Designation: MEL Lead
Organization: SwitchON Foundation
Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
Work Experience: 8 -12 years
Compensation: 10 -14 Lakhs (depending on skills,experience & last drawn)
Language Proficiency: Proficiency in English, Hindi & Bengali

Position Summary

SwitchON Foundation is seeking an experienced Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) Lead to establish and strengthen organization-wide MEL systems that enable data-driven decision-making, improve program effectiveness, and demonstrate impact across multiple projects and geographies.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership
Develop and lead the organization's Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning strategy aligned with organizational goals.
Build and strengthen organization-wide MEL systems, frameworks, and processes.
Establish standardized monitoring practices across all programs and projects.
Drive a culture of evidence-based planning and decision-making across departments.
Advise leadership on program performance, strategic priorities, and impact measurement.
Monitoring & Evaluation
Design and implement Logical Frameworks (LogFrames), Theory of Change, Results Frameworks, KPIs, and outcome indicators.
Develop monitoring plans for all organizational programs.
Ensure high-quality, timely, and accurate monitoring across multiple states.
Lead baseline, midline, endline, and impact evaluation studies.
Conduct periodic data quality assessments and verification exercises.
Develop and periodically review program indicators to ensure alignment with organizational strategy.
Data Analytics & Business Intelligence
Lead organizational data analysis and generate actionable insights to improve program performance.
Develop dashboards and performance reports for leadership.
Identify trends, risks, and opportunities through advanced data analysis.
Convert complex datasets into meaningful visualizations and management reports.
Support data-driven strategic planning and resource allocation.
Support predictive analysis and strategic forecasting using organizational data.
Organizational Learning
Establish systems for documenting lessons learned and best practices.
Facilitate periodic learning and reflection workshops.
Promote continuous improvement through evidence-based recommendations.
Ensure monitoring findings are integrated into program design and implementation.
Promote knowledge management by creating repositories of best practices, case studies, and success stories.
Donor Reporting & Compliance
Ensure timely preparation of high-quality donor reports.
Design MEL frameworks and measurable indicators during proposal development for new donor opportunities.
Ensure compliance with donor reporting requirements and organizational standards.
Coordinate external evaluations and audits.
Team Leadership
Lead, mentor, and develop the MEL team comprising three professionals, including the MEL Manager.
Set team objectives, monitor performance, and support professional development.
Foster collaboration between MEL, Programs, Technology, Finance, and Leadership teams.
Build MEL capacity across the organization through training and knowledge-sharing initiatives.

Qualifications, Experience & Skills

Education:
Graduation in Statistics, Economics, Development Studies, Public Policy, Rural Management, Data Science, Social Sciences, or a related discipline.
Certification in Monitoring & Evaluation, Project Management, Data Analytics, or Impact Assessment will be an added advantage.
Experience:
8-12 years of progressive experience in Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning within NGOs, CSR, International Development Organizations, Social Enterprises, or Consulting firms.
Experience leading MEL functions for multi-state or multi-project portfolios.
Proven experience in team management and stakeholder engagement.
Experience working with institutional donors, government agencies, and CSR partners is preferred.
Skills:
Strong knowledge of Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) frameworks.
Excellent data analysis, interpretation, and reporting skills.
Familiarity with common data collection platforms such as:
KoboToolbox
ODK
SurveyCTO
CommCare
Proficiency in data visualization tools such as Power BI, Tableau, or Looker Studio.
Experience in designing and managing monitoring systems, indicators, and impact assessments.
Strong leadership, team management, and stakeholder coordination skills.
Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
Strong communication, presentation, and report writing skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Google Workspace.
Ability to translate data into actionable insights for strategic decision-making.
Experience working with donor-funded projects and reporting requirements is preferred.

Reporting Structure

Team Size: 3 members including the MEL Manager
Reporting to Leadership

Travel Requirements

Open to travel as needed

Application Process

To apply, please complete the application form and upload your updated CV to this link : https://forms.gle/NmTGoJeumhFeSKkj8

About SwitchON Foundation

Established in 2008, SwitchON Foundation is a pioneering non-profit organisation committed to driving sustainable development through innovative solutions in climate-resilient agriculture, clean energy, green livelihoods, and industry decarbonization. With a passionate team of over 175 professionals, we operate across 10 states in India, empowering communities with climate-smart technologies and practices.

Recognized as a Great Place to Work, SwitchON Foundation takes pride in its inclusive and diverse workplace, with strong representation of women in leadership roles. Our impact is amplified through a combination of innovative programs, social enterprises, and strategic policy advocacy aimed at creating lasting change.

To learn more about our work, please visit: www.switchon.org.in

MEL Lead