MEAL Lead

Position: MEAL Lead

Department: MEAL 

Reports to: Head of Programmes (Nepal)

Location: Kathmandu, Nepal (with occasional travel to communities in all programme districts)

Work Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week)

Role Summary:

The MEAL Lead is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction and operational execution of the Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) functions across UWS Nepal’s portfolio. This position will play a leadership role in the design, implementation, and refinement of MEAL frameworks, ensuring that all projects adhere to UWS standards and achieve their intended outcomes. The MEAL Lead will manage the MEAL team, guide data-driven decision-making, and foster organizational learning and programmatic improvement. As a senior leader, the MEAL Lead will liaise with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring that UWS Nepal’s impact is effectively measured, reported, and communicated.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership and Framework Development:

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous refinement of MEAL frameworks, systems, and procedures across all UWS Nepal programs.
• Align MEAL processes with organizational strategy and ensure the integration of learning into program design and management.
• Provide leadership in setting MEAL priorities, establishing performance indicators, and ensuring the development of robust data collection, analysis, and reporting systems.
• Ensure the standardization and consistency of MEAL practices across all districts (Sankhuwasabha, Taplejung, Bhojpur, Gulmi, etc.).
• Engage in strategic discussions with senior management and guide decision-making with MEAL findings.

2. Oversight of Data Collection, Monitoring, and Evaluation:

• Lead the design of tools, methodologies, and protocols for data collection, entry, and analysis, including the use of KOBO tool for data management.
• Oversee the implementation of baseline studies, mid-term reviews, endline evaluations, and other critical assessments.
• Ensure the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of data collection by MEAL Officers and MEAL Associates.
• Supervise the integration of Education Management Information Systems (EMIS) into monitoring processes and ensure consistent application.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to data integrity and propose corrective actions where necessary.

3. Accountability and Learning:

• Foster a culture of accountability and learning within the organization by ensuring that MEAL findings are utilized to inform programmatic improvements.
• Lead the analysis and synthesis of evaluation results and ensure these are shared and discussed with relevant teams.
• Promote and document best practices and lessons learned, ensuring these inform future program designs.
• Work with external evaluators, consultants, and research institutions to ensure independent and rigorous assessments of UWS Nepal programs.

4. Team Management and Capacity Building:

• Supervise and mentor MEAL Officers and Associates, fostering their professional growth and performance.
• Lead capacity-building efforts within the MEAL team, ensuring continuous skills development in data analysis, reporting, and evaluation methods.
• Promote teamwork, communication, and coordination among MEAL staff and across other departments.
• Ensure proper onboarding and training for new MEAL team members.

5. Communication and Reporting:

• Produce high-quality impact reports, visualizations, and presentations based on MEAL data for internal and external stakeholders, utilizing Power BI for data visualization.
• Ensure that all reporting requirements, both internal (monthly, quarterly, annual) and external (donor-specific), are met on time and with precision.
• Present MEAL findings and progress reports to senior management, donors, government stakeholders, and community representatives.
• Ensure that feedback from beneficiaries is collected, analyzed, and integrated into programmatic decisions.

6. Stakeholder Engagement:

• Represent UWS Nepal in external meetings, workshops, and forums related to MEAL and learning.
• Liaise with government agencies, donors, and partners to ensure alignment with national and international MEAL standards.
• Coordinate closely with the Country Director, Head of Programmes, Program Managers, and external partners for joint monitoring and evaluation efforts.
• Lead on evaluations commissioned by donors or partners and ensure that these align with UWS priorities.

7. Innovation and Continuous Improvement:

• Lead the introduction of innovative tools, technologies, and methodologies for MEAL to enhance program delivery and impact measurement.
• Explore opportunities for integrating digital platforms, mobile data collection, and real-time monitoring tools (such as KOBO) to improve efficiency.
• Identify and assess emerging trends in MEAL that can be applied to UWS Nepal’s context.

Person Specification

• Master’s degree in International Development, Social Sciences, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• At least 5 years of experience in a senior MEAL position within an NGO, development, or humanitarian context.
• Proven expertise in designing MEAL frameworks, impact evaluations, and data analysis.
• Strong proficiency in data management and visualization tools, including KOBO tool and Power BI.
• Strong proficiency in MS Office and Google Suites.
• Experience managing teams and building capacity.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Nepali.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and meet deadlines.

Reporting and Supervision

The MEAL Lead will report directly to the Head of Programmes (Nepal). They will work collaboratively with in-country programme teams, field team, and other colleagues at UWS Nepal.

How to apply

To apply for this position, please send a cover letter and CV of no more than two pages in English by 16 Oct 2024. You should give the names, positions, organisations and contact details of two references, one of whom should be your current (or most recent) employer. References will only be taken once your express permission has been granted. Applications should be made via email to [email protected] by 16 Oct 2024.

UWS Nepal is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to our inclusive principles and do not discriminate based on gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, age, status or sexuality. We welcome applications from any candidate with relevant experience.