Development Practitioner | WASH | MERL | Storyteller
Shailee
Chitrakar
"Where water flows, stories grow."
Dedicated to creating sustainable impact through water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives. Bridging the gap between data-driven research and human-centered storytelling.
5+
Years Exp.
10k+
Lives Reached
About Me
I am a passionate development practitioner with a deep-rooted commitment to improving lives through sustainable Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) initiatives.
My journey in the development sector has taken me from grassroots community mobilization to designing robust Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) frameworks. I believe that effective development is not just about infrastructure, but about understanding the human context.
Beyond the data and logframes, I am a storyteller at heart. I strive to capture the authentic narratives of the communities I work with, ensuring their voices shape the programs designed for them.
What Drives Me
Sustainable WASH
Ensuring dignified access to clean water and sanitation, particularly focusing on Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM).
Evidence & Learning
Utilizing rigorous MERL practices to drive adaptive management and measure true impact on the ground.
Human-Centered Storytelling
Documenting field realities through photography and narratives to bridge the gap between communities and policymakers.
Experience
A timeline of my professional journey in the development sector.
Senior Program Officer
Wine to Water Nepal
- Led the implementation of community-led total sanitation (CLTS) programs across 5 districts.
- Managed a team of 10 field coordinators and oversaw a budget of $500k.
- Designed and executed Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) campaigns reaching 5,000+ adolescent girls.
ImpactImproved sanitation facilities for over 10,000 households and reduced waterborne diseases by 15% in target areas.
MERL Officer
Wine to Water Nepal
- Developed comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) frameworks for WASH projects.
- Conducted baseline, midline, and endline surveys using KoboToolbox and ODK.
- Facilitated learning workshops for stakeholders to share best practices.
ImpactStreamlined data collection processes, improving reporting accuracy by 30% and enabling data-driven decision making.
Program Assistant
Wine to Water Nepal
- Assisted in the coordination of emergency response work during the 2019 floods.
- Supported the drafting of project proposals and donor reports.
ImpactSuccessfully mobilized emergency relief materials to 500+ affected families within 48 hours.
Fundraising Assistant
Wine to Water Nepal
- Organized community fundraising events and managed donor databases.
- Created compelling stories from the field for social media campaigns.
ImpactIncreased individual donor retention by 20% through targeted storytelling.
Fundraising Intern
Wine to Water Nepal
- Supported the fundraising team in organizing charity runs and events.
- Conducted research on potential corporate sponsors.
ImpactHelped secure 3 new corporate sponsorships for annual youth programs.
Academics
My educational background and qualifications.
Masters in International Cooperation and Development
MICD, Dhobighat, Lalitpur
(Affiliated to Mid Western University)
Bachelor in Development Studies (BDevS)
National College, Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu
(Affiliated to Kathmandu University)
Higher Secondary Studies (+2) Management
Prasadi Academy, Manbhavan, Lalitpur
School Leaving Certificate (SLC)
St. Mary's School, Jawalakhel, Lalitpur
Key Skills
Program Management
- •Project Cycle Management
- •Budgeting
- •Team Leadership
- •Stakeholder Engagement
Monitoring & Evaluation
- •MERL Frameworks
- •LogFrames
- •Theory of Change
- •Impact Assessment
Research & Data Collection
- •Quantitative & Qualitative Research
- •KoboToolbox
- •ODK
- •Data Analysis (SPSS/Excel)
WASH & Public Health
- •CLTS
- •Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM)
- •Water Quality Testing
- •Sanitation Marketing
Facilitation & Training
- •Workshop Facilitation
- •Capacity Building
- •Community Mobilization
- •Participatory Approaches
Communication & Storytelling
- •Field Reporting
- •Case Studies
- •Photography
- •Social Media Management
Impact Work
Selected projects focusing on WASH, emergency response, and community development.
Clean Water Initiative
Context
Rural communities in western Nepal lacked access to safe drinking water.
Action
Implemented solar-powered water lifting systems and formed local water user committees.
Outcome
Provided sustainable access to clean water for 2,000+ individuals.
Dignified Menstruation Campaign
Context
Taboos and lack of facilities hindered girls' education during menstruation.
Action
Constructed girl-friendly toilets in 20 schools and conducted MHM awareness sessions.
Outcome
Reduced school absenteeism among adolescent girls by 25%.
Flood Emergency Response
Context
Devastating floods displaced hundreds of families in the Terai region.
Action
Coordinated the distribution of WASH kits and installed temporary latrines.
Outcome
Prevented outbreaks of waterborne diseases in 3 displacement camps.
Storytelling & Media
Documenting field realities, sharing community voices, and capturing the human side of development work.
Coming Soon
I'm currently curating stories, photos, and videos from the field. Check back soon for updates!
Research
Impact of CLTS on Child Health
A mixed-methods study assessing the long-term health outcomes of community-led total sanitation in rural Nepal.
Barriers to MHM in Schools
Presented findings at the National WASH Symposium on the socio-cultural barriers to menstrual hygiene management.
Trainings
- •WASH in Emergencies (UNICEF)
- •Advanced PMEL Workshop
- •Qualitative Research Methods
- •Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) Facilitator Training
- •First Aid and Emergency Response
Leadership
President
Rotaract Club of Lalitpur
Led a team of 50+ youth in executing community service projects focused on health and education.
Event Coordinator
National Youth Conference
Managed logistics and speaker coordination for a conference attended by 300+ young leaders.
Let's Connect
Whether you want to collaborate on a project, discuss WASH initiatives, or share a story from the field—I'd love to hear from you.
Location
Lalitpur, Nepal