M&E (Impact) Officer at The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International

Who we are:

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is proud to manage one of the most comprehensive and enduring datasets on any animal species. Recently, the Fossey Fund has expanded its research to include additional gorilla groups in Volcanoes National Park, aligning with our strategic goal of achieving 100% research coverage within the next five (5) years. These data are essential for advancing scientific knowledge of gorillas and informing conservation strategies for this endangered species.

To support this effort, we are seeking highly collaborative individuals with experience in project monitoring and Evaluation to join our team as M&E (Impact) Officer. This position will be based at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus located in Kinigi Sector – Musanze District/ Northern Province. The successful candidate will work closely with the Senior Manager for Community Engagement. 

Position: M&E (Impact) Officer (1) – Community Engagement Program

Job Purpose:

The purpose of this role is to lead the design, implementation, analysis, and reporting of the monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEAL) plan for Fossey Fund’s Community Engagement Program, which seeks to improve the social, economic, and environmental outcomes for households around Volcanoes National Park in northwest Rwanda. This role will also utilize ranger-based monitoring data collected by field teams in the park to ensure our community work and associated indicators are aligned with the organization's broader conservation strategy. This role will ensure accurate, quality, and timely information and feedback to stakeholders, including donors/funders, government partners, and internal Fossey teams. 

Working closely with the Senior Manager for Community Engagement, this role ensures that all projects are aligned, executed, and evaluated in accordance with the 5-year organizational strategic plan. This role is crucial as we scale our community engagement model for both youth and adults adjacent to Volcanoes National Park. 

The role ensures that high-quality data are collected, analyzed, reported, and utilized by the program teams in decision-making. The position is part of the Community Engagement Team and reports directly to the Senior Program Manager. 

• Develop M&E Frameworks:
  • Lead the design and implementation of the MEAL Plan and coordinate M&E activities in the field, including consolidating a comprehensive MEAL database to assess the effectiveness of the project/program 
  • Lead the development of project indicators at different levels, define key M&E data to be gathered, and design instruments for data collection.
  • Facilitate the development of performance tracking tables, analytical M&E reports, and the development of reporting templates for all categories of staff
  • Design an annual monitoring and evaluation calendar and lead recruitment efforts for enumerators and standard operating procedures 
  • Identify & support the Organization’s research agenda on impact evaluations, bespoke research or learning studies.
• Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting:
  • Lead the development of data collection tools and ensure timely and accurate data collection 
  • Measure achievement toward program goals and results through the M&E system
  • Conduct regular field visits to train project staff in the use of data management and analysis tools for project staff following relevant best practices.
  • Analyze data from various sources, including field observations, surveys, ranger-based monitoring data and other monitoring technologies, to identify trends, patterns, and areas for improvement. 
  • Lead timely analysis and report drafting on all impact data (quantitative and qualitative) across projects- monthly, quarterly, biannually and annually 
  • Preparing quarterly reports on project progress, impact, and lessons learned, and communicating this information to various stakeholders. 
  • Working with the Program team to document lessons learned and community success stories on a quarterly basis
  • Ensure cross-coordination with biodiversity and gorilla programs to develop a centralized dashboard to develop standard indicators and capture relevant data.
• Data Visualization in Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
  • Facilitate the development of appropriate project GIS data related to the location of project activities, area covered, etc.  
  • Prepare comprehensive analytical data information tables that can be linked to GIS metadata to show visual geographical analysis  
  • Prepare informative maps and graphs with M&E information to visualize trends, etc.  
  • Use of GPS to get coordinate points and plot the info collected in thematic maps 
• Training and Capacity Building:
  • Train Program team, community-based facilitators, enumerators, and other staff on the use of monitoring systems, data collection, and data analysis techniques. 
  • Supervise, train, and build the capacity of a team of junior M&E staff 

All candidates interested in this opportunity are invited to submit the following documents:

• A cover letter setting out briefly the candidate’s motivation and suitability for the position, not more than 1 page,
• An Updated CV.
• The name, position, and contact number for three references, preferably one of them being your current Employer/Direct Supervisor.
• A copy of education and training certificates/diplomas/degrees
• A copy of relevant work certificates.
• A Copy of your national ID

APPLICATION LINK