Senior Associate, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

Senior Associate, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

INTRODUCTION TO GGGI

The Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI) is a treaty-based international, inter-governmental organization dedicated to supporting and promoting strong, inclusive and sustainable economic growth in developing countries and emerging economies. To learn more please visit about GGGI web page.

POSITION SUMMARY

Based in Nepal Country Office in Kathmandu, the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL), Senior Associate position for the SET4NPL project at GGGI plays a pivotal role as the country’s MEL focal point and in operationalizing GGGI’s new MEL framework at the country level.

This role involves leading the design and implementation of comprehensive MEL frameworks and MEL Plans for specific projects, including management and coordination of all activities related to MEL within the SET4NPL project.

Additionally, they collaborate with project managers to create tailored MEL tools for effective monitoring and evaluation, assist in internal and external reporting, and compile lessons learned to refine GGGI's MEL methodologies.

The role requires extensive engagement with various stakeholders, reporting to the GGGI Project Manager and Country Representative with a dual technical reporting line to the Regional MEL Senior Officer, receiving guidance from project managers and frequently engaging with the GGGI’s Impact and Evaluation Unit (IEU) in headquarters. S/he will also work closely and coordinate with GIZ staff involved in the project.

Lastly, a critical aspect of the role is capacity building and training on MEL aspects. This includes supporting the organization and facilitation of country-level workshops focusing on various MEL components such as developing strong log frames, form building and survey design, data analysis and visualisation etc, in coordination with the GGGI-IEU.

PURPOSE

• Lead the design, review and operationalization of comprehensive MEL frameworks for specific projects/programs, ensuring alignment with overall project objectives and GGGI’s new organizational-wide MEL framework.
• Lead the development and implementation of the MEL plans for country projects.
• Provide quality assurance to project managers and technical leads to log frames for new funding proposals.
• Collaborate with project managers to design and implement tailored MEL tools that effectively monitor and evaluate projects.
• Assist with internal and external reporting, including supporting the tracking of country-level KPIs.
• Help building strong relationships with stakeholders and supporting capacity-building activities.
• Compile lessons learned and best practices from various projects, contributing to refining GGGI’s MEL framework and methodologies.
• Support the training and development of skills and capacities of other staff members in the country office – such as developing strong project indicators, MEL plan design and operationalization, form building and design, data analysis and visualization and other relevant MEL skills, in coordination with the IEU.

ENGAGEMENT

• Report to the GGGI Nepal Country Representative with a dual technical reporting line to the Regional MEL Senior Officer, receiving guidance and instruction from project managers.
• Liaise regularly with the IEU for strategic direction about operationalising the organizational MEL framework and participate in the bespoke Community of MEL Practices.
• Liaise with other units of GGGI, such as Strategy, Partnerships and other relevant GGGI staff, to ensure reporting requirements are being met per the GGGI Project Management Cycle Guidance.
• Collaborate closely with national counterparts to acquire information/knowledge and to build cooperative relationships and establish the organization as an effective partner for policy delivery, particularly with the MoFE, MoPIT, NEA and other relevant institutions in the electric mobility sector.
• Engage with Public Transport Operators, Handling Bank, Partner Banks and suppliers of EMBs, EV chargers, and digital eco-system under SET4NPL’s incentive scheme to assimilate data connected to EMB and EV charger sales, incentives availed, resources mobilized etc. 
• Work closely with GIZ throughout the project with periodic interaction with MAF for project updates, reporting, compliances etc.

DELIVERY

Design and Implementation of Project MEL Frameworks and Plans

• Design and review comprehensive MEL frameworks for specific projects, ensuring alignment with overall project objectives and GGGI’s new organizational-wide MEL framework
• Design and lead the implementation of comprehensive MEL plans that outline the frequent monitoring activities, data collection tools, budgets, timelines, roles and responsibilities etc.
• Support the development of baseline assessments and data collection tools and surveys for key projects in the Nepal Country Program.
• Lead any analysis of data collected through surveys or interviews of and with project stakeholders.
• Engage and understand the MEL frameworks of donor project stakeholders to align MEL activities with their expectations and requirements.
• When required, undertake field visits to project sites in Nepal to observe project implementation directly and engage with project teams.
• Support the IEU in implementing and supervising core and earmarked evaluations.

Support in Reporting and Project Management

• Prepare and finalize status reports for GIZ, MAF, and other key project counterparts, including monthly, quarterly, and end-of-year reports.
• Support in timely submission of project documents such as log frames, monthly/quarterly/annual reports, and maintain up-to-date data on risks, grant agreements, and deliverables in GGGI Online with respect to monitoring portfolio-wide targets and indicators, including Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Strategic Outcome targets.
• Closely follow MAF’s guidelines on MEL and regularly review, update, and evaluate SET4NPL’s activities and deliverables to match MAF’s requirements. Attend programs, meetings and training organized by MAF to stay updated and understand internal project specific needs.
• Ensure that project activities are assessed and enhanced in terms of their impacts on gender equality and social inclusion. This should be done by identifying GESI indicators, data collection by gender and other relevant socio-demographic factors.
• Support in miscellaneous task assigned by the Program Manager and Country Representative.

