KEY INFORMATION 
Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer  
Reports to: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Lead
Location: Manila, Philippines 
Employment type: Full time
Work arrangement: Possibility of hybrid (in office and remote).
Duration: One year with possibility of multiyear extension.
 
SUMMARY OF PROJECT 
 
The DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) Social Protection, Inclusion and Gender equality (SPRING) program is Australia's flagship investment of support to the Philippine Government on Social Protection, Gender Equality, Disability, Social Inclusion and Indigenous Inclusion. It is an AUD 40 million investment over 5 years that will support the joint Development Partnership Plan (DPP 2024-2029) between the Government of Australia and the Philippine Government. The investment will be the DFAT's primary avenue in the Philippines for supporting poverty reduction and bilateral funding on gender equality and social inclusion at the national level and with some select Local Government Units (LGUs). SPRING will support efforts under Australia's new International Development Policy and DFAT's forthcoming new strategies on gender equality, disability equity and rights, and translate these into implementation in the Philippines.  
 
SPRING will contribute to the goal that the social and economic transformation in the Philippines reduces poverty and provides equal opportunities to all Filipinos in line with the Philippines Development Plan.
 
The objective of SPRING is that Australia works in partnership with the Philippine Government to improve systems and structures that reduce poverty and inequality and advance gender equality and the rights of people with disabilities.
 
SPRING has four mutually reinforcing End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs):
 

1. Philippine Government social protection plans, policies and programs increasingly close gaps in the social protection floor.
2. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and select LGU systems increasingly deliver quality social protection that is inclusive, gender and shock responsive, and climate sensitive.
3. The Philippine Government increasingly invests in gender responsive policies, plans, programs and systems.
4. The Philippine Government improves data, systems and targeting to enable people with disability and Indigenous Peoples improved access to targeted services.

SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
 
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer will be engaged full-time. They report to the MEL Lead and assist the Lead in the regular quantitative and qualitative monitoring and reporting of SPRING's activities, as per the MEL system. The role requires a strong combination of Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) experience together with Management Information Systems (MIS), data analytics, and digital systems capability. They will ensure baseline data collection is conducted as planned and that data is collected regularly against SPRING's logical framework indicators. The MEL Officer will assist in data collection, data handling, protection, and analysis, as well as in producing regular monitoring and evaluation reports, evidence-based case studies, and success stories for dissemination. The role will also support the development and maintenance of MEL databases, Power BI dashboards, automated reporting systems, and digital tools to improve data quality, accessibility, reporting efficiency, and evidence-based decision-making. Additionally, they will support SPRING Program partners to ensure application of performance monitoring, and evaluating the success in all planning, budgeting, implementation, reporting and knowledge management activities of the program.
 
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Data Collection, Analysis and Management
 

• Assist in the development and maintenance of SPRING's databases to ensure that information is accurate and current. This includes supporting the development, maintenance, and continuous improvement of SPRING's MEL MIS, dashboards, automated reporting systems, and digital data management tools.
• Monitor the implementation of all activities on an ongoing basis through site visits, receiving reports from implementing partners and obtaining feedback from the recipients of assistance.
• Establish processes for tracking participation in program activities and achievement of outputs.
• Oversee all data collection activities in the field (e.g. monitoring of service availability, access, and quality) to support monitoring and evaluation.
• Conduct annual collation and analysis of selected data in coordination with the SPRING MEL Lead, the sub-national Planning & MEL Officers and the Knowledge and Communications Officer. This includes data cleaning, transformation, validation, analysis, visualization, and interpretation using platforms such as Power BI, Power Query, Power Pivot, Excel data models, and related analytics tools.
• Coordinate with the SPRING technical team members, including the technical leads, Program Specialist, and SP and GEDSI officers across the activity planning, delivery, and reporting cycle.
• Conduct or commission evaluative or research studies, as prescribed by MEL Framework.
• Undertake field visits to confirm and triangulate reported findings, as necessary.
• Ensure a strong emphasis on information analysis and use, balancing the need for regular accountability and contract compliance focused information with the time required to collect, analyse, and use meaningful information.
• Support knowledge management and contributions to evidence that are relevant to advocacy and informing social protection policies and programs. 
• Ensure M&E and data collection processes accord with ethical standards.
• Develop and maintain data analytics dashboards, automated reports, and visualization products to support evidence-based decision-making, adaptive management, and reporting requirements.
• Support the automation and streamlining of data collection, consolidation, reporting, and workflow processes using Microsoft Power Apps, Microsoft 365 applications, and related digital tools where appropriate.
• Carry out data quality assurance processes including data verification, consistency checks, cleaning, validation, and documentation of methodologies and reporting assumptions.

