Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning

Employees are required to be physically located in the Colombia during their employment with TNC. Candidates from other locations are encouraged to apply; however, TNC will not cover relocation costs if you accept an offer made by TNC for this position.

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist provides technical leadership to TNC Colombia's Sustainable Productive Systems (SPS) team in the design, implementation, and management of MEL systems required by the team. This role ensures the proper development of project and program theories of change, the definition of results chains, and the measurement and reporting of progress and impact, while aligning these processes with strategies at the level of iconic landscapes (Magdalena, Orinoquia, and Amazon), as well as country, regional, and global priorities.

The MEL Specialist supports and trains the SPS team in understanding TNC metrics and in preparing the periodic progress reports required by the organization, ensuring the integrity and quality of data in accordance with TNC standards.

The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Specialist of the SPS Team develops, coordinates and advances the MEL plans and reports according with technical and data quality standards in the HUB´s TNC System.

Scope & Responsibilities

• Follow our Code of Conduct and demonstrate consistently our Values.

• Provide technical expertise to support the development of robust theories of change for projects and programs required by the SPS team.

• Coordinate the internal Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems for TNC Colombia's SPS team, ensuring accurate measurement and reporting of project progress and impact, and alignment with strategies at the country, regional (LAR), and global levels.

• Coordinate the design, development, and implementation of the SPS MEL Plan, supporting the generation and consolidation of metrics and indicators for tracking and reporting results during each Quarterly Review, while guaranteeing data quality and traceability.

• Support the SPS team in implementing and improving the MEL Plan in coordination with regional (LAR) and global teams, ensuring alignment with team performance targets.

• Act as the focal point for coordination with the global Orinoquia Foodscape strategy team.

• Facilitate collaborative spaces to assist SPS leaders and project managers in updating the HUB and other tracking tools, as well as preparing progress documentation toward indicator targets.

• Produce inputs using cartographic and GIS tools to support technical and strategic processes within the SPS team, contributing to indicator reporting, 2030 metrics, and project-specific requirements.

• Ensure that the SPS MEL Plan promotes continuous learning and adaptive management, leveraging progress analysis to evaluate conservation impact and effectiveness.

• Actively collaborate with other TNC Colombia Conservation Programs to achieve SPS objectives, participating in MEL-related meetings and complying with BU Colombia guidelines and requirements.

• Coordinate joint work sessions with the SPS team to strengthen MEL understanding, ensuring timely collection and creation of supporting documentation, as well as synthesis, preparation, and presentation of progress reports.

• Support specific monitoring and evaluation needs coordinated by the SPS program, including the preparation of progress reports requested by TNC Colombia leadership.

• Organize and maintain folders, electronic files, and supporting evidence (in Box or similar platforms) related to MEL Plan implementation.

• Bachelor's degree in biological, environmental, agricultural, forestry sciences, or related fields.

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in similar roles within conservation practice and sustainable development, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Proven experience in developing and implementing effective Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems for multiple projects or programs.

• Demonstrated proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and in producing deliverables using software such as ArcGIS, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, Power Bi as well as cloud-based and web tools (e.g., Miro, Mural), and file management systems like Box or similar platforms.

• Analytical skills to process information, prepare reports, coordinate activities, and solve problems.

• Experience in designing research methods and tools, particularly in conservation and sustainable/regenerative agricultural and livestock practices.

• Ability to collect, manage, analyze, and interpret scientific data, and to prepare comprehensive reports on findings.

• Knowledge with standard business communication practices.

• Experience with project management tools and MEL planning.

• Proficiency in reading, writing, and communicating effectively in English is required.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Master's degree in natural resource management, biology, ecology, agroecology, agronomy, forestry engineering, geographic information systems, or related disciplines.

• Knowledge of current trends related to sustainable and regenerative agriculture and/or livestock in the region.

• Multilingual skills and experience working in multicultural or cross-cultural environments are highly valued.

The Nature Conservancy's 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 world's toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We're rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it's career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there's 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 valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant's unique experience. Please apply – we'd love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, "you'll join for the mission, and stay for the people."

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 competitive and comprehensive benefits packages tailored to the individual countries where we work. These may include health care benefits, retirement benefits, parental leave, paid time off, life insurance, and disability coverage as well as an employee assistance program and other life and well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We're proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports 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 Conservancy's background screening process.

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.