Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Associate, Countering Nature Crime

This is a hybrid position which requires 8 days/month in the office. You can be based in our office in Washington DC. Existing work authorization is required at the time of application submission as WRI is unable to sponsor any visa work sponsorship for this position. To be eligible for this position in US, you must be a resident of DC, Maryland or Virginia at the start of employment.

About the Program:

The Natural Resources Governance and Policy program group at WRI focuses on promoting legal and policy measures, and decision-support data and analysis tools, to combat illegality in the exploitation and trade in natural resources, with a focus on forest and marine ecosystems.

The Countering Nature Crime (CNC) activity is a five-year, $25 million project funded by the US Agency for International Development (USAID). Nature crimes threaten biodiversity, accelerate climate change, violate human rights, increase pandemic risk, undermine rule of law and security, and deter investment and economic growth in many sectors. The project will employ different methodologies to detect, deter, and prevent nature crime with a particular focus on illegal fishing, wildlife trafficking and harvesting, illegal logging, and illegal deforestation to produce export commodities.

Job Highlight:

Reporting to Deputy Chief of Party, you will integrate equity into your work. You will, support the implementation of the CNC project’s Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Plan. You will be manage CNC’s performance monitoring on the DevResults platform. You will review and revise performance indicators on annual basis and monitor data collection quarterly. You will track key metrics (Threat Reduction Results) and analyze methodologies for collecting these metrics. You will provide training to CNC partners on data collection via DevResults, including developing training materials, templates and guidance. You will contribute to reporting, annual plans, and liaising with WRI’s Managing for Results team. You will help harvest success stories and lessons learned. You will work with the Deputy Chief of Party and Nature Crime Alliance (NCA) staff to support the CNC Learning Plan. You will also support the project’s Gender Analysis and Action Plan and Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation Plan.

What will you do:

Manage Project Performance Data (60%):

• Manage the CNC DevResults site, ensuring all indicators and performance reporting are up-to-date and accurate within the system; maintain oversight of both USAID and WRI performance reporting deadlines
• Compile and review relevant CNC performance data from project partners and WRI;
• Ensure project partners are trained in and aware of their reporting responsibilities under CNC
• Develop MEL guidance documents and training materials
• Review data collection methodologies, track, and capture data for select indicators
• Review CNC Work Plans, Quarterly, and Annual Reports to identify lesson learned and harvest outcomes for performance reporting
• Communicate about CNC’s MEL Plan to internal collaborator and external contributors

Support the CNC Learning Agenda (20%):

• Document CNC Learning activities
• Manage an annual process of reviewing and adjusting CNC Learning Questions to identify where progress is being made and where changes may be needed

Develop and implement the Gender Analysis and Action Plan and Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (20%):

• Develop, in close collaboration with the Deputy Chief of Party, a framework and research plan for CNC’s Gender Analysis and Action Plan
• Ensure project partners are trained in and aware of their requirements under the GAAP (including developing training and guidance materials)
• Provide inputs to the Environmental Monitoring and Mitigation Plan (EMMP)
• Collaborate with partners to ensure progress and compliance with the EMMP
• Contribute to annual reporting on both the GAAP and EMMP

What will you need:

• Education: You have a completed a bachelor’s degree in public policy, international development, environmental studies, NGO management, or related field. Relevant work experience in lieu of degree is accepted
• Experience: You have a minimum of 3 years of relevant experience conducting quantitative or qualitative research and analysis related to nature, biodiversity, or conservation efforts. In-depth experience on one of the following topics a plus: environmental defenders; wildlife trafficking; illegal logging; and/or IUU fishing
• You are competent in the use of DevResults for project reporting and data visualization.
• Demonstrated knowledge of gender, equity, and social inclusion issues and their intersection with nature crime
• Experience with USAID Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) requirements and processes, and project reporting requirements
• Experience synthesizing reports; conducting virtual trainings; and communicating project outcomes to internal and external audiences.
• Languages: English proficiency and preferably one other language
• Requirements: Existing work authorization is required where this position is based. WRI is unable to authorize visa work authorization

Potential Salary: US salary range is between 69,000 and 78,000 USD. Salary is commensurate with experience and other compensable factors.

How to Apply: Please submit a resume with a required cover letter by the date of 10 December 2024. We may close for applications sooner if we receive a high volume of qualified applications.

We are unable to consider your application without a cover letter.

You must apply through the WRI Careers portal to be considered.

What we offer:

• Access to the WRI global network with the opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues working at the cutting edge of their fields across Asia, Africa, Europe, Latin America and the US
• The chance to have an impact and to develop your career within a mission driven organization with access to varied learning and training opportunities. 
• A workplace that strives to put diversity and inclusion at the heart of our work
• The opportunity to join and get involved in different working groups and affinity groups to shape the future of WRI
• Commitment to hybrid working model with flexible working hours
• Generous leave days that increase with tenure
• Medical Coverage, Dental Coverage, Vision Coverage, retirement plan access and employer contribution

About Us:

Founded in 1982, World Resources Institute (WRI) is an independent, nonprofit global research organization that turns big ideas into action at the nexus of environment, economic opportunity, and human well-being. We are working to address seven critical challenges that the world must overcome this decade to secure a sustainable future for people and the planet: climate change, energy, food, forests, water, sustainable cities, and the ocean. WRI has a global staff of over 1,800 people with work spanning 60 countries. We have offices in Africa, Brazil, China, Europe, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Colombia and the United States, as well as a growing presence in other countries and regions.

The foundation of our work is delivering high-quality research, data, maps, and analysis to solve the world’s greatest environment and international development challenges and improve people’s lives. We work with leaders in government, business, and civil society to drive ambitious action and create change on the ground. Equally important, we bring together partners to develop breakthrough ideas and scale-up solutions for far-reaching, enduring impact.

Our mission and values:

WRI’s mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect Earth’s environment and its capacity to provide for the needs and aspirations of current and future generations.

Our values are shared ideals that bind us together: Integrity, Innovation, Urgency, Independence and Respect.

Our culture:

WRI is committed to advancing gender and social equity for human well-being in our mission and applies this principle to our organizational and programmatic practices. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in employment; we embrace all diversity and encourage women, the LGBTQ+ community, persons with disabilities, Afro-descendants, and Indigenous people to apply. Recognizing our strong commitment to gender equality, WRI has also been awarded EDGE certification.

Our team in Human Resources carefully reviews all applications.