Application Guide

How to Apply for DESARROLLO E IMPLEMENTACIÓN DEL SISTEMA DE GESTIÓN DE EVALUACIONES (SGE) PARA ECOLOGY PROJECT INTERNATIONAL (EPI)

at Ecology Project International

🏢 About Ecology Project International

Ecology Project International (EPI) is a unique nonprofit that pairs local experts with youth to conduct hands-on conservation science in some of the world's most biodiverse regions. By focusing on environmental literacy and experiential education, EPI empowers the next generation of conservation leaders while directly contributing to species and habitat protection.

About This Role

This consultancy focuses on designing and implementing a robust Evaluation Management System (SGE) to replace EPI's current fragile, semi-manual data pipeline built on Jotform and Google Sheets. The role is critical for enabling EPI to reliably measure program impact and improve data-driven decision-making, directly supporting the organization's mission to foster environmental stewardship.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve virtual meetings with EPI staff to gather requirements, designing database schemas and automated workflows, and writing code to integrate Jotform submissions with a centralized dashboard. You'd also document your progress, test the system with real data, and provide support to staff as they transition to the new SGE.

🎯 Who Ecology Project International Is Looking For

  • Experienced in developing and implementing data management systems, with a strong background in database design, API integration, and automation (e.g., using Python, JavaScript/AppScript, or similar).
  • Familiar with survey tools (like Jotform, SurveyMonkey, or Qualtrics) and data visualization platforms (like Google Data Studio, Tableau, or Power BI) to create intuitive dashboards for non-technical staff.
  • Adept at migrating and consolidating data from multiple sources (e.g., Excel/Sheets) into a centralized, secure, and scalable system, ensuring data integrity and accessibility.
  • Excellent communicator with the ability to work remotely, collaborate with a diverse team, and document processes clearly for future maintenance and training.
  • Passionate about conservation and education, with a demonstrated interest in supporting nonprofit organizations' mission-driven work.

📝 Tips for Applying to Ecology Project International

1

Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight specific projects where you built or improved data systems for nonprofits or educational programs, emphasizing how your work solved similar fragility and integration issues.

2

In your cover letter, directly address the current pain points (e.g., fragile Jotform-Sheets connection, lack of centralization) and propose a high-level solution or approach, showing you've read the TOR carefully.

3

Since the role is remote, emphasize your experience with remote collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Zoom, Trello) and your ability to manage projects independently with clear communication.

4

If you have experience with environmental literacy assessments or educational program evaluation, be sure to mention it, as it demonstrates domain understanding.

5

Provide concrete examples of how you've handled data migration and automation, including any challenges faced and how you overcame them, to build confidence in your technical skills.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Express genuine interest in EPI's mission of youth-driven conservation and explain how your technical skills can directly support their impact measurement.", "Describe your experience with system design and implementation, specifically referencing how you've handled similar challenges like data centralization, automation, and user-friendly reporting.", 'Highlight your ability to work remotely and collaborate with cross-functional teams, including non-technical staff, to ensure the system meets their needs.', 'Mention any experience with nonprofit data management, survey tools, or environmental education, and how you can bring best practices to EPI.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • Visit EPI's website and read about their programs in different countries (e.g., Costa Rica, Galapagos, Yellowstone) to understand the diversity of evaluations they might need to manage.
  • Look into EPI's published impact reports or research papers to see how they currently use environmental literacy data, which will help you tailor the SGE to their reporting needs.
  • Research best practices in nonprofit evaluation systems, particularly for youth education programs, to propose innovative solutions that align with EPI's goals.
  • Check EPI's social media or blog to understand their organizational culture and recent initiatives, so you can align your application with their current priorities.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you approach migrating existing data from multiple Google Sheets and Jotform submissions into a centralized system? What steps would you take to ensure data integrity?
2 Describe a time you had to automate a manual data process. What tools did you use, and what was the outcome?
3 How would you ensure that the SGE is user-friendly for EPI staff who may not be technically inclined? What training or documentation would you provide?
4 What is your experience with data security and privacy, especially when handling data from minors (since EPI works with youth)? How would you ensure compliance?
5 How would you measure the success of the SGE implementation? What metrics or KPIs would you propose?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Don't submit a generic application that doesn't mention EPI or the specific problems with their current system; it shows lack of attention to detail.
  • Avoid overcomplicating your proposed solution without considering EPI's likely budget and technical capacity; they need a practical, scalable system, not an enterprise-level overkill.
  • Don't neglect to mention data security and ethical handling of youth data; this is a critical concern for a nonprofit working with minors, and overlooking it could be a red flag.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Ecology Project International!