Fiji Program Support Platform (FPSP) 

Locally Engaged Personnel – commencing August 2025 – 31 December 2027 with possible 2 years extension Role is for Fiji Nationals only

FPSP Overview: 

The Fiji Program Support Platform (FPSP, or the ‘Platform’) is a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) investment that will contribute to the delivery of Fiji’s national development priorities, in line with the Australia’s International Development Policy, the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership and the Development Partnership Plan. 

The Platform will deliver key bilateral programs, such as health, education, scholarships, social infrastructure, governance, climate and emergency preparedness and response. Platform activities will identify and address climate risks, promote climate action, and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) across and beyond the sector programs. 

The Platform has three functional Outcomes: 

The Platform has delivered its sector program outcomes, including through supporting strategic coherence, planning, partnerships management, data and learning across the portfolio of investments.  The Platform has prioritised gender equality and disability-inclusive development, and climate and disaster resilience, in its systems and practices. This includes in how it undertakes sector programming and its engagement with selected Government of Fiji agencies.  The Platform administers timely and efficient programming that is: value for money; maximises use of local supply chains; and supports good governance and public diplomacy, effective decision making and risk management. 

The Platform implements over fifty percent of Australia’s bilateral development support to Fiji across a range of sector programs in education, health, Australia Awards, disaster response, cyclone recovery, social infrastructure and technical assistance to improve public sector governance in Fiji.   

The Platform integrates cross-cutting themes, including gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), climate and disaster resilience, across sectoral programs. In particular, the Platform seeks to strengthen program outcomes by better addressing the needs of targeted beneficiaries including those who are often marginalised. 

Infrastructure Programs Overview:

The Australian Government is currently delivering three social infrastructure programs (Infrastructure Programs) in Fiji: 

The Cyclone Recovery Program will deliver infrastructure upgrades at Taveuni and Kadavu hospitals. The program will conclude 31 December 2025.  The Colonial War Memorial (CWM) Hospital Redevelopment Master Plan will deliver a comprehensive masterplan for a new national referral hospital.  Fiji Social Infrastructure Program (FSIP) will support upgrades to school infrastructure, commencing with priority schools identified through an audit of Suva-Nausori school infrastructure; and provide technical assistance to the Ministries of Education and Health to uplift their systems, process and capacity for maintenance and upgrades over the medium term. 

The Social Infrastructure team will also manage the Platform’s Infrastructure flexible fund. These programs will be delivered through the Platform, and compliment other infrastructure investments that are delivered through the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP).   

Position Summary: 

The Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Specialist will play a critical leadership role in measuring and enhancing the performance of the Social Infrastructure Programs, particularly in health and education. The Specialist will manage the MEL plan, results framework, and evidence-gathering processes—including field monitoring and program evaluations—to ensure accurate, timely data informs strategic decisions and continuous program improvement. A key responsibility is leading results-based reporting to the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), with a strong emphasis on capturing outcomes related to gender equality, disability, and social inclusion (GEDSI), especially in improving healthcare access for women, people with disabilities, and marginalized groups.

Working collaboratively with program teams, implementing partners, and national stakeholders—including the Ministries of Health and Education—the Specialist will ensure MEL frameworks align with DFAT and national priorities. 

The role also contributes to cross-program learning by advising on MEL tools, processes, and initiatives, while supporting data collection, analysis, program reviews, and integration of lessons learned. This is a strategic role requiring strong MEL expertise, communication and analytical skills, and a solid understanding of Fiji’s development landscape, with opportunities for broader engagement across sectors such as governance and emergency response.

Key Responsibilities:

Implement MEL Frameworks

Implement and maintain a robust MEL framework aligned with program objectives, DFAT requirements, and national development priorities. Define performance indicators, data sources, targets, and timelines for all program components. Ensure integration of cross-cutting priorities (e.g., GEDSI, localisation, and climate resilience) into MEL frameworks.

Data Collection, Analysis, and Reporting

Lead and coordinate routine data collection and validation across program sites in collaboration with government stakeholders and partners. Develop and implement data quality assurance mechanisms, including regular data quality assessments and corrective action plans. Analyse quantitative and qualitative data to track progress against targets, identify trends, and inform adaptive program management. Prepare high-quality MEL reports, briefs, and presentations for internal and external stakeholders. Other duties as requested by the Infrastructure Team Lead and Senior Project Managers.

Support Evaluation and Learning Activities

Plan, coordinate and support program reviews and special studies, working closely with FPSP MEL team and external consultants as needed. Facilitate the documentation, synthesis and dissemination of the program’s lessons learned, success stories, and best practices across FPSP.  Promote a culture of continuous learning by supporting integration of MEL findings into program design, strategic planning, and decision-making processes.

