Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Lead

• Lead MEL projects with your data expertise and commitment to justice
• Drive MEL for Closing the Gap programs with experts and stakeholders
• $104K - $118K + super + salary packaging & leave loading

Job: | Full-Time | Fixed-Term (June 2026) | Flexible, NSW

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply ASAP. The role will close when an offer is accepted by a suitable candidate.

The Aboriginal Legal Service (ALS) was established in a critical act of self-determination over 50 years ago as part of the Aboriginal rights protest movement. We provide high-quality, culturally safe legal and support services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout NSW and the ACT, and fight for social justice and equity for our communities.

Your Impact:

As a vital member of our dynamic Service Innovation & Reform team, you will lead monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) for pivotal Closing the Gap programs. Harness data-driven insights and collaborate with government, community, and sector partners to advance meaningful, lasting outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

You will play a key role in shaping program success and driving continuous improvement across the organisation, such as:

• Leading and coordinating monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) activities for Closing the Gap and related programs, ensuring alignment with ALS's strategic vision.
• Manage relationships and contracts with external consultants to design, implement, and refine MEL frameworks and tools.
• Analyse and report on data, maintaining dashboards to track program progress and demonstrate impact.
• Collaborate closely with the ALS data team and external stakeholders, including government and Aboriginal community organisations, to support MEL initiatives.
• Advise and build MEL capacity across the organisation through training, mentoring, and evidence-based recommendations.
• Produce high-quality MEL reports to inform decision-making and continuous program improvement.

Who Are We Looking For?

We seek a highly skilled and motivated professional who possesses a deep understanding of the cultural, social, and historical contexts impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. You will demonstrate the ability to apply this knowledge through expert monitoring, evaluation, and learning practices to drive meaningful and lasting outcomes. Key qualities include:

• Strong expertise in M&E methodologies, strategic planning, data collection, analysis, and impact measurement across diverse projects.
• Proven ability to design and lead evaluations using qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods, with experience in data visualisation tools.
• Collaborative approach, excellent communication skills, and ability to build and manage relationships with diverse teams and stakeholders.
• Deep understanding and respect for Aboriginal cultural and social needs, with experience in Aboriginal community or related sectors highly valued.
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to key locations including Redfern, Newcastle, Dubbo & Moree.
• Technical proficiency with data analysis software (e.g., SQL, R, Python) and Microsoft Power Platform tools to support MEL activities.
• Relevant qualifications in social sciences, statistics, public policy, or related fields; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates encouraged to apply.

Why Join Us?

At ALS, you can discover a fulfilling career that truly makes an impact in the community. We also offer our staff a range of generous benefits including:

• Not-for-profit salary packaging to reduce your tax burden, which means you get to keep more of your hard-earned money in your pocket
• Annual leave loading of 17.5%, ensuring that you are rewarded for your time off and can enjoy a well-deserved break.
• Career and professional development opportunities

At ALS, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of safe recruitment practices. Therefore, it is essential that candidates either possess or have the capacity to obtain a current and valid Working with Children (NSW) or Working with Vulnerable People (ACT) check for this role.

We are focused to providing equal opportunities to all candidates. If you identify as a person with a disability and need any adjustments or support with your application including throughout the recruitment process, please let us know by reaching out to our Talent Team