Apply – Please visit Job Openings - Winrock International

The deadline for application is June 4 2024, The Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis

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.