About IRRI

Job Purpose

The Transformative Policies and Investments (Policies) Unit is seeking to recruit a MEL Specialist that will help cater to the growing demands of MEL work from the entire Institute, OneCG, and national partners and ensure quality delivery of MEL sub-unit’s responsibilities at the organization and research program levels. In particular, the MEL Specialist will be responsible for ensuring effective and timely execution of MEL tasks as directed/agreed with the MEL Manager, which includes but not limited to: (1) formulation of MEL framework and plans of project proposals, (2) coordination of project reporting to various donors, (3) design of data collection instruments and evaluation studies, (4) conduct of remote and on-field data collection, (5) writing of reports and publications, (6) reflection and learning sessions, (7) capacity building activities and (7) communication.

This position will be based at the IRRI Headquarters, Los Baños, Philippines and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the Philippines.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Ensure evidence-based and results-oriented design of project results framework and monitoring, evaluation, learning and impact assessment (MELIA) plans (including formulation of SMART indicators, methodologies, and tools)
• Ensure MELIA frameworks and plans meet the standards and guidelines of project donors
• Monitor and evaluation progress of projects and identify successes and constraints of implementation
• Support formative and impact evaluations of programs at different stages (particularly on farmer rice incomes, yield, and environmental indicators)
• Develop, coordinate and manage databases for monitoring program progress against indicators
• Support the development of analytical framework and methodological approaches for measuring and/or assessing progress against outcomes (including changes in knowledge, attitude and practices and technology adoption)
• Support in the development and management of consultancy contracts
• Facilitate the planning and preparation of annual work plans
• Support capacity building activities for MEL
• Consult with the MEL Manager, project leaders, partners and consultants in capturing and making sure MEL tasks are delivered properly and timely
• Cascade workplans and expectations of quality on various MEL tasks to assistants and interns
• Coordinate with Project Leaders and Coordinators in periodical collection of progress and reporting to various donors
• Coordinate with scientists and specialists of the Policies Unit in related technical design MEL work of the Unit to ensure quality and robust methods
• Coordinate all activities in relation to MEL in projects, including visits by external/independent evaluation consultants, outside researchers
• Provide logistical support and assist with the coordination of training workshops, local and/or international conferences
• Spearhead detailed execution of tasks
• Quality assure MEL tasks and outputs of staff/interns/assistants
• Ensure Policies unit are informed of progress, requests of support and challenges in delivering MEL responsibilities
• Appropriate and innovative methods are used in MEL-related studies
• Timely and transparent access to databases

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Economics, Environmental Science, Development Management or any related fields
• At least 5 years of combined experience in monitoring and evaluation or project management with MEL exposure on research-for-development and development programs in the agriculture, environment, and natural resources

Skills Required

Mandatory

• Proven technical proficiency in project cycle management and results-based monitoring and evaluation
• Demonstrated experience and competence in mixed methods approach
• Strong competence in theory-based evaluation and quantitative methods, such as experimental and quasi-experimental methods, is a plus
• Extensive experience working with agriculture-for-development projects in the Philippines. Substantive international experience in Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa is a plus
• Extensive knowledge and/or experience on rice innovations such as but not limited to crop improvement, agronomic practices, policy influencing, food systems transformation and climate adaptation and mitigation
• Extensive experience in program development and proposal writing, particularly for the MEL component
• Has experience using STATA, SPSS, or R for quantitative impact evaluation

Preferred

• Extensive experience working with OneCGIAR programs, MEL systems of OneCGIAR and its major donors like Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and USAID
• With experience working with other donor agencies funding development projects particularly on MEL systems and requirements

IRRI offers a highly extensive employee benefits package inclusive of globally-covered medical insurance, retirement plan, life and accident insurance and other allowances.

Join our team and be part of our story!

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
This position will remain open until filled.