Terms of Reference (ToR)

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist

I. Position Information

Post Title: Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist

Level: Individual Consultant/Contract (IC)
Project: Capacity Strengthening of NRA for Resilient Reconstruction
Supervisor: Policy, Monitoring and Evaluation Section Head
Duty Station: NRA, Singhadurbar, Kathmandu
Duration: Six Months - extendable based on performance and fund availability

II. Background Information

Nepal was hit by two devastating earthquakes on 25 April 2015 with a magnitude of 7.8 Richter scale
and on 12 May 2015 with a magnitude of 7.3 Richter scale. As of 10 September 2017, a total of 996,162
households were surveyed in 31 districts and 765,618 households were identified eligible for private
housing grant. NRA signed contract with 637,240 households. The earthquakes destroyed 2,656
government buildings and 19,000 school class rooms. Large portions of the affected population are still
living in very basic temporary shelters with limited access to safe water supply and sanitation facilities.
Damaged offices interrupted many frontline government services like health, education and
agricultural extension services and the livelihoods of more than 10 millions of people have been
affected. Nepal prepared a Post-Disaster Needs Assessment in June 2015 and it estimated that the total
value of damages and losses caused by the earthquakes was NPR 706 billion (US$7 billion). Government
of Nepal formed an autonomous "National Reconstruction Authority" (NRA), chaired by the Rt. Hon.
Prime Minister as an apex body to oversee post-quake reconstruction work across the country in
December 2015. It is a legal entity governed by the Reconstruction Act of Nepal. It is mandated to
manage fund flow to sectoral ministries/implementing agencies, adapt implementation requirements,
and oversight of accounting and spending for activities explicitly recognized as post-earthquake
reconstruction. It is also NRA role to ensure effective coordination and facilitation with the
implementing agencies, donors and earthquake affected communities following the post-earthquake
disaster in 2015. NRA developed a Five-Year Road Map for Recovery and Reconstruction – Post Disaster
Recovery Framework (PDRF).

One of the main assigned roles of NRA is monitoring and evaluation of all reconstruction works of
private house, public building, heritage building and monument, archaeological site and infrastructure
implemented by line ministries of the government through CLPIUs and DLPIUs. For this function, NRA
has a Policy Monitoring, Coordination and Social Development Division and a Policy, Monitoring and
Evaluation Section under this Division. However, the Division and Section could not move the M&E
functions of NRA as a result of skill gap. Therefore, deputation of an M&E Expert in NRA Policy
Monitoring, Coordination and Social Development Division has been necessary to develop/strengthen
its M&E systems and practices.

III. Duties and Responsibilities

Objective

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 Terms of Reference (ToR)

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist

Main objective of this position is to help NRA for strengthening its monitoring and evaluation systems
and practices and generate evidence based feedback for program planning and policy formulation. The
PDRF will serve as a key instrument for NRA’s recovery monitoring.

Scope of Work

Under the immediate supervision of the Policy, Monitoring and Evaluation, Coordination and Social
Development Division, Policy and M&E Section Head, the M&E Specialist will perform the following
tasks:

1. Assist NRA to Develop Its Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and Plan
a. Assist to develop sector specific NRA monitoring and evaluation framework in consultation
within NRA Divisions, Sections and District Coordination Committee Secretariats, CLPIUs and
other stakeholders
b. Based on the framework develop simple and user category wise monitoring format and its
guidelines to be used in monitoring process.
c. Assist NRA to implement the M&E framework, guidelines and other tools
d. Assist NRA to develop reconstruction program wise process, output, outcome and impact
level indicators for NRA progress monitoring;
e. Assist NRA to prepare annual monitoring and evaluation plan in consistent with M&E
Framework

2. Develop Recording and Reporting Forms and Formats for NRA

a. Assist NRA to develop/modify recording and reporting templates and formats of NRA that
meet reporting requirement of NRA to the Office of the Prime Minister and Ministries of
Council and the National Planning Commission (NPC) coordinated National Development
Action Committee (MDAC) chaired by the Prime Minister; and development partners.
b. Help NRA for testing, modifying and finalizing the recoding and reporting forms and formats
c. Help CLPIUs and DLPIUs and DCCS to use the recording and reporting forms and formats

3. Capacity Building of NRA Staff on Monitoring and Evaluation

a. Conduct M&E need identification survey among NRA staff ( including that of district level) and
identify M&E capacity gaps
b. Develop appropriate training package in consultation with NPC M&E Division, Central Level
Project Implementation Units (CLPIUs), Central Bureau of Statistics
c. Organize capacity building training to NRA staff to minimize M&E capacity gaps among NRA
staff

4. Prepare Monthly, Trimester and Annual Reports of NRA

a. Assist NRA MIS Section to compile periodic progress data
b. Assist NRA Policy and M&E Section to compile monthly, trimester and annual progress reports
as require using the MIS data
c. Provide on the job training and assist to NRA M&E staff to prepare/write periodic progress
report

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 Terms of Reference (ToR)

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist

d. Work out for possible M&E reporting formats in order to incorporate the probable needs of
provincial and local level.

