About the Alannah & Madeline Foundation
The Alannah & Madeline Foundation is a national not-for-profit organisation dedicated to keeping children and young people free from violence and trauma wherever they live, learn and play. Through our Care, Prevention and Advocacy programs, we fight for their right to be safe, so their future is strong.
The Foundation also supports Dolly’s Dream, educating and empowering families and communities to prevent the devastating effects of bullying.
We have highest commitment to child safety, and our Child Safe - Policy outlines our safe practices for children.
Our organisation values are at the core of who we are. They guide the way we work every day and everyone has a responsibility to promote and demonstrate our values: We are curious, We are kind, always, We lead with authenticity, We believe in the power of play and We take action.
Position in context
The Evaluation Specialist enables the Foundation’s programs to deliver measurable impact by supporting the design, implementation, and reporting of evaluation frameworks. Sitting within the Information Systems team and reporting to the Head of Digital Transformation, this technical role drives the adoption of digital Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) approaches across the Foundation. Working closely with the Systems & Reporting Manager, the Evaluation Specialist ensures our databases, CRM, and related systems are configured to enable high-quality data capture and produce reliable datasets, reports, and dashboards aligned with our Theory of Change.
The role champions continuous improvement in evaluation practices, enhancing data processes, strengthening reporting tools, and delivering timely insights on program outputs and social impact outcomes. It also supports program teams to embed MEL tools into everyday workflows through training, change-management support, and practical guidance, ensuring evidence-based decision making and program improvement are at the heart of our work.
This role is formally based in South Melbourne at Buddy Bags HQ. We support our staff to work flexibly, both in location and hours, based on the premise that work will remain the focus of any arrangement. How and where you work is discussed with each staff member based on individual circumstances, role requirements and accountability for delivery of high-quality work.
Major job responsibilities
MEL Systems Design, Delivery & Collaboration
- Through collaboration with program leads and external partners, project manage end-to-end the design and implementation of digital MEL systems and approaches.
- Act as the primary point of contact for programs teams to understand MEL requirements, translate needs into clear system, reporting and analytical deliverables.
- Embed digital MEL approaches across programs and systems – automating the collection and preparation of output and outcome datasets in accordance with the Foundation’s Theory of Change.
- Maintain dashboards and periodic reporting in Power BI as a way of demonstrating what has changed because of our work to key stakeholders.
Data Quality, Governance & Insights
- Support program teams in collecting, understanding and interpreting their data for reporting, continuous improvement and evidence-based decision-making.
- Ensure data integrity, accuracy, and timeliness across all reporting processes and systems.
- Establish and maintain clear definitions, documentation and guardrails to ensure consistent interpretation of data.
Capability, Leadership & Continuous Improvement
- Provide training and change-management support to build capability across program teams in new measurement approaches and MEL tools.
- Coach, mentor and support junior team members, providing day‑to‑day guidance, capability development and quality assurance to support strong evaluation, data and analytical practice across the team.
- Stay up to date with best practices in data analysis, outcomes measurement, and data visualisation in the social impact sector, including the ethical and appropriate use of AI.
- Contributing positively to the Foundation’s culture of We are stronger together through developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with colleagues.
- Other tasks as directed by the Head of Digital, COO , CEO and Executive Team.
Knowledge, experience & requirements
- Relevant qualifications and experience in evaluation, data analysis, social research, or related field.
- Experience in program evaluation and digital MEL systems within the non-profit or community sector.
- Experience with CRM systems, data management platforms and data analysis tools (e.g., Dynamics, Excel, Power BI, or similar).
- Experience in project coordination, including timelines, stakeholder communication, and deliverable tracking.
- Knowledge of ethical considerations in evaluation and research.
- A desire to work in a not for profit, purpose driven organisation. Knowledge of outcomes measurement, impact reporting, and Theory of Change (or a strong interest in learning and applying this).
- Demonstrated ability to confidently work and communicate with technical and non-technical stakeholders to understand how to add value with data.
- Synthesising, analysing and calling out initial insights from large datasets (desirable).
- Strong organisation skills to manage multiple evaluation streams simultaneously.
- Positive relationships with internal teams and external partners.
- A Working with Children Check and police check.
