Science advisor jobs
Title: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Advisor (Qualitative Evidence)
Salary: £41,000 to £56,000 per annum
Location: UK remote - with occasional travel to Haywards Heath, when required
Contract: 24-month Fixed-Term Contract
Hours: This is a full-time 35 hours per week
Responsibilities
About the role
We are seeking an experienced Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Advisor to provide sound technical advice and guidance to ensure high quality qualitative outcome measurement tools and approaches in line with our increasing portfolio in disability and social inclusion in order to continuously improve Sightsavers’ evidence base.
As the MEL Advisor you will lead qualitative project baseline and endline data collection, coordination, reporting and learning to improve the quality of our programmes and Sightsavers impact. You will maintain and further develop Sightsavers’ qualitative outcome monitoring approach across our thematic areas and ensure high quality data collection, analysis and reporting.
Sightsavers has developed and introduced a MEL framework to measure the organisation’s strategic progress - Learning Accountability and Monitoring Progress (LAMP). The post holder will support its processes and make a significant contribution to understanding progress using qualitative evidence.
Responsibilities include:
Developing and strengthening practices
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Lead on the strengthening and design of innovative and participatory monitoring and evaluation methodologies and tools to assess outcomes and impact of programmes; support the integration of successful approaches in routine MEL practice.
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Lead on the piloting, implementation and revision of Sightsavers MEL approaches in existing and new projects including strong links with LAMP; support MEL team members to implement appropriate tools.
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Contribute to Country Office, Regional and Global capacity building plans and provide MEL-focused training and facilitation.
Technical Support and guidance
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Strengthen the use of Theories of Change (ToC) within projects through participating in their development and ensuring clear relationships between ToC and baselines and endlines.
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Provide technical support to logframe development during the project design process ensuring strong links with LAMP, particularly for social inclusion and inclusive education projects.
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Contribute to project MEL planning by ensuring continuity between baseline and endline data collection tools, and annual monitoring tools.
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Ensure the accurate design of evidence gathering elements, including clear and robust rationale, budgets and resourcing.
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Maintain open lines of communication among internal stakeholders about project progress and escalate risk when needed. A key focus is to assist institutional funding and senior management with communications on project progress and challenges.
Evidence generation and learning
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Lead Country and Global teams to conduct evidence generation activities to support strategic direction including, project baseline, annual and endline data collection, reporting and learning at project and portfolio (strategy) level
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Analyse, consolidate and disseminate indicator baseline and endline data, provide technical support to donor reporting when necessary
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Support the integration of needs and opinions expressed by people and communities we serve
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Collaborate with MEL team members to analyse performance data, write reports and provide recommendations
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Ensure that learning from project baselines contributes to project design, implementation and improvements in MEL practice
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Support the design, delivery and dissemination of learning, particularly around inclusion, within and between relevant thematic areas
The post holder is expected to travel up to eight weeks a year locally and internationally. The role offers flexible working from home and the office to be agreed upon with the line manager.
Skills and Experience
As the successful candidate you will possess a degree in a relevant field or subject (international development, public health, social sciences), or equivalent learning and experience. You will have a background in the comprehensive design and delivery of outcome focussed qualitative approaches/techniques including participatory MEL, tool development, data collection, analysis and reporting, and have experience of analysing rich qualitative data from multiple sources including the use of appropriate analysis methods and data analysis software tools.
Further required knowledge, skills and experience include:
Essential
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Experience in monitoring, evaluation and learning gained within the international development sector in programme countries.
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Excellent technical skills in monitoring, evaluation and learning: developing and using theories of change, designing MEL plans, designing logframes, managing oversight processes, sharing evidence and communicating learning, data quality assessment.
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Experience producing analytical reports and communication materials of good quality for a wide range of audiences, particularly using qualitative data.
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Excellent self-management and initiative with proven ability to independently manage large, complex pieces of work with multiple stakeholders in a high-pressure environment working to competing deadlines.
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Ability to build and manage strong, effective working relationships with internal and external audiences on complex international development projects (working with multiple countries and continents)
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Ability to balance attention to detail with understanding the big picture.
