Manager, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

Impact by Design (IbD) is seeking a passionate and ambitious Manager of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) for our Planning & Facilitation client projects to enhance IbD’s capacity to help mission-driven teams and organizations achieve their greatest impact through evidence-based assessment.

This position will provide MEL expertise to a diversity of clients, in both a support and/or leadership role, including providing leadership and management for small to mid-sized projects as well as expertise for additional staff-led client projects.  These projects may range from facilitating the development of effective MEL plans for projects, programs and/or institutions using various MEL frameworks, to providing coaching or training in the creation and implementation of key performance indicators (KPIs) that inform organizations in their data-driving decision making.  

With a fast-growing portfolio, IbD is looking for a Manager with a concentration in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning to help us consistently and effectively deliver on client MEL needs. This role is critical for IbD’s success with our clients by helping to deliver high-quality processes and materials, and by building strong relationships and confidence with varied and dynamic teams, both in the US and across the globe. 

This full-time position will be based remotely, and we are looking for U.S.-based candidates. 

What you will do:

We have a diversified portfolio of projects and clients so your activities will vary day to day, but may include:

• Designing and facilitating meetings focused on building KPI and MEL plans

• Facilitating the application of various MEL frameworks (such as theory of change), and customizing those frameworks according to individual client needs and circumstances 

• Advising clients on MEL plan implementation and effective data collection

• Reviewing and providing guidance on best practices for MEL in strategic plans

• Designing and implementing training on best practices in MEL and data-driven decision making

• Managing interactions with clients, including setting up and leading meetings, creating shared resources, and organizing data/documents

• Supporting other team members in building out any MEL-focused work for their lead projects

• Providing facilitation, training, brainstorming, or other project management support as needed for Planning & Facilitation team member projects

• Staying on top of, and disseminating through social media, internal learning meetings, or trainings, the latest tools, techniques, and trends for MEL, evidence-based assessment, data organization, analysis, and visualization in the social and environmental sciences

• Analyzing qualitative and quantitative data

• Preparing client reports and other outputs

• Supporting client cultivation through intake calls, proposal development, and contract development

• Documenting client successes, learning moments, and testimonials to support IbD business development

• What we care most about in this position:

  Experience: You are comfortable working in your area of expertise, from development through implementation; You have already had opportunities to hone your skills and are prepared to tackle projects and convenings of all sizes and dynamics.

  Adaptable: You are flexible and eager to adapt to shifting client needs and meeting challenges; You are not afraid of difficult conversations in a meeting setting and know how to create the kinds of spaces where they can happen safely and productively; Working with people is genuinely fun for you, but you are also motivated and driven when working alone and in a home office.

  Human-Centered Design: Your priority is creating spaces for others to be successful, not having the limelight on yourself; You have a global worldview and are able to design work for different people and contexts; You value deeply listening to others and responding to their unique needs.

  Problem Solving: You think deeply about how to make a convening as effective as possible is something you find both exciting and truly important; You have the spirit of an entrepreneur, someone who can see problems and solutions and has the ambition to make things better.

  Learning Mindset: You are comfortable with feedback and are happy in a team-oriented environment that is focused on learning and continuous improvement.

  Basic Requirements:

  We are looking for someone who has the skills, insights, motivation, and attitude to make IbD an even better organization by providing MEL expertise, guidance and leadership, as well as by contributing to the success of the Planning & Facilitation team.  Candidates need to have demonstrated practical experience in work related to MEL in conservation, animal welfare, or the environment. You might have a degree in MEL, data sciences, natural sciences, or equivalent practical experience in MEL in the nonprofit sector, perhaps in wildlife conservation, natural resources management, environmental education, or animal welfare. This position requires travel approximately 10% to 30% of the time, pending travel restrictions and safety considerations.

  We are most interested in candidates who demonstrate that they will thrive at IbD and be a genuinely good fit for this work through the following requirements:

• Masters in a relevant field with experience designing and implementing MEL plans at the project, program, or institutional level using qualitative and quantitative methods OR demonstrated equivalent years of practical experience designing and implementing MEL plans 

• Skills in quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis

• Experience in interpreting and presenting results, writing reports, and supporting a portfolio of information for guided learning and evidence-based assessment 

• Practical experience in applying qualitative and quantitative data for the purpose of evidence-based assessment, adaptive management, and learning

• Skills in facilitation design for building MEL plans (e.g. theory of change, evidence based assessment, log frames, Balanced Scorecard or other strategic frameworks)

• Microsoft Office Suite of products and Google Apps at an intermediate level or higher

• Highly collaborative and eager to work as part of a team, but also a self-starter who can work independently

• Focused and able to work effectively from home and through remote meetings

• Excellent written and spoken communication skills

• Why Impact by Design?

  We are a growing organization that is committed to supporting nonprofits focused on conservation, animal welfare, and the environment. We believe that by helping nonprofits be their best, we can help make the world a better place. Our working environment is dynamic, transparent, fun, curious, and supportive, with a focus on our core values which underpin all of our efforts. Find out more about Impact by Design and read our values here: https://www.impactbydesigninc.org/people

  All staff members at Impact by Design work remotely – we do not have an office. We offer flexibility and an opportunity to work in a self-directed environment.  

  This is a full-time, salaried, and exempt position with annual opportunities for salary advancement within the role. The salary is $58,000 annually. IbD offers a competitive benefits package including unlimited vacation, 401k, and reimbursement for healthcare costs.

  Impact by Design is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment that allows all team members to thrive; we believe this is essential to achieve our Mission. Learn more about IbD’s Commitment to Equity and Equal Opportunity Employment: https://www.impactbydesigninc.org/jobs

  Application:

  Applications will be accepted through November 12, 2021. Impact by Design is an equal opportunity employer. Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), immigrants, and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We are not able to explore work with candidates outside of the U.S. at this time.

  We would like to see your traditional resume, but do not want a traditional cover letter. Instead of a cover letter, please answer the following questions in 500 words or less (total), and then submit all materials as a PDF or Word document to talent@impactbydesigninc.org.

• Please tell us why you have decided to apply for this position with Impact by Design.

• Other than your technical skills and experience, what makes you great at what you do?

• Given your review of the application and description of Impact by Design - what is one strength will you apply right away and one skill you hope to learn or develop if you are chosen for this position?