Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) was founded in 1961 and has since become a leading global conservation organization. With a mission to help people and nature thrive, WWF operates in over 100 countries worldwide. The organization partners with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and advance sustainable solutions. WWF is grounded in science and driven by collaboration, focusing on conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. The organization boasts nearly 1 million members in the United States and over 5 million globally, reflecting its extensive reach and commitment to environmental conservation.

Job Overview:
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer will play a crucial role in the Heart of Conservation Initiative (HCI), a transformative 5-year global project aimed at empowering Indigenous Peoples and local communities in their stewardship of lands and biodiversity. This position involves monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities that track and report on project implementation, performance, and results. The MEL Officer will work closely with the Project Manager and various partners to ensure that the project aligns with both Indigenous priorities and GEF core indicator requirements. The role requires the collection and analysis of data related to project activities and outcomes, as well as the development of a learning agenda to support adaptive management. The MEL Officer will also assist in preparing technical reports and collaborate with other officers to communicate project impacts effectively.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEL Officer will be responsible for several key tasks, including: designing methodologies for data collection in collaboration with technical specialists; monitoring the application of project M&E plans; gathering and analyzing data for reliability and precision; advising on solutions for data management; delivering annual tracking reports; co-developing a learning agenda with partners; assisting in the preparation of project progress reports; leading annual reflection workshops; collaborating with gender and communications officers to support knowledge-sharing; maintaining a transparent database for project monitoring; troubleshooting challenges with partners; contributing to external evaluations; and presenting project progress at regional and international forums. The role may require international travel approximately quarterly.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must demonstrate the ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder projects and possess strong analytical skills. They should have a Bachelor’s degree in natural or social sciences, environmental management, program evaluation, international development, or a related field, with an advanced degree preferred. A minimum of 7 years of relevant work experience is required, with at least 3 years in designing and implementing M&E systems for development or conservation projects. Experience working with Indigenous peoples and local communities is essential, along with strong analytical skills and expertise in data analysis. Familiarity with conservation management standards and traditional ecological knowledge is preferred. Strong writing skills and fluency in English are required, with additional language skills in Spanish, French, or Portuguese strongly preferred.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as natural or social sciences, environmental management, program evaluation, or international development is required. An advanced degree in these fields is preferred and can substitute for some years of experience. Candidates should have a strong foundation in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, as well as experience in data collection and analysis.

Experience:
The position requires at least 7 years of relevant work experience, with a minimum of 3 years specifically in the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation systems for development or conservation projects. Experience supporting Indigenous peoples and local communities is crucial, as is a demonstrated track record of culturally sensitive collaboration. Candidates should also have experience in organizing learning events and exchanges, particularly in international development or conservation contexts.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong writing skills required. Proficiency in Spanish, French, or Portuguese is highly desirable and will enhance a candidate's suitability for the role. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, especially in relation to the communities served by the project.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Brazil, Cambodia, or Kenya. Applicants for the Brazil or Kenya locations must be nationals currently residing and legally authorized to work in those countries, as employment visa sponsorship is not provided. For Cambodia, nationals from South and Southeast Asian countries willing to relocate may apply, with potential visa sponsorship available. The role is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship, and candidates must be legally authorized to work in the job's location. The position may involve international travel approximately quarterly, and the organization promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals.