Gaurang Meher Diljun
Summary
Dynamic professional with extensive experience in monitoring and evaluation, having led impactful projects at RTI International. Expert in statistical analysis and econometrics, I excel in fostering collaboration and driving data-driven decision-making. Recognized for securing substantial funding and enhancing gender equity in development initiatives, I am committed to empowering marginalized communities.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Director- MERLA (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adaptation)
RTI International
11.2021 - Current
- Play a pivotal role in establishing and implementing the monitoring, evaluation, and learning systems for the USAID- funded SAREP project (US$ 48 million)
- Fostered collaboration among teams of six countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka), enhancing energy access-led human development, while also enabling robust data and knowledge sharing
- Operationalized and implemented the Quality Assurance and Surveillance Plan, ensuring meticulous oversight, compliance, and performance/quality assessment that aligns seamlessly with programmatic objectives and grantee expectations
- Utilized results-focused measurement and empirical research to enhance the project's effectiveness and inform policy decisions and adaptation
- Train, mentor, and collaborate with 20+ SAREP Partnership Fund (USD 12 million) grantees, guiding them in formulating a Theory of Change and conducting Data Quality Assessment, while facilitating learning and knowledge sharing
- Orchestrated and facilitated adaptive management and learning agenda, employing an intersectional and gender lens to amplify marginalized voices in energy access initiatives
- Lead monitoring and evaluation of overall progress on the achievement of results and devise and refine the Result Framework and the Theory of Change
- Participate in annual project reviews and formulate the annual work plans
- Conduct CLA (Collaboration, Learning, and Adaptation) workshops including Pause and Reflect Sessions to enable organizational and program learning
- Conduct internal and external data quality assessments (DQA) with USAID, develop and refine key performance indicators (KPIs), and build the MEL database from scratch
- Undertake the coordination and capacity building of the project personnel (technical teams) on M&E tools and methods and support them in their use
Consulting Economist
TERI School of Advanced Studies
06.2018 - 11.2021
- As part of my doctoral research, I secured a substantial research grant exceeding 3 crores from the esteemed Department of Science and Technology
- The project, titled 'Strategically focusing on the socioeconomic empowerment of small and marginalized farmers through the innovative development of solar greenhouse hydroponic farming technology,' aims to catalyze sustainable rural livelihoods
- This achievement not only highlights the recognition of the significance of my research in the academic community but also underscores my ability to secure and manage substantial funding for impactful projects
Impact Evaluation Specialist
KPMG India
12.2019 - 11.2020
- As an Economist undertook the impact evaluation of the Indian government’s Watershed Development scheme at the national level
- The study appraises the performance of the government scheme on World Banks’s REESI-E framework (Relevance, Effectiveness, Efficiency, Sustainability, Impact, and Equity) and Cross-sectional themes like Gender and equity
- The study is based on the mixed-method approach of impact evaluation, drawing evidence from a large-scale Household survey of beneficiaries, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews at the village level in 12 states
Economist cum statistician
The Energy and Resources Institute
06.2018 - 11.2019
- Managed the interdisciplinary team of engineers, statisticians, and IT experts to develop an open-source tool for seasonal electricity load forecasting and category-wise load research for electricity distribution utility in Karnataka
- The aim is to provide power sector practitioners with a quick and handy online tool to analyze historical trends of electricity demand and to predict electricity load patterns
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
NATIONAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
09.2016 - 01.2018
- Co-developed appropriate monitoring tools, analytical methods, and protocols to enhance NSDC's ability to robustly assess its contribution to complex, long-term change processes in the skill development sector
- Proactively integrated a gender-responsive lens into the monitoring framework of the USD 1.5 billion Indian government skilling scheme, fostering a more inclusive vocational training ecosystem in program enrollment and outcomes
- Utilizing intersectional analysis, examined the nuanced challenges faced by women and marginalized individuals within the skill development landscape, enabling the design of tailored interventions that catered to their unique needs, thus amplifying their employability prospects
- Through participatory data collection methods and the application of equitable evaluation principles, I facilitated a deeper understanding of the multifaceted barriers hindering women's access to skill development opportunities
- Provided technical leadership for implementation and procurement impact assessment studies of NSDC's portfolio in 28 states in India, spanning projects, programs, and institutions
- Conducting and facilitating the creation of scheme-level performance and context indicators, as well as collecting, analysing, and evaluating data using statistical tools and sampling techniques, notably R and Excel
- Undertook coordination with Ministries, State Governments, and civil society to implement the best practices in monitoring and evaluation
Senior Consultant: GOVERNMENT ADVISORY
DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU INDIA LLP
09.2013 - 04.2016
- I undertook consulting assignments in the government sector in India, Bhutan and Nepal
- Within the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for Madhya Pradesh's Agriculture and School Education Department, I proactively integrated gender inclusiveness by analyzing budget allocations through a gender-sensitive lens, identifying areas for targeted investments to promote equitable access and outcomes in education
- Developed and implemented a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation framework for the Madhya Pradesh School Education Department
- Collaborated with stakeholders to promote gender-sensitive data collection for programs like 'The National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education.'
