Senior Specialist Monitoring & Evaluation

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is dedicated to reducing poverty and hunger through rice science; improving the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; and protecting the rice-growing environment for future generations. IRRI is an independent, nonprofit, research and educational institute, founded in 1960 by the Ford and Rockefeller foundations with support from the Philippine government. The institute, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa, and over 1,000 staff. Working with in-country partners, IRRI develops advanced rice varieties that yield more grain and better withstand pests and disease as well as flooding, drought, and other harmful effects of climate change.

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is an independent, non-profit and world’s premier research organization dedicated to abolishing poverty and hunger among people and populations that depend on rice-based agri-food systems. Through our work and partnerships, we aim to improve the health and welfare of rice farmers and consumers; promote environmental sustainability in a world challenged by climate change; and support the empowerment of women and the youth in the rice industry. The institute, headquartered in Los Baños, Philippines, has offices in 17 rice-growing countries in Asia and Africa.

Under the minimal supervision of the Supervisor and ISARC Director, the incumbent will manage and oversee monitoring and evaluation (M&E) activities of the ISARC phase-II and related projects that helps ensure that the research and innovations are translated into maximum development results, and unintended negative consequences are anticipated and mitigated. The specific duty of the position includes monitoring and evaluation of ISARC Phase-II and other related project activities to support its implementation, aligning with impact pathways; generate database of adoption and impacts of IRRI interventions, support project progress reporting, project mid-term review and final evaluation report of the projects; and liaise with the concerned public and private partners/stakeholders, training and awareness, and logistical support.

This position will be based at the IRRI India Office, Varanasi, India and may only be filled by permanent citizens of the India.

• Manage and oversee M&E activities of the ISARC and related project activities specifically related to scaling, training, and other field research-based projects;
• Coordinate adoption and impact evaluation of IRRI interventions
• Identify risks that will affect the ISARC project activities and coordinate with the concerned teams;
• Recommend strategies to improve the efficiency of project activities;
• Provide technical input and support in the assessment, design, implementation, monitoring, analysis and reporting of the market and value chain research;
• Enhance participation by understanding the needs of end-users; and
• Recommend immediate intervention to research design and implementation when necessary;
• Technical support to PMU for program management and activities to achieve the overall goal and milestones of ISARC;
• Liaison and coordination with ISARC’s units/sub-units for the M&E database and report
• Coordinate design and implementation of M&E framework of the ISARC, UPAGREES, and other Projects;
• Coordinate design and implementation of adoption and impacts assessment of project interventions;
• Coordinate and conduct primary and secondary bata collection and contribute to data analysis for ISARC and related Projects
• Develop a simple digital tool / protocols / Indicators for M&E activities;
• Actively engage with team in planning and implementation of the project activities;
• Advise internal stakeholders on the M&E aspects;
• Consult and collaborate with key internal and external stakeholders of projects in the integration of the execution of the project activities;
• Monitor and review of field level engagements and their implementations and feedback generation;
• Support and contribute in ISARC activities and requirements (organizing meetings and events, report writings, documentations, etc.);
• Support PMU report preparation of ISARC and associated projects of theme/ sub-theme;
• Actively contribute to the drafting ISARC’s communication materials, news, bulletins, etc.;
• Contribute and work as a resource person for trainings/ exposure visits being organized by ISARC at the center/ at any project sites; and
• Any other tasks assigned by Supervisor and ISARC Director.
• Ensure high quality data collection on regular basis to measure the achievements of project outputs and outcomes;
• Maintain and administer the M&E database/ MIS; analyze and aggregate findings and develop reports;
• Visualization tool for ISARC progress and impacts;
• Support PMU for the preparation of project progress reporting, ISARC annual reports, ministry annual reports, project mid term review, communication materials, final evaluation and presentations;
• Provide support and contribute to proposal development for investments
• Document key lessons learned and develop success case studies / impact assessment report to capture outputs of the project;
• Advice team members on improving project performance using M&E findings.

Master’s degree in Agricultural Economics or related field with minimum 5-6 years of relevant experience in M&E;

Or

PhD in Agricultural Economics or related field with minimum 3-4 years of relevant
experience in M&E is desirable;

• Experience in planning and implementation of surveys, and other project activities;
• Experience in developing and refining data collection tools and data quality assessments and oversight;

Mandatory:

• Accountable for the delivery of project outcomes
• Strong advocacy and networking skills
• Understand change management/familiar with Theory of Change and MEL frameworks
• Data analytics and qualitative assessment
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred:

• Familiar with the different cultural aspects of India
• Experience of working in Agri-value chain related projects

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.