Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Lead

Job Posting Organization:
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) is a key agency in the Philippines responsible for the conservation and sustainable management of the country's biodiversity. The organization is involved in various initiatives aimed at reversing land degradation and enhancing ecosystem resilience. The DENR-BMB collaborates with international partners such as Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and Conservation International to implement projects like the Restoration through Science-based Execution and Established Biodiverse Registry for Degraded Ecosystems in Protected Areas and Broader Landscapes in the Philippines (RESEEDPh). This project is a 60-month initiative under the Global Environment Facility (GEF-8) designed to address critical environmental issues in the Philippines, including biodiversity loss and climate risks. The DENR-BMB is committed to integrating scientific innovation with community-based restoration efforts to achieve sustainable land management across various regions in the country.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) Lead will play a crucial role in supporting the RESEEDPh project, which focuses on restoring degraded ecosystems in protected areas and broader landscapes throughout the Philippines. This position requires a strong management background and knowledge of monitoring and evaluation practices to ensure high-quality programming and continuous improvement of the project's impact. The MEAL Lead will work closely with the Project Implementing Agency, Conservation International, and the Executing Agency, DENR-BMB, to facilitate evidence-based reporting and learning. The role involves overseeing all MEAL activities, ensuring alignment with quality principles and guidelines, and implementing effective monitoring systems that integrate gender and social inclusion. The MEAL Lead will also be responsible for developing tools for data collection and analysis, championing learning opportunities, and supporting capacity building among partner organizations to enhance MEAL implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEAL Lead will manage all MEAL activities throughout the project cycle, ensuring they align with the quality principles of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), DENR, and Global Environment Facility (GEF) guidelines. Key responsibilities include developing quantitative and qualitative tools for data collection, conducting data analysis, and presenting final reports. The MEAL Lead will facilitate reflections on key learnings and identify opportunities for research and publications related to restoration and MEAL policy implementation. Additionally, the role involves capacity building by identifying staff needs and supporting interventions to strengthen MEAL implementation. The MEAL Lead will collaborate with field teams to build effective monitoring systems, design and manage databases for data accuracy, and produce regular reports on project progress. The position also requires logistical support for project evaluations and contributions to adaptive management proposals based on emerging data.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Master's degree in environmental science and management or a relevant field. A minimum of 4 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing moderately complex projects, preferably with an international NGO, is required. Experience in engaging with partner organizations for knowledge transfer through training and mentoring is essential. Demonstrated MEAL field experience, including data collection, manipulation, synthesis, and analysis, is crucial. Proficiency with data analysis software such as SPSS, as well as MS Office applications, is highly preferred. Familiarity with Program and Project Management Standards (PPMS) and results-based management principles is also desirable.

Educational Background:
The educational requirement for this position is a Master's degree in environmental science and management or a closely related field. This advanced degree is essential to ensure that the candidate has the necessary theoretical knowledge and practical skills to effectively manage and evaluate projects focused on environmental restoration and biodiversity management.

Experience:
The position requires a minimum of 4 years of relevant field-based experience in coordinating or managing light to moderately complex projects. Experience with international NGOs is preferred, particularly in roles that involve monitoring and evaluation. Candidates should have a proven track record of engaging with partner organizations for knowledge transfer and capacity building, as well as demonstrated MEAL experience, including data collection and analysis.

Languages:
Fluency in written and spoken English is mandatory for this position. Proficiency in additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions where the project is implemented.

Additional Notes:
This position does not have supervisory responsibilities. The successful candidate will be expected to travel up to 30% of the time. The role is full-time and may involve working with international and national partners. Catholic Relief Services is committed to safeguarding program participants and community members from exploitation and abuse, and the successful candidate will be required to adhere to the organization's Code of Conduct. The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes candidates from diverse backgrounds.