Are you passionate about driving impactful change in some of the world’s most vulnerable regions? Here’s your chance to make a difference. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) is on the hunt for a visionary Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist to lead strategic efforts in enhancing climate resilience and sustainability across the Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region. But here’s where it gets exciting: this role isn’t just about numbers and reports—it’s about shaping the future of two groundbreaking projects that could redefine how we approach climate adaptation and ecosystem restoration.
Application Deadline: 5 December 2025 (11:59 PM Nepal Standard Time)
Location: Kathmandu, Nepal
Organisation: International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)
Position Overview
ICIMOD (https://www.icimod.org/get-involved/vacancies/) is seeking a seasoned MEL Specialist to provide strategic leadership and technical expertise across its diverse portfolio. The role primarily supports two flagship Adaptation Fund projects: the Green, Resilient, and Adaptive Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT) Economy in Bangladesh (GRACE) and Sustainable Actions for Ecosystem Restoration in Pakistan (SAFER Pakistan). But this isn’t just about project-specific work—the Specialist will also contribute to ICIMOD’s broader institutional results framework, ensuring that every initiative aligns with global sustainability goals.
And this is the part most people miss: The Senior MEL Specialist will be the linchpin in ensuring ICIMOD’s projects are not just implemented but are guided by rigorous monitoring, evidence-based evaluations, and adaptive learning approaches. This means you’ll be at the forefront of enhancing climate resilience, sustainability, and impact across the HKH region.
Project Background
The GRACE Project (Bangladesh)
Implemented in partnership with the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF) under the LoCALplus mechanism, GRACE is a transformative initiative aimed at strengthening climate resilience in the Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT). The project focuses on restoring vital water sources, building climate-resilient infrastructure, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices in Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban districts. What sets GRACE apart is its innovative approach to channeling climate finance directly to local governments through performance-based grants, ensuring transparency, accountability, and equity. This aligns seamlessly with Bangladesh’s National Adaptation Plan and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), fostering long-term environmental and socio-economic development.
The SAFER Pakistan Project
In collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan and UN Women Pakistan, SAFER targets community resilience in Gilgit-Baltistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Sindh. The project tackles six critical climate-related risks, including cryosphere hazards, drying springs, water pollution, and limited access to clean water. Through risk preparedness, integrated water resource management, and ecosystem-based adaptation, SAFER aims to protect livelihoods and restore ecological balance in vulnerable regions.
Both projects are at pivotal implementation stages, demanding robust monitoring frameworks, consistent evaluation, and adaptive learning to ensure measurable impact and sustainable outcomes. But here’s the controversial part: How do we balance immediate community needs with long-term environmental goals? This is a question that will challenge even the most experienced MEL professionals.
Role and Responsibilities
The Senior MEL Specialist will be the driving force behind strategic guidance, technical support, and quality assurance for monitoring, evaluation, and learning across both projects and institutional initiatives. This role involves designing and managing MEL systems, ensuring high-quality data collection and analysis, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. Key responsibilities include:
- Leading the development and implementation of comprehensive MEL frameworks for GRACE and SAFER.
- Ensuring alignment of project-level MEL systems with ICIMOD’s institutional results framework and Adaptation Fund requirements.
- Providing technical oversight for data collection, performance measurement, and outcome evaluation.
- Supporting project teams in designing logical frameworks, indicators, and data management tools.
- Facilitating learning processes by identifying key lessons, documenting best practices, and supporting adaptive management across project cycles.
- Strengthening staff capacity on MEL approaches through training and mentoring.
- Collaborating with implementing partners, national counterparts, and international agencies to ensure coherence in MEL practices.
- Contributing to institutional reporting, donor communication, and knowledge dissemination on project outcomes and impacts.
Organisational Context
The Senior MEL Specialist will be part of ICIMOD’s Strategic Results, Partnerships, and Business Development (SRPBD) Unit, which spearheads results-based management, partnerships, and resource mobilisation. By embedding this role within SRPBD, ICIMOD ensures seamless integration between project-level MEL systems and organisational quality standards, fostering consistency in reporting, learning, and accountability across programmes. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a collaborative, interdisciplinary environment, engaging with scientists, policy experts, and implementing partners across South and Central Asia.
Qualifications and Experience
- Advanced degree (Master’s or higher) in Monitoring and Evaluation, Development Studies, Environmental Management, or a related field.
- Minimum of 10 years’ professional experience in MEL, preferably within international development, climate change adaptation, or environmental programmes.
- Proven expertise in designing and managing MEL systems, developing indicators, and conducting evaluations.
- Strong analytical, reporting, and communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional teams and work with diverse stakeholders, including governments, NGOs, and UN agencies.
- Experience with results-based management and knowledge management approaches.
- Familiarity with climate resilience, adaptation, and sustainable development frameworks is a plus.
Application Process
Interested candidates are invited to apply online through the ICIMOD Vacancy Application Portal by 5 December 2025 (11:59 PM Nepal Standard Time). Applications should include a detailed CV and cover letter highlighting relevant experience. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
For queries, contact: emailprotected.
About ICIMOD
ICIMOD is a regional intergovernmental learning and knowledge-sharing centre serving the eight countries of the Hindu Kush Himalaya. Through applied research, partnerships, and innovative solutions, ICIMOD supports mountain communities in achieving environmental sustainability and resilience.
By joining ICIMOD, you’ll contribute to a mission that improves the lives and livelihoods of mountain people while preserving the region’s ecosystems and cultural heritage. But the real question is: Are you ready to take on this challenge?
VISIT OFFICIAL WEBSITE TO APPLY: https://www.icimod.org/get-involved/vacancies/
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