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Sound knowledge of Microsoft Office products and relevant use of artificial intelligence (AI) software
Desirable
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Fluency in other Sightsavers’ languages e.g. French, Portuguese, Bengali, Kiswahili.
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Experience in MEL for social inclusion and/or education programmes and inclusive data skills. Disability data skills are an asset.
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Skilled in efficient working practices within a geographically disbursed team.
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Experience of planning, monitoring and evaluating flexible adaptive programmes.
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Understanding of operational research methodologies and approaches
This is a highly varied and involved role, and the above is not an exhaustive list of duties or required professional skills. Please see the Job Description for full details.
Candidates are welcome to demonstrate their ability to match the person specification by expanding on how their experience, training and/or qualifications might have provided them with the knowledge or skills required for the role. Successful candidates will be appointed on merit.
Benefits
Sightsavers offers some fantastic benefits. Our comprehensive benefits package includes generous annual leave allowance, pension, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym memberships and wellness discounts. If you choose to work in or are visiting our collaborative, modern office space, you will find it an easy 20-minute train journey from Brighton or 45 minutes from London.
Next steps
To apply for this exciting new opportunity, please submit your CV via our recruitment portal. We are particularly interested in learning of your motivations for applying.
Please note that there will be an expectation that you can occasionally visit our modern and collaborative offices in Haywards Heath, West Sussex (RH16 3BW).
Closing date: 21 September 2025
As an equal opportunity employer, we actively encourage applications from all sections of the community. Sightsavers is a Disability Confident Leader and qualified people with a disability are particularly encouraged to apply.
Sightsavers is an employer that does not tolerate any form of harassment and has zero tolerance for sexual exploitation and abuse. All potential candidates will be subjected to rigorous background checks and controls.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
VolkerRail is one of the UKs oldest railway contractors, with a history dating back over 70 years, we are passionate about the preservation and development of the railways. Our years of experience and continued company growth have earned us a reputation within the industry for high performance and innovation, and as a company focussed on timely and efficient delivery.
An opportunity has arisen for a part time (3 days per week or other arrangement to be discussed at interview) Social Value Advisor to join the Signalling, Power & Communications renewals project team based in Glasgow. The role will report to the Corporate Senior Social Value Advisor, with remote line management.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to lead and deliver project activities related to social value on this high-profile Network Rail Project. They will be responsible for engaging stakeholders (schools, staff, local communities, supply chain) in the development and delivery of social value plans as part of the wider SP&C programme. The role has a wide remit and will include delivery of key requirements relating to social value.
This role would be well suited for an individual who is enthusiastic about socio-economic development and who has creative problem-solving abilities.
What the role involves:
- Engaging with communities to understand local needs and develop Social Value Delivery Plans that deliver added value for stakeholders through investment in signalling, power and communication renewal programmes across Scotland.
- Assessing the potential impact of works on communities – social and economic, and developing programmes to mitigate negative impacts and enhance local benefits.
- Working with the VolkerRail SP&C Framework Lead and HR Business Partner to deliver education and employability programmes to meet contract committments (including local employment, apprentices, graduate employment, year in industry placements, and work experience).
- Coordinate a programme of school engagement and STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths) activities for the SP&C Framework. Work with educators, training providers, and stakeholders to meet the outcomes of the skills agenda and inspire the next generation.
- Coordinate a programme of community investment through volunteering and community donations.
- Support the company's Fairness Inclusion Respect (FIR) Strategy working with internal and external groups.
- Reporting on social value data against targets and providing assurance in line with company procedures.
- Create internal and external comms content to celebrate progress in delivering local social value.
- Actively participate in various internal, client and stakeholder groups to support the social value delivery.
- Actively seek out opportunities for partnerships and work collaboratively with other Network Rail Contractors in Scotland to amplify the impact for rail stakeholders.
About you
- Educated to HND/HNC or equivalent in relevant subjects (Sustainability, CSR, Environment, HR, Community Relations) and/or previous experience that can be demonstrated in a similar role with a clear passion for delivering social and economic value for local communities.
- Experience in co-ordination of events, volunteering, school engagement, skills and employment would be a distinct advantage.
