Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, Civic Defenders

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY

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 activity will focus on building long-term, local resilience among civil society through a networked approach involving global, regional, and local actors. The activity will likely provide technical assistance on digital security, digital governance advocacy and engagement, censorship circumvention, and holistic legal, psychosocial, and physical security support.

The MEL 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. The MEL Specialist will be well versed in working with and/or implementing MEL systems with an emphasis on women and other marginalized communities. Our ideal candidate is a forward-looking team player who is invested in developing and adapting frameworks that can be replicated across possible Associate Awards and the broader organization. This role collaborates closely with colleagues on the Impact & Learning team.

LOGISTICS

Internews has Headquarters offices in Arcata, CA, Washington, DC, and London, UK which support a hybrid workforce with staff working remotely, fully in-office, or partially remote. This is a remote-based role; candidates must possess independent work authorization in their location that does not require sponsorship from Internews.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, so candidates are encouraged to apply soon.

This is a limited-duration position, with an expected end date in September 2029.

Note: Hiring of this position is contingent upon receipt of funding.

OUR COMMITMENT TO FOSTERING A CULTURE OF BELONGING

We are an organization of dynamic, mission-driven individuals who are passionate about our core values and about supporting positive change in the world. We pride ourselves on our commitment to innovation and flexibility. We believe that diverse teams are strong teams and work to support an ethic of belonging, dignity, and justice for all people. Our current team includes a mix of genders, parents and non-parents, and people of multiple races, nationalities, ages, sexual orientations, and socioeconomic backgrounds. We are an EEO employer and encourage candidates of all races, genders, ages, orientations, ethnicities, and national origins to apply, and welcome those with alternative backgrounds and experiences.

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.
• In all duties, uphold Internews’ Core Values and demonstrate commitment to fostering a culture of belonging.

QUALIFICATIONS WE’RE LOOKING FOR

Required

• 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 marginalized 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

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.