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

Collaborate with government ministries (e.g., Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education), civil society, and community representatives to ensure MEL approaches are participatory and inclusive. Contribute to DFAT reporting and liaise with FPSP MEL Team to align and harmonise MEL efforts where appropriate.

Capacity Building and Mentorship

Provide training, coaching, and technical support to program staff and partners on MEL concepts, tools, and best practices. Foster a collaborative environment that encourages knowledge sharing and supports continuous professional development in MEL.

Quality Assurance and Data Management

Ensure the quality, reliability, and ethical management of all MEL data and processes. Maintain secure and organized data storage systems in compliance with Abt Global’s data protection policies and standards.

Key Deliverables: 

Implementation of MEL Frameworks

Implement and refine the MEL framework, including indicators, data collection methods, and tools tailored to the Social Infrastructure program. Establish baselines, targets, and data quality standards aligned with program goals.

Monitoring Plan and Data Collection

Support or oversee data collection, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and compliance with ethical standards. Coordinate with program teams and partners to gather relevant data. Contribute inputs to Platform-wide Management Information Systems, including PowerBI Dashboards.

Data Management and Analysis

Clean, manage, and analyse quantitative and qualitative data to track progress against indicators. Generate summary reports that support program decision-making.

Evaluation and Learning

Plan and support program reviews. Facilitate learning sessions and workshops to share findings and integrate lessons into program adaptation. Produce thematic learning briefs or case studies highlighting successes, challenges, and innovations.

Reporting

Prepare regular monitoring reports (monthly, quarterly) for internal and external stakeholders. Lead the preparation and coordination of six-monthly and annual program reports in alignment with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) framework and plan. Contribute to Platform-wide Pause and Reflect workshops to document outcomes, innovations, and areas for improvement. Ensure systematic management, storage, and retrieval of MEL-related documentation to support audit and learning processes. Organise and lead program registers for social procurement and GEDSI. Contribute to donor reports, ensuring MEL data meets DFAT or other donor requirements. Support the preparation of presentations and supporting documentation for stakeholder meetings and reviews Work closely with the Platform communications team to support the identification and development of communication products, including factsheets, success stories, and social media posts to improve the visibility of Australia’s investment in the Fiji Social Infrastructure Program.

Capacity Building

Setup MEL templates and train program staff and partners on MEL tools, data collection, and reporting procedures. Advise on Program specific MEL initiatives for Team Leader and Project Manager’s to consider during project design and delivery. Build MEL capacity to encourage a culture of evidence-based decision-making within the program team.

Stakeholder Coordination

Collaborate with other teams (e.g., GEDSI, Climate Resilience, Localisation) to integrate cross-cutting priorities into MEL activities. Coordinate MEL efforts with external partners and government counterparts where applicable.

Key Working Relationships:

Reporting to

Team Leader – Infrastructure

Other

FPSP Senior Leadership Team Social Infrastructure Program Team  Relevant Sector Programs FPSP MEL Team Fiji Ministries of Health and Education Relevant DFAT representatives 

Selection Criteria:

Qualifications

A tertiary degree in a field related to MEL, research, Statistics, Public Health, Education, Social Sciences or a related field. Advanced tertiary degree is preferable. Experience leading the development and application of MEL systems with high levels of autonomy. Demonstrated experience presenting performance information to senior management, both verbally and in writing. Experience facilitating complex MEL processes, including theory of change discussions and reflective processes. MEL experience in the infrastructure, health, and/or education sectors highly desirable. Experience in integrating cross-cutting priorities including GEDSI, climate resilience and localisation in MEL systems and processes.

Skills and Experience 

Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in MEL roles, preferably within development programs related to health and/or education infrastructure. Demonstrated ability to work effectively in cross-cultural, high-performing teams, with strong initiative, adaptability, and attention to detail. Experience working with donor-funded projects, particularly in the Pacific region, is highly desirable. Strong knowledge of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods Understanding of MEL frameworks, indicator tracking, and performance monitoring aligned with DFAT reporting. Ability to prepare high-quality MEL reports, briefs, case studies, and visualizations for diverse stakeholders, including government, donors, and community groups. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with government ministries (e.g., Ministry of Health and Ministry of Education), local communities, civil society, and development partners. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and a commitment to continuous learning A demonstrated commitment to child protection and PSEAH and a robust fraud control and anticorruption environment.

How to apply 

Applications close on 4 August 2025.   

Please apply online by submitting a cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of this role and up-to-date comprehensive CV.  

#LI-AUSBRIT #LI-HN1