Director MEAL

Organizational Profile

Karuna-Shechen is a non-profit organization working extensively in India and Nepal. The organization acts and advocates for a more altruistic world, catering to the needs of the most vulnerable populations. We work in Health, Education, Environment, Food Security, and Economic Development, serving vulnerable and marginalised populace of India and Nepal. We serve remote communities while fostering a supportive and healthy work environment for our team members. The essence of our work in based on community driven approaches focussing on integrated community development models. For more details please visit: http://karuna-shechen.org

Key Details

• Position: Director - MEAL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability & Learning)
• Location: India (High travel required)
• Reports to: International Programs Director
• Supervisory role: MEAL teams in India and Nepal
• Employment type: Full-time

Position Overview

The Director - MEAL is a critical leadership role responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and evaluation of organizational programs and initiatives. This position ensures organizational effectiveness and impact by driving evidence-based decision-making, fostering a learning culture, and maintaining high standards of accountability to stakeholders and beneficiaries. The Director - MEAL will have a key role in establishing and promoting programme quality and innovation, which will be achieved through developing and improving monitoring, evaluation, impact assessments and learning methodologies.

Core Responsibilities (70%)

Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Develop and lead the strategic vision for the MEAL department across India and Nepal operations.
• Design and implement comprehensive M&E frameworks aligned with organizational goals including preparing SOPs for implementation of M&E frameworks, guidelines and training modules.
• Champion evidence-based decision-making throughout the organization.

Monitoring & Evaluation System Development

• Lead development of robust M&E systems using established frameworks such as:
  • Results Frameworks: Logic Models, Theory of Change, Results Chains, Log Frames (Logical Framework Approach)
  • Indicator Development: SMART indicators (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), outcome and impact indicators
  • Data Collection Tools: Structured questionnaires, semi-structured interview guides, observation checklists, mobile data collection (KoBo Toolbox,mWater, Survey CTO)
• Collaborate with Director - Programs to integrate M&E activities into program design and implementation
• Establish quality assurance mechanisms including data validation protocols and inter-rater reliability testing

Data Management & Analysis

• Oversee data collection efforts using various methodologies:
  • Quantitative Methods: Baseline and endline surveys, panel studies, cross-sectional studies
  • Qualitative Methods: Ethnographic studies, case studies, narrative analysis, grounded theory
  • Participatory Methods: Community scorecards, social mapping, participatory video, photovoice
• Conduct advanced statistical analysis including regression analysis, propensity score matching, and impact attribution techniques.
• Apply data quality assurance measures including data cleaning, validation, and triangulation methods.
• Provide strategic insights using evidence synthesis approaches and meta-analysis where applicable.

Learning & Knowledge Management

• Promote a culture of learning by facilitating sharing of best practices and lessons learned.
• Generate high-quality research papers for academic peer review and publication.
• Develop systems to capture, analyze, and disseminate knowledge from evaluation findings to relevant stakeholders.

Program Evaluation

• Plan and conduct comprehensive program evaluations using internationally recognized standards:
  • Evaluation Criteria: OECD-DAC criteria (Relevance, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Impact, Sustainability) plus Coherence
  • Evaluation Types: Formative, summative, developmental, utilization-focused evaluations
  • Impact Assessment: Social Return on Investment (SROI), Cost-Benefit Analysis (CBA), Cost-Effectiveness Analysis (CEA)
• Design and implement rigorous evaluation methodologies including experimental and quasi-experimental designs
• Coordinate external evaluations ensuring adherence to evaluation standards and ethics guidelines.

Capacity Building & Training

• Provide advanced training and capacity-building support to program staff and partners.
• Facilitate workshops and learning sessions to enhance M&E capabilities across the organization.
• Mentor and develop the MEAL team members.

Reporting & Communication

• Prepare comprehensive M&E reports and dashboards for leadership, board members, and donors.
• Ensure timely and accurate donor reporting in compliance with grant requirements.
• Maintain accurate documentation and data management systems.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Collaborate with external partners, funders, and stakeholders to share findings and promote learning.
• Represent the organization in MEAL-related forums and networks.
• Ensure ethical data collection, storage, and use while maintaining confidentiality.

Link Responsibilities (15%)

• Support adaptive management through data-driven program course corrections
• Network with nonprofit organizations to explore and implement MEAL best practices
• Foster strategic partnerships for learning and knowledge sharing

Systemic Responsibilities (15%)

• Uphold and strengthen organizational core values.
• Foster transparent and open feedback systems.
• Lead organizational change initiatives based on M&E findings.
• Support adaptive management across all programs.

 

Qualifications & Experience

Required

• Master's degree in Statistics/ Social Sciences/ Demography, or related discipline.
• Minimum 14-16 years of experience in non-profit sector with significant MEAL experience.
• Proven track record in designing and implementing M&E systems at a country level or multi state level.

Preferred

• Relevant certifications in database management, data analytics, and research methodologies.
• Experience in academic research and publication.
• International development experience.

Skills & Competencies

Technical Skills

• Excellent knowledge of M&E methodologies including:
  • Evaluation Approaches: Theory of Change (ToC), Logic Model development, Results-Based Management (RBM), Outcome Harvesting
  • Evaluation Designs: Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), Quasi-experimental designs, Pre-post comparison studies, Difference-in-Difference analysis
  • Data Collection Methods: Household surveys, Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), Most Significant Change (MSC), Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA)
  • Sampling Techniques: Probability sampling (simple random, stratified, cluster), Non-probability sampling (purposive, snowball, convenience)
  • Mixed Methods Research: Sequential explanatory, concurrent triangulation, transformative frameworks
• Advanced proficiency in quantitative and qualitative data analysis (Preferred experience in Excel, SPSS, R Programming, Google Looker Studio, NVivo, Stata, ATLAS.ti)
• Experience in designing research studies and program evaluations using impact evaluation methodologies.
• Strong data visualization and presentation capabilities using modern analytics tools

Leadership & Management

• Proven ability to lead and mentor M&E teams
• Strategic thinking and planning capabilities
• Project management skills for multiple concurrent evaluations
• Change management and organizational development experience

Communication & Stakeholder Management

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience engaging diverse stakeholders (donors, partners, beneficiaries)
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse teams
• Advocacy and influence skills for evidence-based decision-making

Personal Attributes

• High ethical standards and commitment to data protection
• Adaptability and resilience in dynamic environments
• Problem-solving and analytical thinking
• Results-oriented with commitment to organizational impact

Compensation: INR 23-26 lakhs per annum

To Apply: Interested candidates are invited to apply through the link below  on or before 31^st July 2025.

To Apply, click here: DIRECTOR MEAL

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