Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Coordinator

• This role will lead practical MEL systems and processes that help ensure that drowning prevention programs are accountable, adaptive and grounded in evidence-informed practice.
• Work with diverse stakeholders including councils and multicultural groups
• 12 Month Contract | Hybrid | Sydney

Are you looking for your next challenge?

Royal Life Saving Australia is seeking a driven and experienced professional to lead monitoring, evaluation, reporting and organisational learning across a range of drowning prevention, water safety, research, policy and community initiatives.

This role will lead the design and implementation of the MEL Framework of the new national Multicultural Community Water Safety Program. You’ll be responsible for leading the design, implementation and reporting of evaluating and monitoring frameworks, collaborating with both internal teams and a range of external program partners.

The role is embedded within the Research and Policy team, however, will provide evaluation and reporting expertise across RLS portfolios and projects when required. This role will work closely with program managers on the day-to-day implementation of program monitoring and evaluation, to capture key insights through a range of methods to inform and strengthen program delivery, accountability, policy development and program sustainability.

The role suits someone who is highly organised, analytical and confident translating quantitative and qualitative data, partner feedback and community insights into practical findings that support decision-making, program improvement and future investment.

What You’ll Do

• Design and implement MEL frameworks to evaluate program outcomes, with a key focus on the new national Multicultural Community Water Safety Program.
• Develop practical reporting templates, feedback and reporting tools.
• Support program managers to align reporting requirements, milestones and evaluation approaches with funding agreements, organisational priorities and intended outcomes.
• Provide training and support to staff and program partners on data collection, reporting, consent, privacy and evidence-informed learning practice.
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative data to identify progress, risks, gaps, lessons and emerging opportunities.
• Prepare external-facing outcome reports and publications for a range of stakeholders.
• Work with communications staff to translate findings and community stories for impact.
• Facilitate learning processes with internal teams, partners, advisory groups and other stakeholders.

Essential selection criteria

• A relevant tertiary qualification, a current Working with Children Check, and full Australian working rights.
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills.
• Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear reports, summaries, and policy briefings.
• Experience designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation processes.
• Strong organisation and time management skills, with the ability to meet multiple deadlines.
• A creative, solutions-focused mindset and a collaborative, proactive approach to work.
• Demonstrated commitment to access, equity and cultural safety, with the ability to work respectfully and effectively with culturally and linguistically diverse communities and organisations.

Desirable selection criteria

• Experience in multicultural affairs, public health, community development, water safety, sport, recreation, settlement services or a related field.
• Familiarity with monitoring and evaluation frameworks and indicators related to participation, skills, social cohesion, and equity.
• Experience working with grant-funded partnerships, local government, community organisations or multi-site delivery models.
• Understanding of data governance, privacy, consent and ethics when working with vulnerable populations and small organisations.
• Lived experience of migration or strong connection to multicultural communities and community networks.

Why Work with Us?

• Be part of a mission-driven organisation making a real difference in drowning prevention and community wellbeing.
• High impact role contributing to water safety and social cohesion outcomes
• Work across a wide and diverse network of community partners
• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Purpose driven work with long term community impact
• Join a collaborative and supportive team that values creativity, purpose, and impact.
• Enjoy ownership of your work, room to innovate, and a respectful, open culture.
• Based in a convenient Sydney office location with hybrid working opportunities.
• Access a range of employee benefits, including salary packaging, professional development opportunities, and an employee assistance program.

About Royal Life Saving Australia

Royal Life Saving  Australia is a leading national organisation not for profit focused on reducing drowning and improving safety around water. We are focused on bringing people together to eliminate drowning and empower communities to be safe around water. Our work is guided by the Australian Water Safety Strategy, which we develop and promote alongside a range of sector and Government Partners. We are equally passionate about promoting the many health, social, and economic benefits of participation in aquatics.

https://www.royallifesaving.com.au/about