Country Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEAL) Manager

Job Description

Requirements

• A master’s degree in Monitoring & Evaluation, Statistics, Quantitative economics, social sciences, natural sciences, or a related field; or a bachelor’s degree with strong, relevant MEAL experience.
• Minimum of 7 years of MEAL experience, preferably in the conservation sector, rural development, and tourism, including strong familiarity with Log frames, Theory of Change, and Concept models; knowledge of the Conservation Standards approach is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple tasks and deliver high-quality reports under tight deadlines.
• Experience working as part of a multicultural team; experience in Uganda is an advantage.
• Experience collaborating with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, community organisations, and technical partners.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and local languages (if applicable to the country context).
• Strong interest in conservation and commitment to the mission of the Wildlife Conservation Society.
• Familiarity with data collection tools such as Spatial Monitoring Assessment and Reporting Tool, EarthRanger, KoBo ToolBox, ODK, Basic Necessity Survey will be an added advantage.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and oversee the implementation of the Program and CMP Annual Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Plans (AMELP)
• Provide technical support to technical leads on the development of their activity MEAL plans;
• Ensure that program and project indicators are aligned to programmatic and strategic goals, and adapted to demonstrate progress against program Theory of Change.
• Oversee and participate in evaluations and assessments of programs and projects throughout the life of the contract
• Implement WCS MEAL standards and maintain a country-level MEAL plan aligned with WCS’s Global Conservation Strategy, the country’s program strategy, and donor requirements.
• Harmonise data collection, storage and reporting across sites and projects using standardised tools, indicators, and MEAL frameworks.
• Ensure strong data quality assurance, including routine verification of Means of Verification (MoVs), completeness checks, and timely availability of data for internal and donor reporting.
• Analyse and synthesise country-level data to track progress toward project and program goals, support evidence-based decision-making, and inform adaptive management.
• Review and update project MEAL frameworks in accordance with programmatic developments .
• Support proposal development by ensuring MEAL integration, high-quality log frame design, and appropriate indicators are in place.
• Build capacity of Country Program and CMP site staff through training, coaching, and field support on MEAL systems, data collection tools, and data interpretation.
• Manage country MEAL databases, documentation, and knowledge products; coordinate program performance reviews and facilitate learning sessions within the country program.
• Liaise with WCS Global thematic leads, and site managers to ensure coherent system use and implement necessary improvements.
• Promote innovation in MEAL practice by identifying opportunities to integrate new tools, technologies, and methods to improve data-driven decision-making.
• Coordinate the design, implementation, and validation of project evaluations and assessments, including working with external consultants when required.
• Supervise staff working in the MEAL unit of the Uganda Program