Job Description
This is an important time to join The Rufford Foundation, as the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer will play an essential role in encouraging grantees who have already been supported by the foundation to apply for further funding. This is an area of work that we are currently expanding.
This crucial and new role would sit within the conservation team to coordinate the delivery and oversight of Rufford Small Grants.
Rufford Small Grants are renowned for being an important milestone in the careers of conservationists and researchers who may have no (or limited) experience in designing and delivering projects. Therefore, we are very aware that unforeseen issues may arise and are considerate towards requests for project changes. Working closely with the CEO, Grants Manager and Grants Officer, the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer would ensure changes are recorded in updates and project reports.
The Rufford Foundation has been involved with other conservation donors and practitioners looking at the evidence of conservation effectiveness and supporting learning from failure. We fully understand that conservation projects may not succeed as planned and that evaluating small grant project impacts over short timescales (1-3 years) is problematic. The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Officer would take this into account when reviewing project updates and final evaluation reports.
The ideal candidate will bring previous experience of reviewing (or drafting) donor reports, have excellent analytical and communications skills and be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of biodiversity conservation, ideally with some practical knowledge of conservation in countries where the foundation funds projects. Experience of coordinating work with grantees, including review of workplans, deliverables and budgets, would be highly desirable.
The ideal candidate must be highly organised and proactive, have a keen eye for detail, be confident in their own ability to work independently and methodical in raising points with their line manager and team as appropriate. Ability to manage a busy workload and enjoy reading and reviewing documents about conservation projects is essential.