Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
The Central Asia Water–Land Nexus (CAWLN) Programme is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) under its eighth replenishment (GEF-8). The programme aims to enhance transboundary cooperation and Integrated Watershed Management (IWM) in the Amu Darya and Syr Darya river basins. The CAWLN Coordination Project provides essential services such as programme-level coordination, knowledge management, environmental and social safeguards support, Earth Observation harmonization, and monitoring and evaluation services to all child projects under the CAWLN Programme. This umbrella programme and its child projects are implemented across five countries in the Central Asian sub-region: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. The CAWLN Programme adopts a holistic Water–Land Nexus approach, recognizing the interdependence of land and water systems, which must be managed jointly to enhance ecosystem resilience, water security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security, pollution reduction, and sustainable rural livelihoods. By promoting integrated watershed management, the Programme contributes to multiple GEF-8 Core Indicator targets, strengthens institutional capacities, and supports long-term environmental and socio-economic benefits across Central Asia.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will operate within the broader framework of the CAWLN Programme, focusing on cross-project coordination and ensuring rigorous multi-country monitoring, reporting, knowledge sharing, and learning across all CAWLN child projects. The specialist will lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive, gender-sensitive Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system that aligns with programme objectives, donor requirements, transformational change principles, Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), and Global Environmental Benefits (GEBs). This role is crucial for establishing a robust M&E framework that supports adaptive management and incorporates feedback mechanisms for continuous programme improvement. The specialist will also be responsible for ensuring that the M&E framework is effectively communicated to stakeholders, including local communities, government bodies, regional institutions, international partners, and donors, to inform decision-making and adaptive management.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The duties and responsibilities of the Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist include leading the design and operationalization of a comprehensive M&E Plan and system, developing a multi-country indicator tracking table, and ensuring alignment with transformational change, GESI, and GEBs. The specialist will develop and implement a robust monitoring data-collection system, conduct an M&E capacity-needs assessment across the six child projects, and design and deliver training for project staff and implementing partners on M&E protocols and tools. Additionally, the specialist will coordinate an M&E Working Group, oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of data related to programme and child-project activities, and ensure the use of appropriate data-collection tools and methodologies. Regular monitoring of key indicators related to land degradation, water quality, biodiversity, community engagement, GESI, and GEBs will also be part of the responsibilities. The specialist will prepare regular programme M&E reports for internal and donor use, contribute to the Programme’s knowledge-management platform, and facilitate the preparation of monitoring data for mid-term reviews and terminal evaluations.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess an advanced university degree in economics, international development, environmental science, water resources management, social sciences, or a related field. They should have at least 5 years of relevant experience in M&E and project management, preferably in large-scale, multi-stakeholder programmes. Specific experience with developing and implementing gender-sensitive M&E systems and plans, particularly in the context of environmental or development projects, is essential. Experience working with international development agencies and/or donors, such as the Global Environment Facility, in the context of M&E is also required. Candidates should demonstrate a working knowledge (Level C) of English in speaking and writing, along with a good command of Russian, which is mandatory for this position.

Educational Background:
The educational background required for this position includes an advanced university degree in relevant fields such as economics, international development, environmental science, water resources management, or social sciences. This educational foundation is crucial for understanding the complexities of monitoring and evaluation within the context of environmental and development projects.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in monitoring and evaluation and project management. Candidates should have specific experience in developing and implementing gender-sensitive M&E systems and plans, particularly in large-scale, multi-stakeholder programmes. Experience working with international development agencies and/or donors in the context of M&E is also necessary, as well as familiarity with transboundary water management and integrated water resources management.

Languages:
The mandatory language requirements for this position include a working knowledge (Level C) of English in both speaking and writing. Additionally, a good command of Russian is required, as it is essential for effective communication within the context of the programme and its stakeholders. Knowledge of other languages may be considered an asset but is not mandatory.

Additional Notes:
The position is remote, allowing for flexibility in work location. Candidates should be prepared to engage with various stakeholders across multiple countries in Central Asia. The role may involve full-time commitment, and the successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the overall goals of the CAWLN Programme while ensuring effective monitoring and evaluation practices are in place. Compensation and benefits will be discussed during the hiring process.