5. Field Monitoring and Monitoring Report Writing

a. Organize on the job monitoring field visit on reconstruction sites to NRA M&E staff, and support
them on the use of monitoring techniques
b. Guide NRA M&E staff to prepare field monitoring report and help them to disseminate for
feedbacks
c. Submit weekly report to Policy and monitoring section.

6. Assist in NRA Evaluation Work

a. Help NRA to prepare Terms of Reference (ToR) for any program/project evaluation
b. Help NRA to Prepare Request for Proposal (RFP) to invite potential evaluator/bidders as
directed by the Public Procurement Act of Nepal
c. Help NRA to evaluate RFP, select appropriate consulting firm, prepare contract papers, assess
inception report and draft report, finalize the evaluation report and disseminate it at
appropriate level

7. Perform other Works Assigned by Division Head

a. The incumbent will perform other architectural and technical works as assigned by the
Division/Section Head

Deliverables
a. NRA M&E Framework
b. NRA M&E Plan
c. NRA M&E formats
d. Field monitoring reports
e. Training completion reports
f. Monthly report of works performed
g. End of assignment report

IV. Impact of Results

The key results will have an impact on effective monitoring and evaluation of the reconstruction works
for planning and policy feedback. This will help to design and implement evidence based reconstruction
planning for resilient building construction.

V. Competencies

Corporate Competencies
a. Demonstrates commitment and dedication towards NRA reconstruction mission, vision and
values
b. Proven organizational and inter-personal skills, and ability to work in a multi-cultural team
environment
c. Ability to work under pressure and according to tight deadlines

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 Terms of Reference (ToR)

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist

d. Essential computer skills in particular competency in the use of Windows MS Office programs
(Word, Excel, Power Point etc.)

Operational Effectiveness
a. Results-driven and initiative-taking behavior
b. Ability to plan and organize work and establish priorities
c. Remains calm and in control even under pressure, and consistently approaches work
with energy and a positive and constructive attitude
d. Informed, sound, and transparent decision-making skills
e. Thoroughly and methodically collects, verifies and records data, demonstrating attention to
detail and identifying and correcting errors of his/her own initiative

Orientation and Communication

a. Good interpersonal and networking skills
b. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations colleagues and seniors
c. Supports and encourages open communication in the team and facilitates team work
d. Ability to work under minimum supervision
e. Ability to work with multiple stakeholders from a wide range of disciplines and fields, from both
NRA center and districts, Central Level and District Level Project Implementation Units and
having diverse and competing views and interests

Professional competencies
a. Professionalism: Ability to conduct data analysis using various methods. Ability to apply
judgment in the context of assignments given, plan own work and manage conflicting priorities.
Shows persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges; remains calm in stressful
situations. Takes responsibility for incorporating gender perspectives and ensuring the equal
participation of women and men in all areas of work.

b. Communication: Speaks and writes clearly and effectively; exhibits interest in having two-way
communication; demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed.

c. Teamwork: Works collaboratively with colleagues to achieve organizational goals; shares

credit for team accomplishments and accepts joint responsibility for team shortcomings and
overall responsibilities.

d. Planning and Organizing: Develops clear goals that are consistent with agreed strategies;
identifies priority activities and assignments; adjusts priorities as required; allocates
appropriate amount of time and resources for completing work; foresees risks and allows for
contingencies when planning; monitors and adjusts plans and actions as necessary; uses time
efficiently.

e. Accountability: Takes ownership of all responsibilities and honors commitments; delivers

outputs for which one has responsibility within prescribed time, cost and quality standards;
operates in compliance with organizational regulations and rules; support subordinates,

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Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Specialist

provides oversight and takes responsibility for delegated assignments; takes personal
responsibility for his/her own shortcomings and those of the work unit, where applicable.

Managerial Competencies
a. Leadership: establishes and maintains relationships with a broad range of people to
understand needs and gain support; anticipates and resolves conflicts by pursuing mutually
agreeable solutions.

VI. Qualifications
Education and experience

• Master’s degree in social science preferably in development planning, economics or

management;
• Academic degree in Engineering would be an added advantage;
• Sound knowledge n Nepal's development planning process and development plans;
• Knowledge and experience in designing M&E systems and conducting evaluations;
• At least five (5) years of experience in monitoring and evaluation, results based management;
• Excellent writing and analytical skill in drafting concept notes and reports;
• Understanding and knowledge of basic computer applications such as MS Words, Excel and
data base management; and
• Experience working within the Development agencies preferably in government system;

Language requirements

• Proficiency in spoken and written both Nepali and English language

VII. Quality Assurance

The incumbent will work under the direct supervision of the Policy and M&E Section Head. S/he will
also report to the Section Head, who will monitor the quality of deliverables. The payments will be
made on monthly basis based on verifying the deliverables and approval by the Section Head.