- Conducted training and awareness programs to foster a supportive environment for initiatives like 'Kanya Shiksha Prashikshan' and 'Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan,' empowering girls in Madhya Pradesh's education sector
- Letter of appreciation in my name by the Additional Chief Secretary of Madhya Pradesh which demonstrates my ability to conduct effective policy dialogue with government officials and to collaborate with partner organizations
Area Convenor: POLICY STUDIES AND REGULATIONS
THE ENERGY AND RESOURCES INSTITUTE
09.2007 - 01.2013
- My six years of experience at TERI in the field of public policy have allowed me to contribute significantly to various aspects of health, education, livelihood, and gender equity
- During this time, I had the opportunity to work across diverse sectors, including water, electricity, agriculture, infrastructure, and climate change, all of which are critical to the well-being of communities
- Served as Area Convener of the Centre for Competition Promotion, managing personnel and departmental affairs
- Identified areas of policy research and intervention to engage in advocacy, potentially promoting gender equity
- My extensive experience in evaluation and assessment studies, particularly in agriculture, water, and energy, has contributed to understanding and improving the livelihoods of those dependent on these sectors
- By identifying strengths and weaknesses in these areas, I have indirectly supported initiatives aimed at enhancing livelihood opportunities
- In terms of gender equity, my leadership as the principal investigator of various projects involving multi-disciplinary research teams has allowed for a holistic approach to addressing gender-related issues
- These projects encompassed topics that intersected with gender concerns, such as access to clean water, energy, and economic opportunities
Education
Ph.D. - Applied Economics
TERI SCHOOL OF ADVANCED STUDIES
01.2023
M. A. - Economics
DELHI SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS, University Of Delhi
01.2007
B. A (Honors) - Economics
HANSRAJ COLLEGE, University Of Delhi
01.2004
Skills
- R
- Sampling methods
- Statistical analysis
- Econometrics
- Forecasting
- STATA
- Shazam
- Power BI
- Microsoft Office
- Advanced Excel analytics
- FAO’s CROPWAT
- Linear programming
- Analytical Hierarchical Process (AHP)
- Composite index development
Publications
- Diljun G., et al. 2023, Unearthing the Crisis: Battling Groundwater Depletion in Osian, Rajasthan, CURRENT SCIENCE, Under print.
- Diljun G., et al. 2022, Estimation and comparison of energy input-output and efficiency indices for rice- wheat agroecosystems of Doon valley-India, CURRENT SCIENCE, VOL. 123, NO. 7, 10 OCTOBER 2022
- Diljun G., 2015. Regulation and Competition; a Case study of Indian Railways’ Procurement, International Journal of Regulation and Governance, Latest Issue: Vol. 13(2).
- Srivastava L., G. Diljun, A. Goswami, 2012. Revelations from energy consumption patterns in rural India, Energy Policy, Volume 47, Supplement 1, Pages 11-20.
- Diljun G., 2007. Liberalization policy: Entry barriers to private participation, Regulateri, Issue No.35, page 6- 10.
- Diljun, G, et al. 2016, Public Procurement in India, Chapter in the book ‘Competition Policies and Consumer Welfare’, edited by Lahcen Achy & Susan Joekes, Elgar Publishing, 300 pg.
- Diljun G., S. Sundar, S. Prakash, S. Pal, 2013. Competition and Regulatory Issues in the Railway Sector in India, Chapter in the book ‘Competition and Regulation in India’, CUTS Publication, 340 pg.
- Sustainable public procurement policy, 2013, The Energy and Resources Institute, June edition.
- State Perspective Plan: Water Vision 2030, Govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, 2011.
- Memorandum to Fourteenth Finance Commission, Government of Madhya Pradesh, 2014
- Procurement Policy in India and Competition Issues, Diljun G., M. V. Shiju, N. Nanda, TERI Press, 2012, 52 pg.
- Post-TRIPS IPR regime in India: Issues and Challenges in Industrial Designs, (2013), Diljun G., M. V. Shiju, TERI Press.
Timeline
Associate Director- MERLA (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning, and Adaptation)
RTI International
11.2021 - Current
Impact Evaluation Specialist
KPMG India
12.2019 - 11.2020
Consulting Economist
TERI School of Advanced Studies
06.2018 - 11.2021
Economist cum statistician
The Energy and Resources Institute
06.2018 - 11.2019
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist
NATIONAL SKILL DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
09.2016 - 01.2018
Senior Consultant: GOVERNMENT ADVISORY
DELOITTE TOUCHE TOHMATSU INDIA LLP
09.2013 - 04.2016
Area Convenor: POLICY STUDIES AND REGULATIONS
THE ENERGY AND RESOURCES INSTITUTE
09.2007 - 01.2013
Ph.D. - Applied Economics
TERI SCHOOL OF ADVANCED STUDIES
M. A. - Economics
DELHI SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS, University Of Delhi
B. A (Honors) - Economics
HANSRAJ COLLEGE, University Of Delhi
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