Regional Manager – Learning, Monitoring & Evaluation (LME), Patna/Ranchi

About the Role

The Learning, Monitoring & Evaluation (LME) division is advancing into a strategic and evidence-driven phase. The Regional Manager for LME in Patna/Ranchi will spearhead this transformation by translating national LME objectives into effective regional practices and enhancing the state's LME team capabilities. This position requires a systems-thinking approach to accommodate diverse state contexts, design precise studies, handle program data efficiently, and appropriately balance standardization with localized adaptation to boost program impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and implement a regional LME strategy that harmonizes learning agendas, evaluation priorities, and reflection cycles across states while respecting local uniqueness.
• Distinguish between elements requiring uniformity—such as core metrics, data integrity, and ethical standards—and those needing localization, including delivery contexts and stakeholder engagement.
• Use systems thinking to analyze regional data trends, explain outcome causes, and inform program and policy development.
• Promote adaptive management by enabling timely adjustments based on real-time data insights.
• Manage and ensure the compatibility of state-level databases, dashboards, and reporting platforms to provide a unified and accurate regional data perspective.
• Advocate for adoption of contemporary LME tools to enhance strategic decision-making.
• Set and uphold high regional standards for data quality, privacy protections, ethical conduct, and child safeguarding.
• Establish and maintain strategic partnerships with state government bodies, such as SCERT, DIETs, and BEPC, positioning the organization as a credible data partner.
• Lead comprehensive evidence collection initiatives utilizing mixed methods and longitudinal studies in collaboration with key state and regional stakeholders.
• Transform collected insights into impactful products like briefs, policy recommendations, and donor reports that influence both internal strategies and public policy.
• Represent the LME division at regional and state evaluations, innovation pilot programs, and engagements with funders and governments as a trusted strategic advisor.
• Guide, mentor, and develop State LME teams by setting clear objectives and fostering strategic as well as technical acumen.
• Design and implement training programs to enhance data-driven decision-making skills among internal staff and governmental collaborators.
• Work alongside other organizational verticals including Programs, Training, and Communications to encourage collective ownership of data and learning processes.
• Foster an environment that supports open reflection and psychological safety for productive data discussions.
• Provide regional insights to the national LME team to support the evolution of overall strategy.
• Keep abreast of advancing practices in LME, adaptive management, and education/public health data systems, particularly concerning adolescent and school well-being.
• Contribute to enhancing the organization's culture of learning and adaptive program implementation.

Qualifications & Key Requirements

• Extensive experience (12–15 years) in LME leadership roles focused on education, public health, or social impact, including supervision of managers and leadership of multi-location operations.
• Proven record of establishing and maturing LME systems, conducting comprehensive mixed-method evaluations, and managing senior stakeholder relationships, notably with regional and state government entities.
• Strong skills in adaptive management and translating complex datasets into clear, actionable recommendations.
• Master's degree is mandatory, with preference given to candidates holding an M.Phil or PhD.