MEL Specialist - Forests and Land Use

The MEL Specialist for Forests and Land Use at World Resources Institute is responsible for supporting Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) efforts in global forest initiatives. Duties include data management, report writing, and collaboration with teams to enhance governance of forests and land. The position is hybrid, requiring 8 days per month in Washington DC, and offers professional growth opportunities in MEL and land use monitoring.
About the position

The MEL Specialist for Forests and Land Use at the World Resources Institute (WRI) plays a crucial role in supporting the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) efforts of the Global Forest Watch (GFW) and Land and Carbon Lab (LCL) initiatives. This position is integral to enhancing the governance and management of forests and degraded land, which is essential for socio-economic growth, improved ecosystem services, and climate change mitigation. The MEL Specialist will work under the supervision of the LCL MEL Manager and the GFW Director, contributing to project plans, indicator design, and monitoring systems. The role involves managing data collection, analyzing data, writing reports, and liaising with WRI's Managing for Results team. The MEL Specialist will also design data dashboards, monitor and report on established indicators, and adapt protocols for systematic data collection across various platforms. Collaboration with the WRI Data Lab team is essential to synthesize indicator data across integrated technology platforms, including working with platform developers to create tools for tracking key metrics and leading the development of external-facing information for knowledge sharing. In this role, the MEL Specialist will support the MEL strategy at GFW and LCL, manage project performance data, and assist in program reporting. This includes documenting project status through user stories and survey results, maintaining consistent data collection methods, and compiling program data for internal and external communication. The MEL Specialist will also engage in donor relations, write reports, and contribute to progress presentations to ensure data utilization for decision-making. Additionally, the position offers opportunities for professional growth by exploring new topics in MEL and land use monitoring, which can enhance the specialist's career development and skill set. The position is hybrid, requiring 8 days per month in the Washington DC office, and applicants must have existing work authorization. The salary range for this position is between $57,000 and $62,000, commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities
• Support the design and implementation of MEL strategies for GFW
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• Communicate with GFW and LCL staff on tools and strategies, reporting requirements, and lessons learned
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• Document GFW's and LCL's project status using user stories, survey results, and other metrics
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• Maintain consistent data collection methods for indicators, in spreadsheets, Salesforce, and other systems
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• Compile program data and document progress toward outcomes for internal and external communication/reports
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• Lead coordination with teams on platform, engagement, and communication teams to compile data from all channels including Google analytics, social media analytics, surveys, small grants reports, user stories, geo-spatial data, and more
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• Develop strategies to embed tools across WRI and other technology platforms to capture and organize indicator data
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• Manage and process spatial data on land use and monitoring as needed with support from the team
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• Maintain a reporting calendar
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• Engage in donor relations regarding reports
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• Write reports, make changes per leadership and support submission to donors
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• Contribute to and support progress presentation to ensure data utilization for decision-making
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• Explore and learn about new topics in the field of MEL and Land Use monitoring to support career growth

Requirements
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field of study or equivalent work experience
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• Minimum of 2 years of experience conducting research independently and with experienced advisors
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• Experience visualizing data from sources such as Excel or Salesforce into graphs and charts
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• Ability to interpret findings in qualitative or quantitative data into clear insights
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• Experience drafting and delivering presentations using PowerPoint or similar tools
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• Some experience using GIS software to transform data into maps
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• Experience with topics of deforestation, natural land conversion, sustainable agriculture, or similar environmental themes

Nice-to-haves
• Proficiency in one other language besides English

Benefits
• Access to the WRI global network
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• Opportunity to exchange with and learn from passionate colleagues
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• Impactful work within a mission-driven organization
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• Varied learning and training opportunities
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• Diversity and inclusion initiatives
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• Hybrid working model with flexible hours
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• Generous leave days that increase with tenure
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• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
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• Retirement plan access and employer contribution
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• Paid Time Off