Job Description

Belong to Something Amazing...

Catalyst is seeking a Monitoring and Evaluation Officer to support the delivery and impact of our Open and Innovation Teams work. In this role, you will work closely with project teams to track progress, assess outcomes, and generate insights that help shape programme development. You will play a key role in collecting and analysing data, preparing clear and timely reports, and ensuring that learning is shared across teams and stakeholders. Your analytical mindset and attention to detail will help ensure our programmes remain evidence-based, effective, and aligned with Catalysts mission to make innovation accessible and impactful for businesses of all sizes and sectors.

About the Project

The NWCAM2 project revolutionises the Health and Life Sciences sector by empowering SMEs to adopt advanced, sustainable manufacturing processes and technologies. Addressing the region's shared challenges, it bridges gaps in R&D adoption, technological capacity, and cross-border collaboration. By focusing on additive and digital manufacturing and next-generation materials, NWCAM2 fosters innovation and accelerates the transition to net-zero operations. Its dual approach (combining both three-year deep dive R&I projects and shorter one-year SME-focused implementations) leverages expertise across Northern Ireland and Ireland to drive sustainability, reduce carbon emissions, and enhance SME competitiveness. Delivering 30 groundbreaking projects, the initiative promises transformative impact on productivity, sustainability, and global market presence.

About Catalyst

We are a non-profit organisation that supports science and technology innovation in Northern Ireland with buildings and hubs in Belfast and Derry/Londonderry where companies can use our flexible workspaces to operate from. We use the profits generated from our property portfolio to deliver entrepreneurial support programmes, facilitate funding, inform policy and accelerate technology-based research and development, by linking with academia and government.

Working at Catalyst

A certified Great Place to Work and recognised as one of the top 100 Workplaces in the UK for 2024, receiving awards for Best Place to Work, Best Workplace for Development, Best Workplace for Employee Wellbeing, and Best Place to Work for Women, Catalyst is one of Northern Irelands most exciting employers.

With a strong vision of Opportunity for all from world-leading innovation, this is a workplace brimming with ambition to create social, cultural, and economic advantage. We are a force for good, bold in our approach with integrity at our core and passion in everything we do.

Diversity and Inclusion at Catalyst

Diversity and inclusion arent boxes to tick on a CSR list. At Catalyst, they are part of our DNA, lived, breathed, seen, and heard across our community, projects, and co-working spaces.

We not only want to foster and empower a culture of innovation, but also an environment where people can be their true, authentic self and thrive, and we are proud to be recognised by the Diversity Charter for achieving silver status, with ambitions to progress to Gold.
As an equal opportunity employer, we recruit based solely on the individuals ability to perform the role, and thats allowed us to create an inclusive workplace which celebrates the diversity of our teams and community.

Key Information

+ Full time, fixed term 4-year contract + Attractive benefits package including flexible working options
+ Competitive salary between 25,000 - 30,000 depending on qualifications and experience
+ Options to be based in either Belfast or Derry-Londonderry

Employee Perks

+ Competitive Benefits Package including Private medical insurance for you and your dependents + Generous pension contribution
+ Generous life assurance policy
+ Enhanced parental leave packages
+ Free open access to company organised events
+ Free parking on-campus

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a skilled Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) Officer to design and implement frameworks that track the impact of our innovation programmes. You will collect and analyse data, produce clear reports, and provide insights to inform programme improvements. The ideal candidate will have experience in evaluating large-scale projects, strong analytical skills using tools like SPSS, R, or Excel, and the ability to communicate findings to both internal and external stakeholders. A proactive, organised approach and experience with donor reporting or PEACEPLUS programmes are highly desirable.

Main Goals:

Design and implement monitoring and evaluation (M&E) frameworks that support project objectives. Ensure data-driven insights guide programme delivery and policy recommendations. Contribute to the continuous improvement of project activities through timely reporting and stakeholder engagement.

Core Responsibilities:

Monitoring and Reporting:

+ Develop systems for collecting, analysing, and interpreting qualitative and quantitative data. + Monitor progress against project goals and provide regular updates to senior management and stakeholders.
+ Prepare comprehensive M&E reports that highlight key findings, challenges, and recommendations.

Evaluation Activities:

+ Lead the development of tools and methodologies for measuring project outcomes and impact. + Oversee internal evaluation activities and ensure findings are integrated into programme adjustments.
+ Collaborate with external evaluators to ensure alignment with project objectives.

Stakeholder Engagement:

+ Present M&E findings to project teams, advisory committees, and external partners. + Act as a point of contact for donor organisations and regulatory bodies regarding project evaluation.

Learning and Dissemination:

+ Document and share lessons learned through workshops, reports, and publications. + Support knowledge-sharing initiatives to enhance capacity within the project team and partner organisations.

Daily Tasks:

+ Collect, process, and validate data from programme activities. + Facilitate team meetings to discuss findings and refine strategies.
+ Draft and deliver reports for internal use and external dissemination.
+ Maintain compliance with donor reporting requirements.
+ Provide technical support for teams implementing data collection tools.

Essential Criteria:

+ At least 2 years proven experience in monitoring and evaluating large-scale projects + Proficiency in using data analysis software (e.g., SPSS, R, Excel).
+ Excellent communication and presentation skills.
+ Strong ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Skills and Qualifications:

Desirable Skills:

+ Sector specific knowledge + Familiarity with evaluation standards or previous PEACEPLUS experience
+ Experience working with diverse stakeholders, including government and civil society.

Core Competencies:

+ Analytical thinking with attention to detail. + Strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity.
+ A collaborative approach to team engagement.

Special Requirements

+ Proof of right to work in the UK + On occasions to work evenings and weekends
+ Full current driving licence

Criteria may be enhanced to aid shortlisting. Exceptional candidates who do not meet the criteria may be considered for the role provided they have the necessary skills and experience.