Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Manager at International Fund for Animal Welfare

Role and Responsibilities 

Leadership and Facilitation

• Oversee the alignment of PMEL activities with IFAW’s organizational strategy and goals, ensuring coherence across teams and projects.
• Guide the strategic planning processes at the regional and landscape levels to align with global organizational objectives.
• Build a culture of learning and adaptive management among staff and partners to ensure evidence-based decision-making.
• Act as a bridge between field teams and leadership to ensure smooth communication and alignment of project activities.
• Under the leadership of DIEL, establish and promote a learning culture within and across projects by fostering lesson-learning and adaptive management in the region.
• Document and share lessons learned across projects, ensuring they inform future strategies and program design.

Development and Application of Innovative MEL Tools

• Lead the integration of digital tools and technology into PMEL systems to improve efficiency and data accuracy.
• Pilot and scale up innovative approaches to impact measurement, including the use of participatory methods for stakeholder engagement.
• Develop guidelines and protocols for adaptive MEL frameworks that respond to dynamic program needs and emerging trends.
• Evaluate and integrate methods such as geospatial analysis and predictive analytics into project planning and impact assessments.

Data Collection and Capacity Building

• Train IFAW staff and partners on advanced MEL tools and techniques, ensuring consistency and high-quality data collection.
• Develop user-friendly data collection templates and protocols tailored to project needs.
• Implement systems for real-time data monitoring to allow for timely feedback and course correction.
• Partner with external experts or consultants to enhance data collection methodologies for specialized projects.

Results Monitoring and Technical Reporting

• Develop Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for monitoring the progress of projects and landscape strategies.
• Establish systems for regular feedback loops, enabling project teams to learn from results and improve strategies.
• Prepare visually compelling and stakeholder-friendly reports that highlight program outcomes and lessons learned.
• Create mechanisms for comparing project results across regions or landscapes to identify best practices.
• Collaborate with the DIEL, as well as country and program staff in the East Africa office, to engage partners and ensure effective planning and measurement of the R2R initiative.
• Provide PMEL expertise to monitor progress, document outcomes, and adapt strategies for the R2R initiative.

Dashboard Development and Impact Measurement

• Design and maintain interactive dashboards that integrate data from multiple sources, providing real-time updates to decision-makers.
• Ensure the dashboards provide disaggregated data to reflect progress across different groups and contexts.
• Develop user manuals and training materials for teams to utilize dashboards effectively.
• Use dashboard insights to support program reviews and external reporting.

Proposal Development and Support

• Develop robust theories of change and logical frameworks to strengthen funding proposals.
• Contribute to cost-effective MEL strategies in proposals to ensure donor confidence and compliance.
• Support donor reporting requirements by providing MEL insights and evidence of program impact.
• Collaborate with proposal teams to integrate adaptive management and learning principles into program design.

Independent Evaluations and Collaboration

• Establish criteria for selecting independent evaluators and ensure alignment with IFAW’s evaluation standards.
• Coordinate the timing and scope of evaluations to maximize learning opportunities.
• Facilitate stakeholder review sessions to validate evaluation findings and develop actionable recommendations.
• Advocate for the inclusion of marginalized voices in evaluation processes to ensure equitable representation.

Communication and Dissemination of Evidence-Based Products

• Create tailored communication products (e.g., infographics, case studies) to share MEL insights with diverse audiences, including donors and the public.
• Organize webinars, presentations, and other platforms to share lessons learned and best practices across the organization and partners.
• Establish feedback systems for donors and supporters to understand how their contributions drive impact.
• Work with the communications team to integrate MEL findings into broader organizational narratives.

Qualifications and Education Requirements 

• A Masters degree in a relevant field from a recognized university preferably in international development, biodiversity management, planning, monitoring and evaluation, or related field is ideal, and 5 years of work experience in a relevant area; or a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field preferred and 8 years of work experience;
• At least five (5) years’ experience managing planning, monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities with competencies in a variety of qualitative and quantitative methods, in a conservation or human livelihoods initiative
• Strong understanding of biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, and community-based conservation approaches, including knowledge of human-wildlife conflict resolution or similar themes.
• Demonstrated experience with global best-practice and innovative and cutting-edge approaches and methods for planning and MEL, along with a solid knowledge of conventional methods and tools, such as theories of change and indicators
• Experience in designing and conducting high-quality surveys and assessments using a mix of data collection methods tailored to project needs,
• Experience in generating learning and adaptive management among project teams and stakeholders
• Proficiency in using statistical analysis tools such as R, Python, or SPSS, and data visualization tools like Power BI or Tableau for advanced performance analysis,
• Demonstrated experience in engaging and managing relationships with government agencies, donors, local communities, NGOs, and other stakeholders across diverse cultural settings.
• Experience in group facilitation is highly desirable
• Proven experience supporting donor proposal development, including developing results frameworks, logical frameworks, theories of change, and writing donor reports
• Experience with conducting or managing evaluations
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate well with diverse staff and different external stakeholders
• Proficiency in using advanced data management tools and software for reporting and analysis, in addition to Microsoft Office
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, as well as an ability to see the “big picture”, excellent problem-solving skills, flexibility, and ability to work efficiently and independently to meet proposal deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to lead and adapt in dynamic, complex, and uncertain environments, fostering team resilience and innovation
• Experience working in East Africa or similar regions, with a strong understanding of local conservation challenges, opportunities, and cultural contexts,
• Experience with monitoring and evaluation software systems, and developing data dashboards that enable effective analysis and reporting on performance data, e.g. LogAlto, is desirable