About the Program 

The Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Program Phase 3 (VAPJP3) is an AUD25m investment. The program will continue Australia’s engagement in Vanuatu, building upon the positive outcomes of previous investments in policing and justice. The previous program, (VAPJP 2) was also managed by Palladium and concluded at the end of December 2024. The Government of Australia supports the continuation of this program commencing from January 2025 over four years. The possibility exists for a further four-year extension. In continuing this assistance, Australia responds to the expressed wishes of the Government of Vanuatu (GoV)  who were consulted in the Mid-Term Review of VAPJP2 and the development of the VAPJP3 investment design.

Duration of the Contract: Up to 45 months, until 31 December 2028

Location: Port Vila, Vanuatu, with the ability to travel to other locations in Vanuatu as required

Reporting to: Team Leader

The Opportunity:

The MERL Manager will be responsible for overseeing the design and implementation of MERL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning) frameworks to ensure effective project monitoring and evaluation and generate robust evidence to be used in adaptive program management. This role involves collecting and analysing data, generating insights to improve project outcomes, and reporting progress to stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities include:

Development and Implementation of MERL Frameworks

• Commit to the delivery of company and regional objectives (Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)) ensuring that personal Key Results Areas (KRAs) are delivered with excellence and timeliness. 
• Lead the design and development of a comprehensive MERL framework including developing a theory of change tailored to Program requirements and methodologies for collection of quantitative and qualitative data in consultation with team members and stakeholders.
• Manage MERL deliverables and contribute to process improvement through innovative and cost-effective ideas and solutions.
• Align MERL activities with Strategic and Operational Plans and objectives and ensure the effective implementation of MERL frameworks throughout all phases of the Program.
• Research and maintain knowledge and understanding of MERL and industry trends, client or country specific challenges and best practice, competitors and market intelligence.
• Develop and maintain a MERL tool kit to support ad-hoc and investment reporting.
• Prepare detailed reports on Program progress, outcomes, and impact and generate customised reports to meet the needs of various stakeholders, including donors and senior management.
• Maintain standards of excellence in the design, implementation and documentation of all MERL activities.

Capacity Building and Training

• Develop training materials and resources to enhance MERL capabilities within the Program team and with external counterparts and provide training and support on MERL processes, tools and leading practices.
• Train, mentor and coach colleagues, supporting them to work through ambiguity and ensuring messages from leadership are supported and clearly cascaded.
• Offer guidance and capacity-building support to project partners.

Quality Assurance and Compliance

• Monitor the quality and reliability of data collected, ensuring compliance with MERL standards and protocols.
• Assist with the identification and management of MERL risks and changing contexts, supporting their identification, reporting, management and mitigation.
• Implement quality assurance measures to continuously improve MERL processes

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

• Demonstrate high level interpersonal skills to influence and manage project and client expectations; interact, engage and communicate with key stakeholders; and understand client challenges
• Articulate and confidently present solutions to complex issues; develop excellent working relationships within internal and external stakeholders and effectively communicate MERL findings to stakeholders to inform decision-making.
• Collaborate closely with project teams to integrate MERL activities within Program goals.
• Search out opportunity to expand MERL capabilities within Government Counterpart agencies, particularly in provincial settings, working in a sustainable manner.
• Assistance in the coordination, information capture and reporting of Political Economy Analysis (PEA) sessions and other joint planning or analysis sessions, for Program and in support of counterpart agencies. 

Relationships, Communication & Development:

• Develop and maintain client and stakeholder relationships and maintain professional, respectful and effective relationships with colleagues. 
• Self-evaluate quality of work, search opportunities for continuous improvement, encourage and value feedback from others and develop skills in providing balanced feedback to others.
• Encourage a respectful work environment through applying effective conflict resolution techniques and unbiased motivational support in order to settle differences in a positive and constructive manner.
• Collaborate as a member of a multi-disciplinary team with the collective responsibility of achieving the program’s EOPOs by demonstrating commitment and support for the Palladium Code of Conduct. 

Reporting Requirements

• Attendance and verbal / interactive briefings at team meetings, other requested meetings and regional meetings (e.g. townhalls).
• Regular (minimum of monthly) one to one meetings with line manager on the status of personal KPIs/KRAs, career development discussions and any other matters.
• MERL activity delivery in line with Strategic and Operational planning documents, including periodic progress reporting.
• MERL data reports and analysis in a timely manner to support DFAT investment reporting and other ad-hoc reporting requirements.

Authority Levels

• A high degree of autonomy on projects with appropriate consultation where applicable
• Relating to your assigned projects, the role will be required to manage, analyse and make sound recommendations to the senior management team. 
• You will also be expected to contribute to process improvement through innovative and cost-effective proposals/ideas/suggestions

Key Relationships

• Internal: Team Leader, MERL Coordinator, MERL Specialist, administrative support personnel.
• External: Australian Federal Police (AFP) MERL Specialist, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), MERL personnel in stakeholder agencies including Ministry of Internal Affairs, Vanuatu Police Force, Ministry of Justice and Community Services, Vanuatu Society for People with Disability, Vanuatu Women’s Centre and others.

About You

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline or equivalent level of experience;
• Relevant knowledge and experience of establishing MERL systems or processes and program logics, theory of change development and impact assessment;
• Highly experienced in designing and applying quantitative and qualitative MERL tools/methods;
• Experience in DFAT or other similar donor-funded programs;
• Excellent technical writing and verbal communication skills (English and Bislama);
• Experience in planning and delivering MERL training programs to MERL and non-MERL staff;
• Superior research and data analysis skills;
• Advanced expertise in Microsoft Excel;
• Flexibility to travel to various locations throughout Vanuatu;
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, particularly in a multi-cultural environment.

Essential Skills and Attributes

• Highly developed organisational skills, agility and the ability to balance and prioritise multiple tasks, and work well under pressure;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in using project management tools and software.
• High level of initiative and problem-solving capabilities.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Security and Work Requirements

• Must be a Citizen of Vanuatu OR be eligible to obtain a Special Category Visa (SCV) for Vanuatu
• Have no prior convictions or Police Record

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Familiarity with Vanuatu’s cultural and operational context.
• Experience with dashboarding approaches to data visualisation including experience producing data visuals with software such as Power BI or Canva; 
• Experience line managing team members;
• Experience conducting independent research projects

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.

Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.

Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.