MEL Associate

Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) is a movement to empower women working in the informal economy. SEWA Bharat is part of the national SEWA movement. Established in 1984, it is a national federation of SEWA organizations of women working in the informal economy. SEWA Bharat emerged out of the need to address the SEWA movement’s challenges with geographical expansion and coordination. SEWA Bharat comprises a family of SEWA organizations to further informal women workers’ rights, livelihoods, financial independence, education, health and social security.

Kolkata, West Bengal

SEWA Bharat is looking for a MEL Associate to strengthen evidence-based programme implementation through robust monitoring systems, high-quality data management, timely reporting, and continuous learning. The MEL Associate will support programme teams in tracking outcomes, assessing impact through qualitative and quantitative methods, generating actionable insights, and contributing to donor reporting, research, advocacy, and knowledge management. The position will work closely with state programme teams, the national MEL team, external consultants and technology partners to ensure that programme data and learning are effectively used for strategic decision-making and continuous programme improvement.

1. Monitoring, Evaluation and Data Management

• Design and finalise the MEL Plan in coordination with the project core team and state programme teams.
• Support and train field teams on monitoring, data collection, reporting, and data management in line with the MEL Plan.
• Monitor the implementation of monitoring systems and track progress against programme indicators.
• Coordinate with SEWA teams to ensure timely collection, verification, consolidation and reporting of programme data.
• Work closely with MEL team members to analyse data, prepare reports, identify gaps and recommend course corrections where required.
• Ensure that the MIS is regularly updated and that accurate, relevant, and timely programme information is available.
• Coordinate with the MIS/software agency to ensure effective functioning and timely updating of the monitoring system.

2. Research and Impact Assessment

• Use qualitative and quantitative research methods to assess programme outcomes and impact, particularly in relation to women’s economic empowerment.
• Build the capacity of field teams to collect, verify, and maintain high-quality monitoring data.
• Support state teams in conducting semi-structured interviews and other qualitative data collection activities with women and programme participants.
• Contribute to the design and implementation of surveys, studies, and assessments as required.
• Support the development of research protocols, sampling frameworks, MEL indicators, data collection tools, and analytical frameworks.
• Support internal and external evaluations, including coordination with external consultants and evaluation partners.
• Assist in developing data collection schedules, analytical frameworks, evaluation tools and reports as per programme requirements.

3. Reporting and Knowledge Management

• Regularly document programme interventions, achievements, challenges, outcomes and learnings.
• Analyse programme data and generate actionable insights for programme teams and management.
• Identify implementation challenges and support the programme team in developing appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Coordinate with the Project Coordinator and relevant teams to prepare monthly, quarterly and annual programme reports.
• Contribute to donor and funder reporting as required.
• Track relevant developments and emerging knowledge in areas related to the programme, including climate resilience, urbanisation, and women’s economic empowerment.
• Identify and integrate relevant learnings into programme monitoring and implementation systems.
• Contribute to knowledge products, documentation, case studies, and other learning materials.

4. Communication and Advocacy

• Support knowledge-building and knowledge-sharing initiatives with programme teams and relevant stakeholders.
• Contribute to outreach, advocacy, and communication planning in collaboration with the SEWA Communications team.
• Support the organisation of dissemination events and forums to share programme findings, evidence and lessons learned.
• Present and communicate key findings and insights to relevant internal and external stakeholders.

The ideal candidate should have:

• A strong understanding of and commitment to women’s economic empowerment, grassroots development, and social change.
• A Postgraduate degree, preferably in Public Policy, Development Studies, Economics, Social Sciences, or another relevant discipline.
• 2-3 years of relevant experience in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, research, programme monitoring, or a similar role.
• Strong understanding of qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Experience in research design, developing research protocols, sampling, MEL indicators and data collection tools.
• Experience in conducting research and analysing qualitative and quantitative datasets.
• Strong analytical, documentation, and report-writing skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills in English and Hindi.
• Ability to work collaboratively with programme teams, field teams, consultants and external stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel and spend significant time in the field, including travel to Bihar as required.

1 year, with the possibility of extension based on programme requirements and performance.

The location of the role is in Kolkata, West Bengal

₹35,000-₹40,000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Interested candidates are requested to email their updated resume and a cover letter explaining their interest in the position to: moumita@sewabharat.org

Subject line: Please mention “Application for MEL Associate” in the subject line of the email.