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 DialogueGender 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 Lead plays a key role in evaluating progress, facilitating learning and reflection, and reporting/communicating the impact of APEP’s support.
About the Opportunity
The MERLA Lead manages a team of 6 locally engaged staff in the MERLA Unit to deliver APEP’s MEL Plan and System, and facilitate learning that drives continuous program improvement and strategic decision-making.
The MERLA Lead has ownership of, and responsibility for, APEP’s MERLA function to ensure it is fit for purpose, meets client expectations and can demonstrate progress towards APEPs end of program outcomes.
The role sits within APEP’s senior management team and works closely with the Program Director and all Team Leaders to effectively monitor, evaluate and report on progress.
The incumbent will have an understanding of DFAT’s Design, Evaluation and Learning Standards and DFAT’s Performance Assessment Framework (PAF) for facilities. Program reporting will be a core component of this role.
Key responsibilities
The MERLA Lead is responsible for:
Day-to-day management and coordination of MERLA Unit staff and activities – this includes managing staff performance. Overseeing the MEL System and Pillar Frameworks to ensure efficient, effective and responsive MERLA. Ensuring the MEL System and Management Information Systems (MIS) satisfies DFAT’s MEL standards, links to the International Development Policy PAF Tier 2 indicators and provides quality assured evidence and information on pillar outcome-level progress, as well as Platform level progress to enable DFAT to meet mandatory reporting requirements. Building strong and trusted relationships with key DFAT counterparts and providing key updates during monthly MERLA forums and learning events Ensuring all MEFs and Theories of Change are aligned to pillar strategies. Ensuring that all APEP teams understand and apply adaptive management principles and approaches. Leading development/writing of the APEP six monthly and annual reports. Providing technical MERLA advice to the Program Director, Team Leaders and other APEP team members as required. Participating as member of APEP’s senior management team. Working closely with APEP’s other cross-cutting functions, particularly GEDSI, Communications, Economic Research and Climate, to ensure appropriate integration, MEL, and reporting. Ensuring that relevant data is collected to report against DFAT’s Performance Assessment Framework (PAF) for facilities, including support to down-stream providers to collect accurate data. Facilitating and coordinating independent evaluations of pillar activities and progress towards outcomes. Establishing external reviews, studies, or evaluations to support evidence-based reporting of progress and results. Lead regular review and reflection activities are undertaken to inform APEP programming and planning. Ensuring that robust management information systems are in place to collect, analyse and store data. Producing high quality, evidence-based reports which are visually appealing and consistent with DFAT’s reporting standards – this includes monthly, six monthly and annual reports. Engaging with APEP’s PNG partners to foster joint planning and monitoring and evaluation of APEP activities/support. Participating in MERLA communities of practice and sharing learning with other APEP team members. 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.
Key deliverables
Position Specific Deliverables:
Monthly update reports to the Deputy Team Leader. Monthly finance forecasts to the Deputy Team Leader. Performance updates and results summaries as required by the Director or client APEP Six Monthly Report – to be delivered in July each year and approved by the Program Director. APEP Annual Report – to be delivered in February each year and approved by the Program Director. QA and final approval of all APEP-led evaluations. Annual review and update of MERLA Plan and other key MERLA documents. Periodic updating of MEFs and Theories of Change. Review and Reflection workshops to be delivered six monthly.
Key working relationships
Deputy Team Leader Pillar Team Leads Senior Management team MERLA team Australian High Commission GoPNG partner Abt MERLA Community of Practice
Gender Equality Performance Objectives
Provide leadership for a work environment that promotes inclusion, mutual respect, integrity, dignity, and non-discrimination. Proactively manage the diverse gender composition of work team/s and take reasonable steps to address gaps in diversity and gender representation across all job levels. Promote Abt’s commitment to “equal pay for equivalent work” in work team/s under your leadership for employees of all genders and all diverse backgrounds, and support equity adjustment activities as required. Ensure equal access to leadership, development, training, and mentoring opportunities in work team/s under your leadership for employees of all genders and all diverse backgrounds. Actively promote Abt’s key diversity and inclusion policies, including flexible work and parental leave, across your relevant work teams and encourage uptake by all employees. Participate as an active member of at least one of Abt’s Diversity & Inclusion Working Groups.
About You
For applications to be considered, a response to the key selection criteria below must be provided.
Demonstrated experience (10+ years desirable) developing and applying Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning and Adaptation (MERLA) plans and frameworks. Demonstrated experience in managing complex multi-investment MERLA on large programs. Demonstrated knowledge of MERLA principles, tools and processes including DFAT’s Design and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Standards. 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. Demonstrated commitment to the principles of capacity strengthening inclusion, localisation and equity. Demonstrated ability to be resilient and adaptable in changing and challenging contexts. Relevant qualification in international development, business, evaluation or other related field.
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.
Closing Date: Monday, 21 July 2025 (Midday, local time) #LI-AUSBRIT
Abt Global is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to upholding high standards of Child Protection, Anti-bribery and Fraud Protection.
We encourage applications from experienced and capable women, and people with disabilities.