Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning, Specialist (Special Programs)

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist, Special Programs, will provide MEL support to special WASH and non-WASH projects and programs within Water Mission’s portfolio, primarily focusing on Disaster Response and Living Water (Church Engagement) programs. It is instrumental in executing and refining MEL strategies to ensure effective program implementation and accountability. This is a full-time position, reporting to the Global MEL Manager, and can be based at Water Mission's headquarters in Charleston, South Carolina, or remote within the United States. 

A successful MEL Specialist, Special Programs, will:

Christian Witness:

• Maintain a strong Christian witness and model servant leadership to colleagues, partners, the communities we serve, and the public. 
• Engage and participate in prayer before and after team meetings.  
• Lead and participate in biblically based staff devotions.

MEL Strategy Execution:

• Implement and iterate on monitoring and evaluation frameworks for disaster response and Living Water programs, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Support program teams in applying MEL strategies effectively to enhance program outcomes.

Data Management and Collection Support:

• Assist in the development, coordination, and execution of data collection activities, ensuring accuracy and timely completion.
• Streamline data collection processes to maximize efficiency and provide tools that enhance visibility into data flows. 

Data Analysis and Reporting: 

• Analyze and summarize data related to program performance and impact, presenting findings to key internal and external audiences.
• Prepare and share analytical reports that highlight program results, successes, and lessons learned. 

Learning and Capacity Building: 

• Facilitate learning sessions and workshops to reinforce best practices in MEL among staff and stakeholders.
• Provide ongoing support and training to local staff and partners, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in MEL practices. 

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Work closely with program managers, field staff, and regional teams, to align MEL activities with program objectives and enhance collaborative efforts.
• Engage with other organizations and stakeholders involved in MEL to share insights and foster knowledge exchange. 

Field Assignments and Support: 

• Participate in short-term field assignments, both domestic and abroad, to support data collection and program evaluation efforts, with travel requirements of approximately 15-20% of the time, varying from 1-3 weeks in length. 

Other Duties: 

• Perform additional tasks as assigned.

What is required?

• Personal and growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
• Alignment with Water Mission’s Statement of Faith and core values of Love, Excellence, and Integrity.
• Master’s degree in social sciences, public health, international development, or a related field; or equivalent professionally relevant experience.
• Minimum of 1-3 years of experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning, particularly in disaster response contexts.
• Experience in international development, especially in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) and exposure to low-income and/or disaster response contexts is a plus.
• Familiarity with integral mission and spiritual metrics.
• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative data collection and data analysis techniques.
• Proficiency with data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, Excel) and data presentation tools (e.g., PowerPoint, PowerBI, Tableau).
• Fluency in written and spoken English; Spanish proficiency is a plus.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to clearly articulate ideas and feedback constructively. 
• Demonstrated capacity to navigate complex challenges, ensure precision in tasks, and efficiently balance competing priorities.
• Passion for humanitarian work and ability to collaborate effectively in multicultural environments.
• Ability to travel 15-20%, nationally and internationally, varying from 1-3 weeks in length.
• Home internet bandwidth strong enough to support video conferencing and other job-related responsibilities.
• Legal authorization to work in the United States without sponsorship.
• Commitment to ending the global water crisis.