Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation (MLE) Manager At Free the Slaves

About Free the Slaves

Founded more than 20 years ago, Free the Slaves is the leading organization in the anti-modern slavery movement and is dedicated to changing the conditions that allow modern slavery to exist. Through innovative programs, FTS works at the community level to build communities resilient and resistant to modern slavery and lead advocacy at the global level.

Currently, Free the Slaves works across the regions of the globe, including Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

Free the Slaves runs the Freedom from Slavery Forum, and it is a member of the Global Coordinating Group (GCG) of the Alliance 8.7 where it is one of the organizations representing Civil Society.

To learn more about Free the Slaves, visit: https://freetheslaves.net/

Position Overview

The MLE Manager will be responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing a robust Monitoring, Learning, and Evaluation (MLE) system for the project. The role includes tracking progress, evaluating impact, developing case studies, and ensuring continuous learning and adaptation throughout the project lifecycle. The MLE Manager will focus on integrating the voices and leadership of persons with lived experience (PLE) into the evaluation process to ensure that interventions remain responsive to labor exploitation challenges. The MLE Manager will work closely with the project team and partners to adapt and improve interventions, ensuring responsiveness to labor exploitation challenges and alignment with project guidelines.

Principal Responsibilities

MLE Framework Development:

The MLE manager will develop a comprehensive MLE framework, including SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound) indicators, data collection methodologies, and reporting mechanisms aligned with project guidelines and objectives. Close collaboration with the project team and partners is required to ensure MLE activities are integrated across all project components.

Data Collection and Analysis:

The role will involve designing and conducting qualitative and quantitative data collection activities (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and case studies) to evaluate project outcomes. Analyzing data to assess project performance, identify trends, and derive actionable insights to enhance project effectiveness. Leverage appropriate data visualization tools to present findings clearly and impactfully.

Baseline and Progress Monitoring:

Conduct a baseline assessment to establish benchmarks for the engagement and leadership of PLE in policy-making and advocacy efforts. Regularly monitor project activities and measure progress against established indicators. Prepare detailed, high-quality MLE reports for, project stakeholders, and internal audiences, documenting key performance indicators, success stories, lessons learned, and recommendations.

Capacity Building:

Train project staff and partners on MLE frameworks, data collection tools, and reporting standards to build organizational capacity. Facilitate knowledge-sharing sessions to disseminate best practices and foster learning among stakeholders. Use MLE findings to inform project adaptations, ensuring interventions are data-driven and responsive to evolving labor exploitation challenges.

Relationships

• The MLE manager reports to the Project Director.
• Coordinate and work closely with a team of technical experts, local partners, and other FTS team members located internationally.
• Maintains working relationships with all project stakeholders.

Travel

The MLE manager is expected to frequently travel to project sites in the Philippines and once to Washington DC, USA.

Position Qualifications

The ideal candidate will be expected to have:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in a senior M&E position responsible for implementing MLE activities for international development projects.

• Proven experience designing, implementing, and operating MLE systems from project initiation to closeout stages.

• Experience in performance measurement, including indicator design, target setting, reporting, and database management.

• Demonstrated ability to design and administer data collection tools and conduct data quality assessments.

• Familiarity with sex- and age-disaggregated variables and database systems for participant monitoring.

• Experience using monitoring data and evaluation learnings for adaptive project management.

• Proven ability to plan and manage studies such as baseline studies, performance evaluations, case studies, and gender/diversity-related studies.

• Knowledge of major evaluation methodologies, data collection techniques, and analysis tools.

• Experience managing and providing ongoing training to M&E field officers and/or sub-recipients.

• Ability to facilitate and serve as project liaison for externally-managed evaluations.

• Have experience with multi-year US government-funded projects particularly DOL-ILAB in a leadership position.

• Experience working on projects that address labor-related issues, including forced labor, human trafficking, and/or experience working with persons with lived experience.

• Ability to maintain working relationships with all project stakeholders and effectively build partnerships between them.

• Experience in strategic planning and performance measurement, including indicator selection, target setting, reporting, database management, and developing MLE and performance monitoring plans.

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in statistics, demographics, Measurement and Evaluation of Programs or Projects, or a related field plus an advanced certificate in M&E preferred.

• Fluency in written and spoken English is required and knowledge of local languages.

• Prior experience in and ability to work in The Philippines without sponsorship.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

• Knowledge of MLE software and tools (e.g., SPSS, NVivo, or Power BI) is an advantage.

This is a part-time position working 3-4 days per week. Compensation will be dependent on candidates’ qualifications.