Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer – GEF Small Grants Programme

Overview

The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer will support the GEF Small Grants Programme by maintaining M&E frameworks, monitoring grant implementation, and facilitating learning sessions.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and update the GEF SGP portfolio-level M&E framework, results framework, indicator tracking tools and monitoring plan.
• Support the SGP National Coordinator in monitoring grant implementation against agreed results, indicators, milestones, workplans and targets.
• Review and quality-assure grantee monitoring and progress reports.
• Establish and maintain practical data collection and verification tools for grants.
• Support baseline, outcome monitoring, spot checks, field verification and other monitoring exercises.
• Compile, clean, analyze and interpret portfolio data and generate concise evidence-based analysis.
• Support the preparation of annual and periodic monitoring and reporting requirements.
• Support preparation for and follow-up to mid-term reviews, terminal evaluations and other evaluation exercises.
• Develop and maintain an organized and accessible digital M&E/data repository for the SGP portfolio.
• Identify, document and communicate lessons learned, promising practices, challenges and examples of change.
• Support periodic learning and reflection sessions with the SGP team, grantees and relevant stakeholders.
• Develop concise analytical products such as learning briefs, results snapshots, case studies, success stories and data visualizations.
• Contribute relevant, validated programme information to SGP and UNDP databases, websites and knowledge products.
• Facilitate the flow of M&E information between grantees, the SGP Coordination Team, National Steering Committee and relevant UNDP/MCO colleagues.
• Provide practical guidance and coaching to grantees and implementing partners on results frameworks, indicators, data collection, evidence, reporting and learning.
• Support the development and dissemination of user-friendly M&E templates, guidance notes and tools.
• Promote participatory, inclusive and gender-responsive approaches to monitoring and learning.
• Contribute to workshops, training sessions and stakeholder dialogues on M&E, results-based management, learning and related programme requirements.

Required Experience

• Minimum three (3) years of relevant professional experience in monitoring, evaluation, results-based management, programme/project management, research or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience developing or implementing M&E frameworks, results frameworks, indicators, monitoring plans and data collection or reporting systems.
• Practical experience collecting, cleaning, analysing and interpreting quantitative and qualitative data and translating findings into clear recommendations for programme management.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders, preferably including government, NGOs, CSOs, community-based organizations and/or development partners.
• Experience in environmental or climate-related initiatives, community-based development, biodiversity conservation or sustainable livelihoods is an advantage.
• Experience supporting or strengthening the M&E and reporting capacity of partners or implementing organizations, including through coaching, guidance, tools or training would be an asset.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Monitoring and evaluation, development studies, social sciences, environmental studies, natural resource management, economics, statistics, public policy, or a related field.

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