Scope of Work
FISH RIGHT PROGRAM
Senior Associate, Data Systems and Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)
OVERVIEW
Fish Right—the United States’ flagship IUU project in the Philippines—advances U.S. strategic interests in maritime domain awareness, alliance-building, and Indo-Pacific stability by countering illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, strengthening rule-of-law maritime governance, and improving the economic resilience of Philippine fisheries.
The Senior Associate, Data Systems and Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) is a mid-to-senior technical role responsible for overseeing the organization's data infrastructure, information systems, and MEL frameworks. This position plays a critical role in ensuring data quality, systems integration, and evidence-based decision-making across program and operational units, while leading the design and implementation of the organization's monitoring, evaluation, and learning agenda. The Senior Associate works closely with cross-functional teams — including Programs, MEL, and IT — to drive data governance, digital transformation, and continuous learning aligned with the organization's strategic objectives and theory of change.
Reporting Structure
Reporting to Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Team Lead Collaborates with Program Site Teams (Palawan, Batangas-Mindoro, Zambales-Bataan, Pangasinan-La Union-Ilocos Norte-Ilocos Sur), IUU Fishing Team, MSR Team, FSI Team, and Community Engagement Team
Travel: Up to 30% to 50% travel to field sites may be required
Key Responsibilities
1. Data Systems Management
- Co-lead the design, deployment, and maintenance of organizational data management systems, including databases, data warehouses, and cloud-based platforms related to
- Oversee integration of multiple data systems and tools (e.g., Power BI, Kobo Toolbox and related platforms) to ensure seamless data flow and reporting.
- Develop and enforce data governance policies, standards, and protocols across country and regional offices.
- Troubleshoot data system issues and coordinate resolution with teams and partners.
2. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)
- Support the MEL Team Lead on the design, implementation, and regular review of the organization's MEL Plan and related data management systems
- Support the MEL Team Lead in development and maintenance of indicator tracking tools, ensuring routine and accurate collection and reporting of output- and outcome-level data.
- Support the MEL Team Lead on coordinating and/or conducting field monitoring visits, data quality assessments (DQAs), and spot-checks to verify data integrity.
- Support the design and execution of baseline, midline, endline, and other program evaluations, including data collection, analysis, and reporting.
- Co-facilitate learning events (e.g., after-action reviews, pause-and-reflect sessions) to promote evidence-based adaptive management and continuous improvement.
- Support the MEL Team Lead in preparing the MEL sections and inputs for donor reports, ensuring alignment with indicator definitions and reporting requirements.
3. Data Analysis and Reporting
- Perform data analysis to support program monitoring, evaluation, and strategic planning.
- Produce dashboards, data visualizations, and analytical reports for senior management, donors, and partners.
- Translate complex datasets into clear, actionable insights tailored for non-technical audiences.
- Ensure data accuracy, consistency, and accessibility for internal and external reporting requirements.
4. Capacity Building and Knowledge Management
- Provide training and technical support to staff and partners on data systems, MEL tools, and indicator definitions.
- Develop and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), data entry guidelines, MEL toolkits, and user manuals.
- Champion a culture of data use, data literacy, and evidence-based learning within the organization.
- Support knowledge management initiatives including documentation, data repositories, and lessons-learned platforms.
5. Project and Stakeholder Management
- Coordinate with program and MEL teams to design data collection instruments, ensure alignment with indicator frameworks, and support results-based management (RBM).
- Liaise with partners, and external partners to respond to data, MEL, and systems-related inquiries.
6. Systems Security and Compliance
- Ensure data systems comply with organizational data protection policies and relevant regulations (e.g., data privacy act).
- Maintain data backup, recovery, and preparedness protocols.
- Monitor system performance and access controls.
Key Deliverables
- Organizational data management systems and platforms implemented and maintained.
- Data governance policies, standards, and protocols.
- Data quality assessment (DQA) reports as appropriate.
- Dashboards, data visualizations, and analytical/donor reports.
- Learning briefs and after-action review summaries.
- SOPs, data entry guidelines, MEL toolkits, and user manuals.
- Training materials and capacity-building session records.
Qualifications and Requirements
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in information systems, Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Social Sciences, or a related field. (Required)
- Additional training or certification in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) is an advantage.
Experience
- Minimum 5 years of relevant professional experience, with at least 3 years in a data analyst, systems analyst, or MEL-focused role.
- Demonstrated experience working within an INGO, nonprofit, or development sector environment.
- Proven track record managing data systems and/or MEL functions
- Experience designing and/or supporting program evaluations and results frameworks.
Technical Skills
- Proficiency in database management: SQL, MySQL, or MS Access is required.
- Strong experience with data visualization tools: Power BI, Tableau, or similar.
- Competence in statistical and analytical software: R, or Python (basic–intermediate).
- Familiarity with humanitarian or development data platforms: Kobo Toolbox, ODK, or equivalent.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, especially Excel for data modeling.
- Knowledge of data standards such as IATI, OCHA HDX, or humanitarian data exchange protocols is an advantage.
- Familiarity with MEL methodologies, indicator design, and evaluation approaches (e.g., outcome harvesting, most significant change, theory-based evaluation).
Core Competencies
- Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and report-writing skills in English; additional languages are an asset.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results under tight deadlines.
- Attention to detail and commitment to data quality and integrity.
- Strong interpersonal skills and cross-cultural sensitivity for working in diverse, international teams.
- Demonstrated ability to build capacity of others and work collaboratively.