Platform Learning, Reporting and Dissemination

• Contribute to facilitation of regular reflection workshops to support learning and adaptation.
• Contribute to the preparation and on-time delivery of reports, in an agreed format and to a high level of quality for DFAT (such as six-month Progress Reports and Annual Reports against the MEL Framework, input to DFAT's annual performance reporting, input into Annual Work Plans, revisions as needed to the MEL Framework, the Completion Report, etc., ), ad hoc reports to the Philippines government, progress reports for the Steering Committee and other governance bodies, and any external reporting, as required.
• Lead on data analytics and visualisation to support the team in reporting and presentations to DFAT, Philippines government, the Steering Committee and other stakeholders, as required. This includes development of interactive dashboards, automated reporting templates, and visual analytics products using Power BI and related digital reporting tools.
• Provide data, as required, for DFAT-commissioned independent evaluations and ensure findings from the evaluations are incorporated into SPRING activities and policies as appropriate.
• Identify any risks to SPRING's ability to report on its achievements.
• Ensure a strong communications focus in SPRING MERL, ensuring quality and accessible communications and knowledge products (e.g., program reports, stories of change, etc.) for a range of audiences, including the donor, program stakeholders and the wider public. 
• Contribute to the facilitation of events that support the transfer of ideas and experiences beyond SPRING.
• In coordination with the KMC Officer, ensure SPRING's results and lessons learned are communicated ensuring high quality public reporting of program performance and accuracy in messaging of data, results and learnings.  

 
Research and Analysis 
 

• Manage research and analysis functions, including the commissioning relevant analytics, research, and learning, and providing input to methods proposed and quality assurance of implementation and findings, and final products.
• Provide technical input into data systems, analytical methodologies, digital reporting processes, and data visualization approaches to strengthen evidence generation and learning.
• Ensuring that any relevant findings feed into SPRING's implementation strategy and communications, are accessible to a broad audience and contribute to the achievement of program objectives.
• Monitor progress of research projects, manage corresponding contract milestones, compliance issues and reporting deadlines, and proactively seek the advice of technical colleagues as necessary.
• Review final research reports, engage with the thematic leads as required to help with the review and QA process, and negotiate revisions and/or additional research requirements. 

 
Partner Level Activities
 

• Generate and monitor data on project progress and provide support to partners to improve MERL and data related issues throughout the project management cycle.
• Monitor and support partners to execute the partner level M&E plans.
• Contribute to development of project design, results chains and M&E plans for new activities and/or grants.
• Encode revised results chains, indicators, and updated work plan into the MEL MIS.
• Carry out data quality assessment and measurement for data quality assurance. 
• Collect necessary local data as required. 

 
 
REQUIREMENTS
 
Education 
 

• Bachelor's degree in economics, statistics, mathematics, data science, information systems, international development, public administration, social sciences, research methodology, or related discipline. 

 
Minimum Experience 
 

• Minimum of 3-4 years of experience working on a similar development program (DFAT-funded program an advantage) in a role that involved monitoring, evaluation, and/or research and data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to use data analytics and visualisation tools and software. ( Strong experience with Microsoft Power BI, Power Query, Power Pivot, Power Apps, advanced Excel data modelling, and dashboard development is highly desirable).
• Demonstrated experience in developing, maintaining, or supporting databases, dashboards, digital reporting systems, or MEL management information systems (MIS)
• Demonstrated ability to process and analyze technical information from different sectors. 
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods, field data collection, analysis, and management.
• Experience in data quality assurance, data cleaning, reporting automation, and visualization for monitoring and evaluation purposes is highly desirable

 
Key Abilities
 

• Commitment to social protection, gender equality, and inclusion, as foundations of SPRING Program goals and objectives.
• Exceptional organizational and planning skills
• Demonstrated strong computer skills including MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook, and SharePoint), MS Visio, or similar software.
• Proficiency in Excel, including Power Query, Power Pivot, data modelling, and analytical functions.
• Strong capability in data analytics, dashboard development, visualization, and reporting using Power BI and related business intelligence tools.
• Demonstrated experience with various approaches to program planning, monitoring and evaluation. 
• Strong monitoring and reporting skills with experience on development projects.
• Experience maintaining relationships with stakeholders at all levels (government, international and local NGOs, and at community level).
• Experience facilitating participation of marginalized groups and strengthening their voice and input in community initiatives would be an advantage.
• Ability to work productively as part of a team, while taking initiative and working independently.
• Strong communication skills, including full professional proficiency in written and oral English and Filipino.
• Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of GEDSI principles, with knowledge or experience in promoting gender equality, disability, and social inclusion especially within adaptive programs like SPRING. This includes a clear understanding of and practical experience in safeguarding, particularly in the context of child protection (CP) and Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH), with the ability to integrate safeguarding measures into program implementation.
• Compliance to DFAT policies on fraud control, financing terrorism, child protection and other social safeguards.

 
 
Application Process
 
The application period will close on 20 May 2026. All applications received by the deadline will be reviewed thereafter.
 
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as follows: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.
 
Please send your cover letter addressing the position selection criteria and CV with name and contact details (phone and email) of three professional referees to hr@springphilippines.org, mentioning the position you are applying for in the subject line "SPRING Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer" or apply online.
 
Women, persons with a disability and Indigenous Peoples are highly encouraged to apply.
 
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law. Persons with disabilities may send a request for reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment process to hr@springphilippines.org.   
 
Cowater International adheres to the highest standards of protection of children and vulnerable adults in the delivery of programs and services. Cowater is committed to the prevention of sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. 
 
Cowater International upholds standards of ethical conduct and has zero tolerance against fraud and bribery.
 
Prior to any offer of employment, applicants will be subject to appropriate background checks.
 
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.  
 
About Us
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada's Best Managed Companies since 2017. 
 
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.