Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning Officer

Description Staff work a hybrid schedule with 2 days/week in the office The PMEL Officer serves as IFAW's dedicated MEL resource for Europe/USA programmes, bridging regional teams and the central Impact Evaluation and Learning function including designing MEL frameworks, championing evidence quality, embedding reflective learning, and ensuring two-way flow of data and insight into IFAW's global impact agenda. The Officer reports to the Director of Impact, Evaluation and Learning (DIEL), based in Africa, while embedded within regional program teams across Europe and the USA. The role requires autonomy, proactive cross-time-zone communication, and sound professional judgment. This is a hybrid position requiring a minimum of 2 days per week at IFAW's office in The Hague, Netherlands, with the remaining days home-based, and requires high self-direction and alignment with a director on a different continent. Role and Responsibilities MEL Framework Design & Piloting: Lead development, piloting, and contextualization of Theories of Change, log frames, results frameworks and indicator suites aligned to donor requirements and ISP 2030; ensure GESI-inclusive, milestone-responsive systems. Data Collection & Digital Programming: Design and configure quantitative/qualitative tools (surveys, KIIs, FGDs, checklists) in platforms such as Kobo Toolbox, Survey123 with ArcGIS or LogAlto; enforce data protection (GDPR/US equivalents) and quality assurance protocols. Analysis, Visualization & Insight: Lead quantitative (Excel, SPSS, R) and qualitative (thematic coding) analysis; build dashboards (Power BI, Tableau); triangulate evidence and produce audience-tailored MEL reports and donor narratives with Communications/Fundraising. Capacity Building & Training: Design and deliver MEL training, job aids and SOPs; provide ongoing coaching to staff and partners; assess and respond to evolving MEL capacity needs. Learning & Adaptive Management: Facilitate after-action reviews and reflection sessions; document and share lessons; support real-time, evidence-informed course correction; contribute to IFAW's organizational learning agenda. Systems, Data Entry & Reporting Compliance: Maintain accurate central MEL system records; support donor/internal reporting; monitor and resolve data pipeline issues; act as primary conduit between regional and global reporting systems. Evaluations & Evidence Generation: Design and manage MTRs/ end-of-project evaluations (ToRs, evaluator procurement, quality oversight); coordinate primary data collection; represent IFAW MEL in donor and sector forums. AI & Digital Innovation: Apply AI-assisted tools for qualitative analysis and workflow automation with human oversight; critically assess AI limitations (bias, cultural specificity, data privacy); contribute to IFAW's responsible-AI-in-MEL practice. Qualifications and Educational Requirements Degree (or equivalent experience) in international development, environmental science, ecology, social research, policy, conservation biology or related field, plus formal M&E/ research-methods training and evidence of continuous professional development. 2–4 years' progressive, hands-on MEL experience in international development, conservation, environmental, animal welfare or non-profit sectors; proven lead role in designing ToCs, log frames, results frameworks and indicator suites end-to-end. Experience designing/deploying digital data tools (Kobo Toolbox, SurveyMonkey, ODK, SurveyCTO, CommCare or equivalent); applying mixed-methods data collection/analysis; producing MEL reports and evaluations for diverse audiences; facilitating learning reviews; contributing MEL inputs to donor reporting/proposals. Technical proficiency in at least two of Excel (advanced)/SPSS/R/STATA; experience with dashboards (Power BI/Tableau/Excel) and qualitative analysis (NVivo/ ATLAS.ti/ MAXQDA or manual); familiarity with GDPR/ US data-protection equivalents. Excellent written and verbal English communication skills; able to translate technical MEL concepts into clear, jargon-free guidance for varied audiences. Desirable experience Sector-specific MEL experience in conservation/wildlife/marine/animal welfare, incl. donor familiarity (EU, USFWS, USAID, FCDO/DEFRA, private foundations), adaptive management, participatory/citizen-science approaches, and GIS/spatial analysis. Strong remote/independent working track record; effective 'managing upwards' and cross-time-zone collaboration (e.g., Africa–Europe/USA); comfort with matrix reporting structures. Cultural sensitivity and experience working within or alongside Global South teams, with awareness of related equity and power-dynamic considerations. Working conditions This position is based in The Hague, Netherlands, and requires attendance at the IFAW office in The Hague for a minimum of two days per week. The role also necessitates regular overlap in working hours to facilitate effective collaboration with an Africa-based line manager. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate strong self-management and organizational skills and be willing to undertake occasional regional and international travel for program implementation, monitoring, evaluations, training, and other relevant organizational engagements. Key competencies Technical MEL Excellence: rigorous, current, and continuously improving methods. Proactive Communication: keeps a remote line manager informed and aligned without prompting. Results-Oriented Self-Management: disciplined, self-directed delivery under minimal supervision. Cross-Cultural Agility: navigates cultural difference across a globally distributed team. Bridge-Building & Influence: connects regional teams with the central IEL function. Communicating for Impact: translates complex data into persuasive, audience-fit messages. Collaborative Partnership: positions MEL as an enabling resource, not a compliance burden. Learning Orientation: models reflective practice and continuous improvement. Resilience & Adaptability: manages ambiguity and shifting priorities with pragmatism. Mission Alignment: genuine, ethically grounded commitment to IFAW's mission. At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people. We are dedicated to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion so we actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds. Hiring range is 47,000 - 58,000 EUR per year Closing date for receipt of applications: 24 August 2026 Qualifications Skills Behaviors : Motivations : Education Experience Licenses & Certifications About IFAW