Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer / Senior MEL Officer

The Challenge:

Would you like to be at the heart of developing innovative and transformative ideas? Are you interested in being part of a team that identifies how space technology can address UK and global societal challenges? Do you want a Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) position which will make a real difference? If so, you may be who we’re looking for!

We are currently seeking a MEL Officer/Senior MEL Officer to work with our Impact and Evaluation Team. Working collaboratively, you will plan and implement the monitoring and evaluation of externally-funded projects, and help embed theory of change planning for impact and lessons learning into programme strategy and project design across the organisation.

Reporting into the Head of Impact and Evaluation, this is a highly networked role that requires an ability to work under pressure and to challenging deadlines. It requires good teamworking, organisational and analytical skills and proven experience of monitoring and evaluation, including facilitating theory of change-based planning processes, use of results frameworks, programme review, lessons learning and reporting. Experience of the science and technology sector is desirable but not essential. Location is flexible with our principal offices in Harwell Oxfordshire, the role may require travel to other offices in the UK.

Key Responsibilities:

As a key part of the Impact and Evaluation team, you will:

• Deliver on the M&E and benefits realisation planning, reporting, and evaluation work components of ODA-funded and other public sector grant-funded projects within our portfolio, both through hands-on implementation and by sharing knowledge and providing technical leadership to other I&E team members or project delivery teams engaged in this work.

• Provide technical leadership (Senior MEL Officer)/technical inputs (MEL Officer) and conduct training to embed Theory of Change approaches into Intervention and Project planning across the organisation, ensuring a focus on outcomes and impact aligned with our strategic results framework.

• Design, manage and/or deliver learning reviews and studies as required within the Evaluation programme plan, to identify good practice and inform strategic planning, delivery management and intervention approaches.

• Ensure that results achieved and lessons learned from project reviews and evaluations are captured and effectively communicated to inform planning for maximising Impact;

• Develop, enable and build company-wide engagement with the work of the I&E team, the Catapult’s Output and Outcomes commitments, and our Evaluation Framework.

 Skills & Experience required:

The ideal candidate will be a skilled facilitator of project and programme planning processes with experience of applying theory of change, and creating and using logical frameworks. 

You will have good teamworking and people skills, and a passion for inspiring and sharing your know-how with others.

You will bring:

• Practical experience of implementing theory-based evaluation approaches and methodologies

• Experience of planning and conducting M&E programmes for projects, including end of project evaluation

• Ability to lead and facilitate planning workshops and stakeholder consultation processes

• An excellent command of English with good verbal and written communication skills

• Good teamworking and people management skills

• Experience of delivering training will be an advantage

 Qualifications:

Masters degree in a relevant subject (e.g. International Development; Policy Evaluation; Applied Policy Research) or equivalent track record of relevant work experience

 You know you have been successful when…

•  There is an active community of Theory of Change advocates and exponents within the Catapult

• A focus on outcomes and impact is integrated into planning, delivery and reporting through every stage of the project cycle

• Lessons learned from internal and external programme reviews, synthesis studies and evaluations are being shared, discussed and transferred into policy and practice

   How we work….

We strive to create a high trust, high performance and inclusive environment that enables team members to bring their whole selves to work – this helps to create the foundations of an innovation culture. Our shared values are critical to this:

• We care - for our people, our partners, and our planet

• We connect - and engage with people and ideas

• We learn - and grow, as people and as an industry

Underpinning this is our belief in great teams, our combined efforts will always deliver outcomes beyond that of anyone providing we are honest through debate, experiment and reflect, and create shared resolutions in support of our purpose. Live these values, work to our principles, take ownership to deliver, and we are certain you will thrive with us.

This job description set outs the skills and experience we think are needed to be able to perform in this job. However, if you believe you can deliver in this role then we want to hear from you.

Important notice for applicants: We use tools to detect plagiarism and the use of AI or chatbots for applicant answers. If plagiarism, AI use (such as ChatGPT) or similar software are found to have been used in your application you will not be considered for this or future roles within the Satellite Applications Catapult.

At Satellite Applications Catapult, we're committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workforce. We welcome candidates from all corners of the globe, but due to legal and logistical considerations, we want to be transparent about the potential visa-related challenges that could arise. Please note, that unfortunately this role is not eligible for sponsorship.

If you need any additional support during the application process, please do reach out and connect. We also invite you to share feedback via Applied.