- Flexible, proactive and positive attitude; diplomatic and patient, demonstrating exceptional initiative to co-ordinate multiple parties and act collaboratively.
- Be able to collect, coordinate and report social value data, with training provided on company systems.
- Proficient in MS office applications (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
- Confidence to engage many stakeholders including the wider team and supply chain to inspire action to deliver against targets including volunteering, apprenticeships, STEM, work experience etc.
- Personal resilience and ability to thrive in a challenging and fast-moving environment.
- Ability to work independently as well as part of a team and able to seek out opportunities.
Fairness, inclusion and respect
VolkerRail Group offers a competitive salary and attractive benefits that includes pension, performance related pay, and other benefits commensurate to your skills and experience. A company car or cash car allowance is provided as the role is expected to travel across Scotland to deliver community based programmes in core locations. Given the nature of this role in leading education engagement with vulnerable groups, the successful applicant will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Committed to equality of opportunity and diversity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Location: Either in one of our global offices (Bristol or London - UK, Madagascar, Kenya, Senegal, Belize, Indonesia, Timor-Leste), or home-based within countries where Blue Ventures has administrative capacity (Tanzania) - other locations considered.
Closing date for applications: September 16, 2025, 12:00 P.M. BST.
Start date: As Soon As Possible
Contract duration: Permanent
Remuneration: £48,043 - £59,188 gross per annum (UK national band); £53,461 - £60,060.00 gross per annum (London, UK); IDR 373,079,875 - IDR 411,120,592 gross per annum (Indonesia); KES 3,732,787 - KES 5,517,742 gross per annum (Kenya); TZS 53,943,594 - 99,834,988 gross per annum (Tanzania) ; MGA 48,149,889 - MGA 55,571,036 gross per annum (Madagascar); XOF 24,150,827- XOF 32,573,690 gross per annum (Senegal).
We rebuild tropical fisheries with coastal communities
Blue Ventures is a marine conservation organisation that puts people first. We support coastal fishers in remote and rural communities to rebuild fisheries and restore ocean life.
Our work began two decades ago in Madagascar’s remote coastal communities and is growing globally.
Across a dozen countries, we’re partnering with traditional fishers and community organisations to design, scale, strengthen, and sustain fisheries management and conservation at the community level. We bring partners together in networks to advocate for reform and share tools and best practices to support fishing communities worldwide. In this role, we convene the Transform Bottom Trawling Coalition with over 120 members across 40 countries.
Summary job description
Blue Ventures is seeking an experienced and passionate fisheries expert to lead and manage the Transform Bottom Trawling (TBT) Coalition’s technical and strategic work. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in a growing global movement that seeks to end destructive bottom trawling practices and champion the rights of small-scale fishers.
The Transform Bottom Trawling Coalition is a global movement uniting small-scale fishers, coastal communities, and environmental groups against the most destructive form of industrial fishing. Together with over 120 members, we are advocating for:
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Protecting coastal water: Creating Inshore Exclusion Zones and Preferential Access Areas to keep bottom trawling out and give small-scale fishers priority access.
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Safeguarding marine life: Ensuring bottom trawling is prohibited in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) to protect marine animals and plants.
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Supporting fair subsidies: Ending subsidised bottom trawling and supporting a fair transition.
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Stopping expansion: Preventing bottom trawling from expanding into new, untrawled areas.
You will be responsible for providing expert advice across the coalition, driving research and knowledge creation, and ensuring the coalition remains at the forefront of scientific, policy, and advocacy developments. Your expertise will help shape impactful strategies and campaigns that promote sustainable, equitable, and community-led ocean governance.
The ideal candidate will bring expertise in fisheries science and policy and a commitment to social and environmental justice. Reporting to the Head of Global Advocacy, this is a full-time role with occasional travel to work closely with overseas colleagues and partners. The role involves close collaboration with diverse partners, including grassroots organisations, scientists, campaigners, and policy experts, to drive systemic change. As a key spokesperson and thought leader for the coalition, you will support impactful communications and represent the coalition at high-level events. If you're passionate about rights-based approaches to fisheries management and marine conservation, we’d love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.