Location: Port Moresby (domestic travel as required) Commencement:  August 2025 Open to PNG Citizens 

About the Program 

The Australia PNG Economic Partnership (APEP) is a multi-sectoral investment that assists GoPNG to create a stable and more prosperous country. APEP is integrated and aligned with PNG’s economic sector policies, systems and processes. 

APEP’s overarching objective is to assist PNG in its efforts to achieve sustained growth, capable of lifting the standard of living of all citizens, while also ensuring Australia maintains its reputation as PNG’s economic partner of choice. 

APEP has five End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs) that are expected to be achieved:

EOPO 1 - Safeguarding Macroeconomic Stability  EOPO 2 - Strengthening Public Financial Management for Improved Service Delivery and Inclusive Growth  EOPO 3 - Supporting More Efficient and Inclusive Markets  EOPO 4 - Fostering Inclusive Growth and Expanded Livelihoods EOPO 5 - Catalysing Economic Research and Dialogue

Gender equality, disability social inclusion (GEDSI), women’s economic empowerment, climate, economic research and dialogue, open government, indigenous engagement and MERLA are cross-cutting in nature and integrated into all APEP program areas (‘pillars’).

The MERLA Unit is responsible for maintaining and implementing APEP’s MERLA System and Framework and working closely with all pillars to implement Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks (MEFs) which align to pillar strategies and key guiding policies and frameworks.   The MERLA Unit plays a key role in evaluating progress, facilitating learning and reflection, and reporting/communicating the impact of APEP’s support.

Position Overview: 

The Evaluation Specialist works in a team of 6 to support the MERLA Unit Lead in delivering a strong MERLA system for APEP. The Evaluation Specialist works across all pillars to identify and conduct evaluations as required to drive learning and continuous program improvement. The Evaluation Specialist should have an understanding of DFAT’s Design, Evaluation and Learning Standards and DFAT’s Performance Assessment Framework for facilities and have rich experience in conducing outcome-focused evaluations. This role will be supported by an Evaluation Support Officer  Assisting with written responses to DFAT requests for MERLA information and data.

Key Responsibilities 

The Evaluation Specialist is responsible for:

Working closely with all pillars to conduct outcome-level evaluations that help determine progress and impact and inform decision-making.  Managing evaluation budget and designing, relevant cost-effective studies  Conducting a range of evaluations that help assess change and progress in the economic areas, as per APEP’s EOPO focal areas  Travelling as required to interview/conduct surveys directly with counterparts  Contributing evidence to the monitoring and evaluation frameworks and broader facility performance assessment framework  Producing reports and briefs that meet the standards of the client Working with cross-cutting teams, including GEDSI and Communications, to ensure appropriate integration in design and dissemination  Contributing to broader monitoring activities as directed by the MERLA Unit Lead Contributing to the planning and execution of six-monthly Reflection workshops, as directed by the MERLA Unit Lead  Establishing and maintaining strong working relationships with pillars to access key stakeholders and counterparts  Supporting professional development and capacity building initiatives for local MEL officers, this could include APEP’s PNG partners. Working closely with the Team Leader and other Unit Managers to develop an Annual Work Plan and Budget. Providing monthly updates and accurate expenditure forecasts. Actively supporting the implementation of GEDSI and locally led development.

Specific Deliverables

Clear and concise evaluation reports that are identified through the pillar MEFs Key learnings, results and summaries as required by the client for performance tracking and decision-making Evidence summaries and similar documents for Review and Reflection workshops to be delivered six monthly Periodic updating of MEFs and Theories of Change

About You 

For applications to be considered, a response to the key selection criteria below must be provided;

       Qualifications

Relevant qualification in international development, business, evaluation or other related field.

      Knowledge 

Demonstrated knowledge of MERLA principles, tools and processes including DFAT’s Design and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Standards.

       Skills/Experience

Demonstrated experience (10+ years desirable) developing and conducting nimble evaluations for a range of thematic areas, with a range of budgets Demonstrated experience in conducting evaluations for multi-investment MERLA on large programs Demonstrated commitment to the principles of capacity strengthening, inclusion, localisation and equity. Demonstrated ability to be resilient and adaptable in changing and challenging contexts. Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills including the ability to clearly explain key MERLA theories and processes to non-technical people. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and collaboratively across multiple teams and organisations.

How to Apply

Please ensure to address the Key Selection Criteria (About You) in your cover letter, and submit your application online, along with your CV as a single document.  Applications must be submitted personally by individuals only. Applications submitted by a company or organisation will not be accepted.  The successful applicant will be engaged through an employment agreement determined by Abt.

We welcome and thank all applications; however only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

We encourage applications from experienced and capable women, and people with disabilities.

Closing Date:  Friday, 1 August 2025, 12 PM (Midday, local time) #LI-AUSBRIT