Senior Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist

Position Overview:

The Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist will provide strategic leadership and technical oversight for all matters related to MEL, primarily for ICIMOD’s two Adaptation Fund projects: Green, Resilient, and Adaptive Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) Economy in Bangladesh (GRACE) and the Sustainable Actions for Ecosystems Restoration in Pakistan (SAFER Pakistan), but also providing senior oversight for ICIMOD results work.

The GRACE LoCALplus is implemented in partnership with UNCDF, and it marks a significant initiative to build climate resilience in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) of Bangladesh. It will support the restoration of critical water sources, enhance climate-resilient infrastructure, and strengthen sustainable agriculture practices in Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban. Through the LoCALplus mechanism, GRACE will channel climate finance directly to local governments via performance-based grants, ensuring transparency and equity in fund distribution. The project aligns with the National Adaptation Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The SAFER Project is implemented in partnership with the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Pakistan and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women) Pakistan and aims to enhance climate resilience in vulnerable regions of Pakistan through risk preparedness, integrated water resource management, and ecosystem-based adaptation. The project addresses six key climate-related risks faced by communities in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh provinces, including cryosphere hazards, drying springs, water pollution and reduced access to clean water.

As both projects enter critical implementation stages, the Senior MEL Specialist will ensure robust systems are in place for tracking outcomes, assessing impacts, and supporting adaptive management across implementation cycles.

While housed within ICIMOD’s Strategic Results, Partnerships and Business Development (SRPBD) Unit, this position will provide overall senior technical oversight for ICIMOD’s results work, whilst also overseeing MEL for these two Adaptation Fund projects. The SRPBD Unit is responsible for strengthening institutional approaches, methods, and standards for results planning, coordination, partnerships, and resource mobilisation. Locating this position within SRPBD ensures adherence to institutional MEL quality standards, while also supporting the day-to-day implementation of GRACE and SAFER.

Person Specification/Competencies

ESSENTIAL

• Master’s degree in climate, environment or natural resources, development, policy studies, social sciences, economics, or a related field.
• At least 10 years of senior-level experience in results-based approaches, including the integration of monitoring, evaluation and reporting, in international, multicultural or research settings.
• Proven experience in designing and implementing MEL systems tailored to diverse donor requirements.
• Ability to train and mentor staff in planning and reporting processes.
• Expert knowledge of project management and planning tools (e.g. Microsoft Project, Google Sheets) and digital monitoring platforms.
• Strong facilitation, interpersonal and advisory skills for working across teams and institutions and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
• Background or experience in sustainable development, climate change, resilience programming, or other related fields
• Understanding how to integrate GESI, climate and biodiversity into monitoring and reporting.
• Excellent English communication skills, both written and verbal.
• High degree of cultural sensitivity, maturity, and discretion.

PREFERRED

• Experience working in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) and/or broader South Asian region.
• Experience in managing or providing MEL technical support for an Adaptation Fund project or similar.

Detailed TOR Link - https://cvmgmt.icimod.org/uploads/vacancy/389/ToR%20Senior%20MEL%20Specialist.pdf

How to apply

Method of application

Applicants are requested to apply online before 5 December 2025(11:59 PM Nepal Standard Time) through the ICIMOD Vacancy Application Portal.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified.