Global MEL Senior Data Analysis Officer

Black6; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

An international non-profit organization in the UK is seeking a Senior Data Analysis Officer to manage farm-level data and support monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities. The role includes data cleaning, analysis using PowerBI, and collaborating with country teams to improve data quality. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in data analysis, a relevant degree, and a demonstrated interest in sustainable farming practices. This offers a flexible work environment and the chance to significantly contribute to sustainability efforts.

Benefits

Hybrid working once a week in London office

Opportunity to work from anywhere for one month per year

Generous annual leave package

Continuous learning and development

Qualifications

• Minimum 4 years working experience in similar roles.
• Proven interest in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning.
• Experience applying statistics to real-world data analysis.

Responsibilities

• Act as the country MEL Results Indicator data focal point.
• Lead the cleaning, transformation and management of field data.
• Provide country teams with support on conducting representative sampling.

Skills

Data quality improvement

Statistical analysis

Problem-solving

Attention to detail

Collaboration

Communication

Education

Degree in environmental or social science

Degree in Statistics/Mathematics/Economics/Data Quality

Tools

Excel (including PowerQuery, VBA macros, SQL)

PowerBI

Python

R

Job description

The Senior Data Analysis Officer role will support strengthening BCI’s focus on ensuring the credibility, accuracy, integrity of farm-level results data and processes. This role will support the management of large volumes of field-level data and serve as the MEL focal point for several countries, supporting country teams in data validation and interpretation. In addition to the quantitative data analysis activities, the Senior Data Analysis Officer will also have the opportunity to support on improving Better Cotton’s farm-level data quality.

The Challenge

Looking ahead to 2030, we are targeting reducing GHG emissions from cotton production by half, big cuts in synthetic pesticide use, improve soil health across our network, improve farm income and support women’s empowerment among farmers and farm workers.

Key Responsibilities

Support farm-level results data collection and analysis

• Act as the county MEL Results Indicator data “focal point” for dedicated countries.
• Provide country teams with support on conducting representative sampling.
• Lead the cleaning, transformation and management of field data in Excel and using data analytics tools.
• Conduct data analysis and visualisation using PowerBI software in Better Cotton’s field data learning dashboards.
• Coach and support Better Cotton’s country staff and programme partners on using data to derive insights, enabling learning and continuous improving. E.g. through interactive field results dashboards, etc.

Support with ad-hoc data cleaning and analyses

• Support the Global MEL Team with ad-hoc data cleaning, transformations and analyses, as needed on other MEL data.
• Support with producing Better Cotton’s regular data reporting for staff and members - Data Snapshots, Results Indicator End of Season Reports, and exploring data and creating insights.
• Support data digitalisation pilots by testing app and related dashboards, evaluating data quality collected via apps, and suggesting improvements, as necessary.

We are looking for someone who has

The following skills, knowledge, and experience:

• Minimum 4 years working experience in similar roles.
• Degree in environmental or social science, agriculture, agronomy, rural development, Statistics/Mathematics/Economics/Data Quality.
• Proven interest in Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning.
• Experience applying statistics to real-world data analysis and research.
• Experience assessing and improving data quality.
• Strong IT skills, in particular with Excel (PowerQuery, VBA macros, SQL), databases, and business intelligence and analytics tools to work with managing large datasets.
• Pays attention to details, solves problems independently, and is persistent in accurately performing tasks.
• Ability to work proactively to priorities and plan effectively, working in a structured manner and to deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively with internationally distributed teams.
• Fluency in English required.
• Demonstrated grasp of the key issues in sustainability and/or knowledge of sustainable agriculture especially in the smallholder farming context.
• Background in global programme implementation, and agriculture projects.
• Proven interest and/or experience in voluntary sustainability standards.
• Experience using PowerBI and working knowledge of statistical analysis software (Python, R).
• Experience in creating data visualisation for communications purposes.
• Experience working in or facilitating learning in an international, multi-cultural or mission-driven setting is an asset.
• Knowledge of French, Portuguese, Hindi or Russian preferred.

What we offer

- Hybrid working- once a week in our London office

- The opportunity to work from anywhere in the world for up to one month per year

- Flexible working, with core hours from 10 am to 4 pm local time

- Continuous learning and development

- A generous annual leave package, including paid holiday, public holidays, additional paid days off during the festive season, study and exam days, and extra discretionary leave for life events such as family weddings or moving home

- A warm, positive working environment where everyone is valued

- The opportunity to make your mark and make a difference.

Working arrangements

The position is full-time (40 hours per week) and will be based in London. Better Cotton Initiative offers flexible working, with core hours being 10 am – 4 pm. The position may require limited travel to various countries.

Apply now

Send us your CV (2 pages maximum) and a brief cover letter (1-page maximum) by or before 06.01.2026 via the application link.

In your cover letter, please include an explanation of why your experience is specifically relevant to this role at Better Cotton Initiative. We want to see your personal style – what makes you tick and why you think your next opportunity is here with us.

Better Cotton Initiative does not use artificial intelligence or automated screening tools in its hiring process. Every application is reviewed by our People & Culture team and relevant hiring managers to ensure a fair and human-led assessment experience.

Our hiring process

Initial Screening

Applicant screening is a crucial step in our recruitment process. This stage may involve a brief phone interview or video call to evaluate your suitability for the position. During this screening, we review resumes and cover letters, and may conduct initial background checks to narrow down the pool of applicant. Internal candidates are encouraged to inform their line manager about their application to promote transparency and help facilitate a smooth transition if selected.

Interviews

If you successfully pass the initial screening, you will be invited for interviews. The interview process at Better Cotton Initiative may include one or more rounds of interviews with various stakeholders, such as the hiring manager, team members, and potentially senior management. As an internal candidate, you may have discussions regarding your current responsibilities and how they will transition to the new position.

Assessment and Testing

Depending on the role, you might be required to complete assessments, technical tests, or skills evaluations to gauge your competency and suitability for the position. Internal candidates may have the option to demonstrate their existing skills through current job performance or past project outcomes.

Reference Checks

Once you progress further in the process, reference checks are conducted to validate your work history, skills, and qualifications, and for some roles, your education and criminal history. Internal candidates may be asked for references from current or previous supervisors within Better Cotton Initiative to provide insights into their performance and capabilities.

After completing interviews, assessments, and reference checks, the hiring team evaluates your performance and fit for the role. If you are selected and your references are relevant and satisfactory, you will receive a formal job offer letter outlining the terms of employment, compensation, benefits, and any other relevant details. For internal candidates, the offer process may include a discussion about how your transition to the new role will be managed and any support needed for a smooth handover.

About Better Cotton Initiative

Better Cotton Initiative is a global not-for-profit organisation supporting the production of more equitably sustainable cotton at farm level. We exist to catalyse the cotton farming community with partners, governments and others to continuously drive positive impact by setting standards and facilitating the supply and demand of more sustainable cotton from farm to brand. In just 15 years we have aligned more than a fifth of the world’s cotton with our standard and helped farmers and farming communities thrive. Join us in building a better, more sustainable future for cotton worldwide.

About our Values

The post holder will be expected to operate in line with our workplace values which are:

• Trustworthy (including honest, transparent, credible)
• As having Integrity (including responsible, authentic)
• Positive (including problem-solving, pragmatic)
• Engaging (including adaptable, inclusive, holistic)
• Daring (including courageous, innovative, game-changing)

Better Cotton Initiative is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to good practice and transparency in the management of natural, human, and financial resources.

We have a zero-tolerance approach to any attitudes or behaviours that put children or adults at risk of harm. Safeguarding incidents are acts of serious misconduct and are grounds for disciplinary action, up to and including, dismissal and referral to relevant authorities for criminal prosecution. Therefore, all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks.