Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer

Job Posting Organization:
The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a global conservation organization founded in 1961, dedicated to helping people and nature thrive. With operations in over 100 countries, WWF partners with communities, companies, and governments to protect wildlife, conserve vital habitats, and advance sustainable solutions. The organization is grounded in science and driven by collaboration, focusing on conserving biodiversity, supporting resilient communities, and addressing climate change. WWF has nearly 1 million members in the United States and more than 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 managing their lands and biodiversity-rich ecosystems. 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 community priorities and GEF core indicator requirements. The role requires a strong focus on data collection and analysis, adapting the results framework to reflect the project's theory of change, and co-developing a learning agenda that responds to emerging needs. 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's responsibilities include designing methodologies for data collection, monitoring the application of project M&E plans, and analyzing data for reliability and precision. They will deliver a Results Framework and Work Plan Tracking Report annually, co-develop a learning agenda with partners, and create culturally appropriate learning methods. The officer will assist in writing project progress reports, lead annual reflection workshops, and collaborate with other officers to organize learning exchanges. They will also manage a live database for project monitoring and evaluation data, ensuring data accuracy and consistency. Additional responsibilities include 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 science, 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 and reporting. Familiarity with conservation management standards and traditional ecological knowledge is preferred, as is experience in organizing learning events.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as natural or social science, environmental management, program evaluation, or international development is required. An advanced degree is preferred and can substitute for some years of experience. Candidates should have a strong foundation in research methods and data analysis, with proficiency in database software and statistical tools being advantageous.

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 in supporting Indigenous peoples and local communities is crucial, as is a demonstrated track record of culturally sensitive collaboration. International field experience, particularly in a monitoring and evaluation role, is preferred.

Languages:
Fluency in English is required, with strong writing skills. Proficiency in Spanish, French, and/or Portuguese is strongly preferred, as these languages will enhance communication with diverse stakeholders and partners.

Additional Notes:
The position is based in Cambodia, with potential locations in Brazil or Kenya. Applicants for Brazil or Kenya must be nationals currently based 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 support from WWF-Cambodia. The position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship, and applicants must be legally authorized to work in the job's location. WWF promotes equal employment opportunities for all qualified individuals.