Purpose:

The Technical Expert will lead the development and implementation of a robust Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Framework to assess and prioritize ecosystem needs in the target district. This role focuses on establishing measurable indicators, monitoring progress, and evaluating the effectiveness of interventions to ensure evidence-based decision-making. The role emphasizes fostering collaboration with local communities, government agencies, and NGOs to align the framework with regional development priorities and cultural sensitivities. Through stakeholder engagement and capacity building, the expert will support sustainable ecosystem management and contribute to achieving long-term development goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a customized Monitoring and Evaluation Framework to assess ecosystem needs and measure project outcomes, tailored to Diamer’s unique environmental and socio-economic context.
• Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to track environmental, social, and economic progress, focusing on priorities such as forest preservation, water resource management, and biodiversity conservation.
• Align monitoring tools and indicators with local governance structures, ensuring they are adaptable to the cultural and environmental dynamics of Diamer.
• Deploy validated tools to collect primary data through surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions (FGDs).
• Gather secondary data from reports, government agencies, and environmental departments to complement primary findings.
• Analyze data to establish baseline benchmarks for indicators like forest cover, water availability, biodiversity, and community resource dependence.
• Use statistical tools (Excel, SPSS, R) for quantitative analysis and thematic analysis for qualitative data, ensuring actionable insights are drawn.
• Identify key gaps and areas requiring urgent intervention, such as degraded ecosystems or unsustainable resource use.
• Develop reporting mechanisms to regularly share findings with stakeholders, ensuring transparency and facilitating adaptive management strategies.
• Conduct capacity-building workshops to train local stakeholders in data collection, analysis, and monitoring tools.
• Foster partnerships with local communities, NGOs, and government departments to ensure the framework’s sustainability and relevance.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Development Studies, Economics, Project Management, or related fields.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of experience in designing and implementing Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) frameworks, baseline assessments, or environmental projects in remote or local settings.
• Demonstrated experience in ecosystem management, natural resource conservation, or rural development projects.
• Excellent analytical skills with the ability to interpret complex datasets and provide actionable insights.
• Strong communication skills, with fluency in English; proficiency in Urdu and local languages (Shina) is highly desirable.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, government bodies, and NGOs, in multicultural environments.

Desired Skills

• Strong understanding of Monitoring and Evaluation frameworks (e.g., Logframe, Theory of Change).
• Experience in developing data collection tools, including surveys, questionnaires, and field observation checklists, tailored to project-specific needs.
• Proficiency in GIS tools, data visualization platforms, and mobile-based data collection tools (KoBo Toolbox, ODK).
• Understanding of local governance structures and cultural dynamics in Diamer and Gilgit-Baltistan.
• Excellent problem-solving and adaptability skills for addressing challenges in diverse cultural and geographic contexts.