Country-level Capacity Building and Training

• Assist GGGI and SET4NPL project team members to strengthen relationships with stakeholders through conceptualization, organization, and promotion of knowledge-sharing activities to internal and external stakeholders.
• Support the organisation and facilitation of training workshops for national project staff on various aspects of project design and MEL, including tool usage, data collection methods, and data analysis, in coordination with the IEU.
• Support the training of relevant project staff about effective form building and design for data collection, ensuring forms are user-friendly and capture necessary data accurately.

REQUIREMENTS

QUALIFICATIONS

• An advanced university degree (Master's degree or equivalent) in economics, project management, development studies, monitoring & evaluation, environment science, climate change, sustainable development or related areas is required.
• Certification in M&E/MEL/MEAL will be an asset.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills, including proficiency in relevant software/tools. Proven reporting skills with donors will be required.
• A minimum of 6 years of experience in MEL related job which involves managing MEL frameworks, plans, tools and reporting system in Nepal. Work experience in the transportation or energy sector will be preferred.
• Work experience should include at least 2 years of experience supporting the delivery of international development projects in developing countries or emerging economies, Experience working in the transport, energy or climate change related area will be preferred. Relevant experience supervising data collection, evaluation and data validation exercises will be desirable.
• Demonstrable experience of logical framework and reporting methodologies, online reporting platforms, evidence and results-based monitoring methodologies, outcome mapping and database management, preferably applied in the context of developing countries and climate change.
• Familiarity with green growth, climate change and environmental issues, economic development and policy issues especially in the Nepal’s transport and energy sector’s context will be required.
• Successful experience with mobile data collection tools like Open Data Kit, Kobo Toolbox and Ona, including xls form-building. Experiences in SPSS and other statistical analysis tools/software
• Ability to work and deliver independently across multiple workstreams.
• Experience in data visualization and dashboard design would be a plus point.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively with colleagues from diverse cultural backgrounds. Experience of working with high-level government officials, international organizations, multilateral development banks, etc. will be an asset.
• Excellent verbal and written English and Nepali communication skills.

FUNCTIONAL

• Exceptional planning and strategical skills oriented towards the effective and timely delivery of agreed outputs.
• Ability to work independently on a multi-task load. Excellent communication skills and organizational skills.
• Seek opportunities to improve processes and outcomes. Frequently review performance to identify areas to develop;
• Respond positively to change and able to adapt quickly to new situations. Able to take on a diverse range to tasks equally effectively;
• Ability to communicate information and ideas clearly and articulate both in oral and written form. 
• Ability to achieve results in a quality, timely, and cost-effective way. See priorities, plans the efficient use of resources, and monitors progress against objectives.
• Ability to share learning and provide constructive feedback that can cross-pollinate programs’ work streams
• Seek opportunities to improve process and outcomes. Constantly reviews performance to identify areas to develop.
• Fast learner, quick to adapt to the new environment, systems and bring immediate contribution.
• High level of attention to detail, accuracy, quality control and methodical abilities.

CORPORATE

• Understand and actively supports GGGI’s mission, vision, and values.
• Promotes an organizational culture of trust, transparency, respect, and partnership.
• Excels at problem solving, ask questions and seeks support when needed, shares easily information and knowledge with others both internally as externally.
• Manages emotions and stress positively, builds rapport and resolves conflict easily.
• Proactive where needed and provide solutions to challenges.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The MEL Senior Associate is an X7 grade level in GGGI’s country level scale. GGGI provides 27 days of annual leave, and private health insurance that covers dental and vision. GGGI is committed to providing a work environment that is sufficiently flexible to accommodate diverse life-cycle challenges and assist Staff members to achieve a better balance between work and personal/family commitments, thus ensuring high performance, long-term productivity, and well-being of Staff members.

PROJECT BACKGROUND

GGGI has a unique in-country presence and prominent role as an independent, trusted advisor and strategic development partner embedded in Member and partner governments. These advisors are directly engaged with national governments in setting the strategic direction for national program development guided by a Country Planning Framework with the Government. GGGI’s operating model maximises the potential to translate green growth strategies and policies (especially economic policies) into green investment plans, mobilising green finance commitments needed to bolster support for low-carbon and climate-resilient economic development and institutional solid capacity development.

Government of Nepal (GoN) became the 44th member country of GGGI on 23 October 2022. Some of the active key project implemented by GGGI Nepal Country Office covers support in sustainable development activities in field of sustainable mobility, climate smart agriculture, clean bricks, green hydrogen and green fertilizer development. GGGI is working under the overall guidance of the Ministry of Forests and Environment (MoFE) and in partnership with the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport (MoPIT), the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA), the Alternative Energy Promotion Centre, Provincial Ministry of Transport Infrastructure Development, and other ministries and organizations to deliver a range of transport and energy related projects in Nepal.

The Sustainable Electric Transport for Nepal (SET4NPL) is a Mitigation Action Facility-supported project implemented by GGGI and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The project's goal is to sustainably transform Nepal’s public transportation sector and create significant environmental, health, and mobility benefits. The project aims to roll out approximately 3,500 electric mini and micro buses (EMBs) and depot charging stations nationally over five years, contributing significantly to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Primary government counterparts for this project include MoPIT, Ministry of Finance (MoF), MoFE, and NEA. Another major objective of the SET4NPL project is to enhance the capacity of stakeholders in Nepal’s transport sector, including GoN counterparts and the private sector. The project also supports the GoN and relevant institutions in improving the policy and regulatory environment to enable electric mobility and help Nepal achieve its Nationally Determined Contributions targets.

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