State Head - M&E - Maharashtra

ABOUT RIGHTWALK

RightWalk Foundation is a public policy implementation and state-capacity building organisation. We exist to ensure that progressive public policies actually work for people at scale — not just on paper, but in real lives, over time. Our RIGHT model — Redesign, Institutionalize, Ground, Hone, Transition — converts policy intent into sustained government-owned outcomes. We operate across 4 states, have impacted 2M+ lives and unlocked $2.2Bn+ in public funds.

ROLE PURPOSE

The State Lead – M&E is RightWalk's eyes and ears on the ground in Maharashtra. Embedded within the state, you will be the primary executor of the organisation's M&E agenda — ensuring that data from programs in Maharashtra is accurate, timely, and actionable. You will work closely with the Head – Data, M&E & Institutional Intelligence to implement frameworks, run data quality systems, and surface field-level insights that feed into organisational learning and donor reporting. This role demands rigour, independence, and deep familiarity with Maharashtra's government systems and social sector landscape.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES1. State-Level M&E Execution

• Implement and operationalise the M&E framework designed by the Head – Data, M&E & Institutional Intelligence for all programs in Maharashtra (including the RTE 12.1(c) initiative and Apprenticeship Policy activation).
• Serve as the primary point of contact for all M&E activities in Maharashtra — coordinating with program teams, field staff, and implementing partners.
• Ensure M&E processes are embedded into day-to-day program implementation and are consistently followed by all state teams.
• Flag data anomalies, implementation risks, and reporting gaps to the Head – Data, M&E proactively — with recommended solutions.

2. Data Collection, Quality & Management

• Oversee all primary data collection across programs in Maharashtra — designing collection instruments, training enumerators, and managing fieldwork.
• Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and completeness through regular validation, cross-checks, and collaboration with government counterparts and field teams.
• Maintain and update state-level MIS, performance dashboards, and databases to reflect real-time progress against program indicators.
• Conduct routine data integrity audits and mystery beneficiary checks; surface anomalies — do not suppress them.
• Standardise data entry, storage, and management processes across state teams and partners, in alignment with organisational protocols.

3. Reporting & Visualisation

• Prepare timely, high-quality narrative and statistical reports for the Head – Data, M&E, state program leadership, government partners, and donors.
• Contribute state-level data and insights to organisational dashboards, donor reports, and evidence briefs managed by the Head – Data, M&E.
• Develop state-level data visualisations and summary reports that make program performance accessible to non-technical stakeholders.
• Support donor field visits and reviews in the state, providing accurate and credible data on program performance.

4. Government Data Systems & Alignment

• Build and maintain working relationships with Maharashtra's School Education, Labour, and Social Welfare Departments to align M&E data with government MIS and reporting requirements.
• Facilitate seamless data sharing between RightWalk and government counterparts, ensuring co-ownership of data.
• Track and interpret government data releases relevant to RightWalk's programs in Maharashtra (DISE, HMIS, state MIS, etc.) and integrate them into program reporting.

5. Capacity Building & Field Team Support

• Train and support program staff, field enumerators, and implementing partners in Maharashtra on M&E tools, methodologies, and data collection protocols.
• Provide ongoing technical support to ensure effective and consistent implementation of M&E processes at the field level.
• Promote a culture of data discipline and evidence-based reflection across state program teams.

6. Learning & Feedback Loops

• Synthesise field-level data and observations into learning notes and insight memos for the Head – Data, M&E and state leadership.
• Participate actively in organisational learning reviews and evaluation exercises, contributing state-level evidence and field context.
• Identify patterns, outliers, and early warnings in program data and proactively share them with relevant stakeholders.
• Support periodic internal and external evaluation exercises by providing data, coordinating field access, and ensuring the quality of information provided.

WHAT THIS ROLE DOES NOT DO

• Design organisation-wide M&E architecture or indicator frameworks — that is the Head's mandate.
• Set programmatic targets or manage field delivery operations.
• Represent RightWalk at national-level policy or donor forums independently.
• Manage the Knowledge Management or Institutional Intelligence function.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Experience: 7+ years in Monitoring & Evaluation, with at least 3–4 years in mid-senior roles managing state-level M&E functions in the development sector.
• Methods: Strong skills in both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis; hands-on experience with DHIS2, ONA, Kobo Toolbox, SPSS, Tableau, MS Excel, and similar tools.
• Data Discipline: A rigorous approach to data quality — you surface anomalies rather than smooth them over, and you build systems that others trust.
• Communication: Ability to translate complex data into clear, actionable reports and presentations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Language: Professional proficiency in Marathi — essential for effective engagement with government counterparts, field teams, and community stakeholders in Maharashtra.
• Government Fluency: Demonstrated experience working with Maharashtra state government systems, navigating bureaucratic processes, and aligning data with government MIS.
• Orientation: You are motivated by accuracy and learning, not by making numbers look good. Independent, resourceful, and calm under pressure.

Success Traits: Rigorous, field-grounded, proactive communicator, allergic to data inflation, trusted by both program teams and government counterparts.

Core Competencies: M&E execution, data quality assurance, field data systems, government MIS alignment, capacity building, and state-level reporting.

COMPENSATION

We offer a competitive salary package matching relevant experience, fitment, and the candidate's existing compensation, at par with the development sector.

• RightWalk Foundation is an equal opportunity employer with social inclusion as a core value. We do not discriminate based on gender, sexual orientation, caste, colour, creed, religious beliefs, appearance, or socio-economic background, and we actively encourage diversity in the workplace.