Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Civic Defenders

Internews is seeking a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist for a forthcoming USAID-funded global Internet freedom initiative that will support local civil society, independent media, and human rights defenders to better prevent and respond to digital repression in their own contexts, particularly in repressive contexts.

The Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist will report to the Deputy Chief of Party (DCOP) and oversee the development and implementation of strong monitoring, evaluation, and learning frameworks.

They will work closely with the project’s external MEL partner and USAID counterparts to ensure that the project meets stated objectives, while ensuring that MEL approaches and frameworks are developed collaboratively with subgrantees and understood by all project staff, partners, and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

As Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, your day to day tasks will include:

• Responsible for overall leadership of the project monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) frameworks, processes, and activities.
• Lead complex, multi-phase MEL processes in collaboration with subject matter experts.
• In coordination with Technical Advisors, program staff, Internews’ Impact team, the project’s MEL Partner, other project partners and other key stakeholders, develop the Annual Activity MEL Plan (AMELP), MEL indicators, Performance Indicator Reference Sheets (PIRS), Program Indicator Tracking Table (PITT), and other project documentation.
• Coordinate with the project’s MEL Partner on managing the external development evaluation to be led by the funder; oversee activity-level evaluations as needed.
• Provide input to planning sessions, ensuring that MEL is built into program implementation from the project outset.
• Build strong working relationships with project staff and partners and ensure ongoing coordination with Internews’ Impact team.
• Supervise the Data Associate, ensuring that strong data management practices are developed and implemented, and that project staff and partners are onboarded on how to navigate and use the project database.
• Provide guidance, coaching, and training to Internews staff on MEL.
• In coordination with the Communications Officer, ensure project staff (COP and DCOP) and Internews leadership can effectively communicate the impact of the project to diverse external audiences.
• As needed, support onboarding of new Associate Awards to the MEL frameworks, processes, and activities of Civic Defenders, ensuring consistent MEL practices across the entire project.

Required qualifications

• University degree in a relevant field of study OR equivalent lived/professional experience.
• Minimum 7 years’ relevant prior experience (advanced degree may substitute for up to three years of experience).
• Demonstrated mastery in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) for USAID-funded projects.
• Previous experience leading Collaboration, Learning and Adaptation (CLA) practices and activities.
• Proven track record in working closely with project partners, ensuring that they understand and can effectively implement all MEL tools, activities, and processes.
• Deep knowledge of methodologies for engaging with, supporting and centering women and other marginalised groups.
• Superior analytical skills and ability to think strategically.
• Native/bilingual fluency in English (written and spoken).
• Technical proficiency, including familiarity with Microsoft Office and project management tools (such as Airtable).
• Ability to manage multiple, ongoing obligations and assignments in a dynamic environment.
• Proven ability to operate in a multicultural and remote work environment.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively; demonstrated leadership skills.
• Ability to work remotely across different time zones and schedules on a regular basis to support remote staff.

Preferred qualifications

Note: Candidates who do not have these preferred qualifications, but who are interested and willing to learn, are encouraged to apply.

• Prior experience working for an international nonprofit or in the international development sector.
• Proficiency in Spanish, French, Arabic, Russian, or Portuguese (written and spoken).
• Experience working outside the US.
• Previous experience with software programs/tools or willingness to learn.

How to apply

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. To learn more and apply, please click here.