At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and enhance monitoring, evaluation, and impact measurement for international programmes.
- Company: Join a leading UK charity dedicated to animal welfare worldwide.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, wellbeing initiatives, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working with occasional international travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in global animal welfare while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education or equivalent experience in programme design and MEAL.
These are exciting times for the charity, and we have an excellent opportunity for a proactive and highly professional individual with outstanding leadership, interpersonal and motivational skills to join the International Programmes and Partnerships Department as Programme Design and Impact Advisor.
Location: Devon/Hybrid (This is a hybrid working position, combining home and onsite working under the guiding principles for such roles. The working pattern and requirement for site attendance will be agreed between the line manager and post-holder, currently anticipated to be 2-3 days per year)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week, 08.30-16.30, Monday-Friday
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £44609 per annum
Closing Date: Sunday 27 September 2026. Please note this role may close earlier than advertised so apply as soon as possible.
About the Role
As Programme Design and Impact Advisor, you will lead and strengthen the monitoring, evaluation, learning and impact measurement of The Donkey Sanctuary's international programmes, ensuring programmes are evidence-based, results-driven and accountable. Working collaboratively with colleagues and partners across multiple countries, you will support the design, monitoring and evaluation of high-quality international development programmes and drive organisational learning to maximise impact for donkeys and the communities that depend on them.
Your principal duties and responsibilities will include:
- Leading on ensuring that Donkey Sanctuary funded global programmes and projects are effectively and efficiently monitored and evaluated.
- Leading the development of a shared monitoring and evaluation database, enabling effective data management and contributing to an evidence-based portfolio.
- Implementing, promoting and regularly reviewing a Results Framework and associated Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability and Learning (MEAL) tools.
- Enabling staff and partners to effectively apply MEAL tools, develop and review project MEAL plans and identify appropriate monitoring indicators.
- Working with senior managers to improve reporting systems and processes, ensuring consistent best practice across the International Programmes and Partnerships team.
- Collaborating with colleagues to develop surveys and participatory workshops that inform community-led needs assessment and project design.
- Supporting International Teams in preparing funding proposals for institutional donors and partners, ensuring MEAL activities and requirements are fully integrated into project and programme plans and budgets.
Please note that flexibility may be required for occasional international travel.
About You
We are looking for someone who has:
- Degree-level education or above, or equivalent relevant experience.
- A demonstrable track record of programme design and MEAL experience within international development or a related discipline.
- A thorough understanding of the technical elements of robust and effective MEAL systems and methodologies.
- Working knowledge and experience of theory of change and/or comparable programme development tools.
- Experience designing robust MEAL frameworks for performance measurement and impact assessment.
- Experience designing and/or carrying out mixed methods evaluation projects to high quality and ethical standards.
- Significant experience developing MEAL training and mentoring approaches and facilitating participatory capacity development initiatives.
- Proven experience leading, motivating and developing individuals and teams to achieve shared objectives.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence a range of stakeholders.
Benefits include:
- Competitive pension.
- Life assurance.
- 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service.
- Wellbeing team.
- Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.
- Long service awards.
- Healthshield plan.
- Free parking.
- Subsidised restaurant and shop.
About the Organisation
Join one of the UK’s largest international animal welfare charities, currently supporting projects in over 35 countries worldwide, working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued.
The Charity is a Disability Confident Employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults) and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.
Programme Design and Impact Advisor employer: Donkey Sanctuary
As a leading international animal welfare charity, we offer a dynamic and supportive work environment in Devon, where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of donkeys and mules worldwide. Our hybrid working model promotes flexibility, while our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our generous benefits package, including 31 days of holiday, a competitive pension, and access to wellness programmes. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and personal growth, ensuring you thrive both professionally and personally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Design and Impact Advisor
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Donkey Sanctuary.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Donkey Sanctuary.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Donkey Sanctuary.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Donkey Sanctuary. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Design and Impact Advisor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Donkey Sanctuary. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Programme Design and Impact Advisor, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Donkey Sanctuary
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Donkey Sanctuary. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
