Job Description

Role/Job Overview:

At Raintree Foundation, we strive to improve the effectiveness of our interventions through rigorous monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) processes that inform our strategies and enhance our impact. The MEL Manager plays a critical role in leveraging data-driven insights to inform decision-making, optimize programmatic interventions, and maximize impact within the development sector--particularly in the context of climate action and community development.

This position involves leading the design, implementation, and management of data analytics and MEL initiatives, utilizing advanced analytical techniques and tools to extract meaningful information from complex datasets. The role ensures the quality, integrity, and utility of MEL activities, drives a culture of learning and continuous improvement, and provides strategic insights to guide program development, implementation, and policy advocacy.

Roles and Responsibilities:

MEL Strategy, Framework Development, and Advanced Analytics

Co-develop and implement comprehensive Theories of Change (ToC) and Logical Framework Approaches (LFA) to guide program design, implementation, and evaluation. Design robust MEL frameworks and systems tailored to climate action programming, ensuring thematic relevance, cross-sectoral linkages, and alignment with organizational strategy. Ensure MEL frameworks are fully integrated with organizational goals, donor requirements, and global standards and best practices in the development sector. Lead the execution of MEL plans across programs, including baseline studies, real-time monitoring, impact assessments, learning agendas, and the development of knowledge products. Develop and maintain key performance indicators (KPIs), measurement tools, and reporting mechanisms to effectively track program performance and impact. Apply advanced statistical techniques and machine learning algorithms to analyze large and complex datasets, uncover patterns, trends, and correlations relevant to program outcomes. Develop predictive models, risk assessments, and forecasting tools to support strategic decision-making, program planning, and efficient resource allocation. Ensure high-quality data collection, management, analysis, and reporting by working closely with program and field teams, promoting data-driven learning and adaptation.

Data Management, Analysis, and Reporting

Lead the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of robust data management systems to support effective MEL operations across programs. Ensure the accuracy, integrity, quality, and security of data collected from diverse sources and program operations. Utilize advanced data analysis techniques to generate actionable insights that inform programmatic decision-making and strategic planning. Design and produce interactive dashboards, data visualizations, and analytical reports to clearly communicate key findings, trends, and performance metrics. Customize reporting tools and formats to suit the specific needs of various stakeholders, including program managers, donors, government partners, and community beneficiaries.

Stakeholder Engagement and Reporting

Engage with stakeholders, including donors, partners, and community members, to communicate MEL findings and insights. Prepare and present comprehensive MEL reports, case studies, impact stories, for annual reports, donor reports, and impact reports. Ensure compliance with donor reporting requirements.

Strategic Integration and Operational Planning

Drive a culture of learning and continuous improvement within the organization Work closely with senior leadership and program teams to ensure MEL findings support evidence-based decision-making. Facilitate the dissemination of findings, best practices, and lessons learned. Plan and manage MEL activities within allocated budgets and timelines, ensuring efficient use of resources. Develop and manage knowledge-sharing platforms and learning events.

Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing

Build the capacity of staff, partners, and other stakeholders in MEL methodologies, data analytics techniques, and best practices. Conduct training sessions, mentoring, and provide ongoing technical support to ensure effective implementation of MEL systems and use of data-driven tools. Develop and disseminate MEL toolkits, guidelines, and training materials tailored to programmatic needs. Facilitate knowledge sharing and learning exchanges to promote a culture of evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement within the organization and across the broader development sector.

Education:

Master's in Rural Development /Development Studies/, Social Sciences/ Data Sciences or other related fields with a background in statistics

Years of Experience

: Relevant experience (10 years+)

Industry Background:

Development/Social Sector, or Management/ strategy consulting, or technology consulting (Business Analysis roles)

Technical Expertise:

Multilingual (English, Marathi & Hindi), Numerical & Statistical Expertise, Multi Disciplinary approach to climate action, Technical Expertise - SAS, SPSS, and data visualization tools (e.g., Power BI, Tableau, Google Data Studio)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From ?1.00 per month

Benefits:

Flexible schedule Health insurance Leave encashment Paid sick time Paid time off Provident Fund
Work Location: In person