NRGI exists because decisions about how natural resources are governed determine the wellbeing of people in resource-rich countries, and of the planet. We support informed, inclusive decision-making about natural resources and the energy transition. We partner with reformers in government and civil society to design and implement just policies based on evidence and the priorities of citizens in resource-rich developing countries. We seek to address power imbalances, both nationally and globally. Our approach accounts for political realities, and advances equity in voice, influence and access to information.
The role
The MEL Lead provides strategic thinking, best practice advice, and oversight of NRGI’s monitoring, evaluation and learning activities. The MEL Lead will work to optimize NRGI’s impact.
The role can be based out of any of our registered offices – please note that you must already have the relevant work permit in one of those locations as we cannot offer visa sponsorship. We have registered offices in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ghana, Peru, Senegal, Tanzania, Tunisia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (New York or Washington DC).
Key roles and responsibilities
As MEL Lead, you will fully leverage all aspects of the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) function to help program teams advance learning and the body of evidence-based knowledge that drives impact in natural resource governance and sustainable, inclusive development.
You will lead the development and implementation of NRGI’s MEL strategy and systems development, ensuring that they support achievement of organizational objectives, which includes donor requirements. You will support program and project leads to utilize the information provided by monitoring, evaluation and learning activities to maximize the achievement of project goals and continually enhance NRGI’s impact. You will work collaboratively with colleagues to build positive relationships with key external stakeholders, especially donors, and to build NRGI’s brand.
You will be able to motivate and inspire all of NRGI’s staff to value rigor and diligence in MEL programming; provide the synchronization needed across programs and departments to deliver effective organization-wide monitoring, evaluation, and learning. Other responsibilities may include serving as an internal source of expertise on MEL best practices for other teams in the organization, facilitating internal learning at key junctures in organizational cycles and tied to significant projects as requested, and initiating and developing strong, credible relationships as well as influencing stakeholders at a project level.
Experience and skills
- You have excellent English language skills, both written and spoken; proficiency in French and/or Spanish helpful.
- You have eight to ten years directly relevant experience working in strategy development and implementation, quantitative and qualitative analysis, program and/or process monitoring, and learning and continuous improvement.
- You have strong experience in writing and producing donor and/or stakeholder-centered reports, presentations, and content that summarizes quantitative analysis and incorporates data in qualitative narratives and stories.
- You have experience in learning to bring about continuous improvement; process-oriented with an ability to link results and outcomes to activities and methods.
- You can initiate and develop strong, credible relationships and influence stakeholders at a project level.
- You are effective in multi-cultural communication, facilitation, training, and development.
- You have experience working in a complex or pioneering environment, including supporting and developing opportunities for systemic change.
- You have worked for and/or have an interest in not-for-profits/non-governmental organizations.
- You understand the natural resource governance sector and the complex ecosystem that results in resource-rich countries failing to achieve sustainable development.
- You have experience translating strategy into project and research design; ability to think conceptually and strategically with a 3-5 year horizon.
- Education & Qualifications Master’s or other postgraduate degree in a relevant field (development, political science, economics, international affairs, etc.). Bachelor’s degree in relevant field (development, political science, economics, international affairs, etc.).