Director of Learning & Evaluation, Global

Priorities

Strategy

• Ensure the development of a learning agenda that serves the field, communities, and local WSF grantee partners on the ground
• In partnership with the Managing Director, Heads of Global and U.S. Programs, and U.S. Learning & Evaluation Director, identify key learning questions and measurable goals that will inform strategy development, guide programmatic decision-making, and ensure that insights are integrated into ongoing efforts to maximize impact
• Design and implement a comprehensive learning and evaluation framework based on the right key learning questions, audiences, timing, and goals

Learning

• Develop and facilitate appropriate training and learning opportunities for reflection and refinement of strategies based on data insights and findings
• Translate complex data into various forms of written and oral reports, communications pieces, and tools; work closely with partners to develop effective dissemination channels and strategies
• Help refine the due diligence process in WSF’s grantmaking using results from global and domestic learning frameworks
• Foster a culture of learning, inquiry, experimentation within the Global Program and with partners, as well as across WSF
• Contribute to the broader philanthropic field by sharing insights and lessons learned from WSF’s spend-down model

Impact

• Guide dynamic and fast-paced program approaches with right-sized and just in time support, coaching on issues and questions as they arise
• Bring innovative approaches to incorporating evaluation and learning processes into program design and assessment of intersectional impacts
• Oversee process for data collection and analysis, including identifying and managing external research and evaluation partners to support partners with varying levels of evaluation capacity
• Develop, implement, and advise on tools and systems for tracking and measuring the impact of WSF’s global grantmaking initiatives

Who You Are

WSF seeks a seasoned learning and evaluation professional who brings at least ten years of experience designing strategic learning frameworks and informing strategy through effective measurement & evaluation processes. The ideal candidate brings specific expertise in measurement and evaluation with a preference for work in global climate and/or environmental programs.

The Director must be comfortable working in a busy, start-up environment and enjoy building from the ground up. With WSF’s focus on grantee, community, and field building, ideal candidates need excellent relationship, communications, and listening skills with deep curiosity about programs and partners. 

With a client-service orientation, the ideal candidate will be a thought partner with WSF leadership to help frame and guide the learning agenda, strategic choices, and be responsive to the learning and evaluation needs of the Global Program team and grantees. The ideal candidate will thoughtfully balance a desire to listen and learn, while also bringing informed perspectives on best practices in community-centered evaluation and learning for a global context.

Deep and broad M&E expertise is required to support the learning framework development. Candidates should be proficient in applied traditional learning methods, as well as the analysis and synthesis of quantitative and qualitative data in complex, intersectional issues. The Director will be highly adept at going beyond the numbers, translating data and trends into actionable insights that inform strategic decision-making. An innovator’s mindset and openness to adapting and developing methodologies to meet communities, geographies, and evolving programs is essential for this role.

The Director must be an outstanding implementer with the self-motivated drive, resourcefulness, and the skills to manage and execute on competing priorities and concurrent workstreams. This incoming Director must also be successful working in matrixed environments that require effective collaboration, proactive information sharing, and the ability to manage and motivate through influence.