Lead Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)

Who We Are:

Organizational Overview:

The Nature Conservancy (TNC) is a global conservation organization committed to safeguarding the lands and waters upon which all life India our subsidiary Nature Conservancy India Solutions (NCIS) partners with government agencies research institutions and local communities to develop science-based sustainable solutions for climate change water security and biodiversity conservation. NCIS offers research consulting technical support and advisory services to diverse stakeholders in India and globally on conservation environment biodiversity and climate change.

For more information please visit our website: We Can Achieve Together:

The Lead MEL will be responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight for Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) initiatives across all TNC-India Business Unit (BU) programmes with a particular focus on the PRANA programme. This position will manage a small MEL team ensuring high standards in MEL processes and fostering a culture of learning and adaptive management. The Lead MEL will spearhead the design implementation and continual improvement of MEL frameworks enhance data quality and ensure that MEL activities inform organisational decision-making and progress towards the organisations 2030 goals. The role requires close collaboration with internal teams data specialists and external partners to maximise conservation outcomes and strengthen MEL practices across all projects and programmes.

Key Responsibilities & Scope

Oversee and lead the MEL team in designing implementing and refining MEL frameworks for all TNC-India BU programmes ensuring alignment with organisational priorities with TNCs data quality standards and donor requirements.

Provide strategic guidance to the BU on monitoring progress towards 2030 goals operating effectively within a complex matrixed organisational environment.

Supervise the maintenance and reporting of the Conservation Hub providing relevant documents on progress of projects and programmes TNCs targets and goals ensuring timely and accurate reporting of Hub results and support the Director of Programmes during the Portfolio Review process and check-ins.

Manage the development and execution of MEL work plans budgets and regular monitoring reports for all programmes including PRANA in coordination with MEL staff and contractors.

Lead the definition and refinement of indicators; support the BU Portfolio team in developing dashboards tools and templates for high-quality data collection analysis and reporting to inform strategic decision-making and programme evaluation.

Ensure the integrity and technical quality of all data collection management and reporting activities; maintain MEL databases and oversee analysis of monitoring data to identify trends variations and lessons learned.

Drive adaptive management processes including quarterly reviews strategy sessions and portfolio assessments by providing evidence-based recommendations for programme adjustments to senior leadership.

Lead training and capacity-building efforts for internal programme staff focusing on planning measurement and adaptive management of conservation work.

Work closely with geospatial science colleagues and data specialists to integrate spatial technology and develop enterprise-scale spatial and relational databases for MEL.

Interpret organisational guidelines evaluate information and adapt MEL processes in response to evolving programme circumstances with oversight from the Director of Programmes and programme leads as appropriate.

Travel domestically and internationally as required; flexible working hours may be necessary to fulfil the roles responsibilities.

What You Will Bring:

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Masters degree in environmental science conservation management or related field.

• At least 10 years of experience in conservation or development with specific focus on monitoring evaluation and learning systems.

• Demonstrated success in leading complex MEL systems adaptive management processes and data-driven decision-making.

• Ability to develop practical applications of scientific concepts and technical innovations for conservation purposes.

• Capacity building and training experience.

• Experience delivering and reporting on grant objectives.

• Ability to manage time independently and prioritize diverse responsibilities to meet deadlines.

• Ability to manage time independently and prioritize diverse responsibilities to meet deadlines.

• Proven ability to work in a multidisciplinary multicultural environment cross-functional teams

• Fluency in English; knowledge of Hindi or other Indian languages is an asset.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 15 years of experience in MEL in conservation/ development programs including supervisory experience (motivating leading setting objectives and managing performance).

• Experience managing a conservation database and developing or implementing data governance processes.

• Experience managing a conservation database and developing or implementing data governance processes.

• Experience managing a conservation database and developing or implementing data governance processes.

What We Bring:

• The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to diversity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of diverse backgrounds beliefs and cultures. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization that reflects our global character is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures races colors religions sexes national or regional origins ages disability status sexual orientations gender identities military protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

How to apply: Visit this link: We Are:

The Nature Conservancys mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization we create innovative on-the-ground solutions to our worlds toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. Were rooted in our mission and guided by our values which include respect for all people communities and cultures. Whether its career development flexible schedules or a rewarding mission theres many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are addition to the requirements in our job postings we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicants unique experience. Please apply wed love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC youll join for the mission and stay for the people.

What We Bring:

Since 1951 TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members over 400 scientists and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits flexible spending accounts a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match parental leave accrued paid time off life insurance disability coverage employee assistance program other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

Were proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds beliefs and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority and we encourage applicants from all cultures races colors religions sexes national or regional origins ages disability status sexual orientation gender identity military protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancys background screening process.

Do you have military experience Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability please send a note to with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.