About the Program
The Southeast Asia Leadership Program (SEALP) is a new initiative contributing to greater high-level understanding and linkages between Australia and Southeast Asia by supporting emerging and current leaders and decision-makers across the region to undertake undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships, including Australia Awards Brunei and Australia Awards Singapore, as well as tailored shorter educational activities. SEALP’s three intended outcomes are:
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Alumni leaders apply their knowledge, skills and networks to contribute to defined areas of shared interest.
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Australia has strong and enduring networks of influence across ASEAN countries through targeted scholarships and training.
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Alumni leaders actively engage and contribute to cooperation with Australia.
The ASEAN-Australia Centre Leadership Program (ALP) supports the ASEAN-Australia Centre's work to build a network of future ASEAN leaders with strong connections to Australia who will drive positive change across Australia and Southeast Asia. The ALP consists of two streams delivered in Australia: Short Courses and an Emerging Leaders Program.
A future Australian Government-funded leadership program is expected to complement the existing leadership portfolio, further supporting Australia's engagement objectives through leadership development, professional exchange and strengthened regional networks across Southeast Asia.
The Role
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Adviser will provide technical advice and lead delivery of a robust MEL system across SEALP programs.
The MEL Adviser will proactively lead MEL across the SEALP, regardless of delivery mechanism, and will provide high-level technical leadership to strengthen the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the SEALP’s MEL systems, ensuring coherence and efficiencies across programs. Support will include components managed by Palladium and those managed directly by DFAT, ensuring coherence and efficiencies across the broader initiative.
The role will focus on:
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Ensuring the program’s MEL framework/s are robust, fit-for-purpose, and aligned to DFAT requirements.
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Strengthening data quality, analysis, and use for decision-making.
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Supporting adaptive management and learning.
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Leading development of qualitative case studies, showing contribution to End of Program Outcomes.
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With the Team Leader, developing fit-for-purpose Annual Reports and dashboards for the SEALP
Responsibilities
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MEL Frameworks – design and implementation
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Develop and/or refine Program Logics as required.
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Develop the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework for the forthcoming program that can be readily adapted for use in additional Southeast Asian contexts.
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Lead the development, refinement, and implementation of MEL Plans and Results Frameworks, including proposing and designing innovative approaches to MEL.
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Work with key stakeholders (including DFAT) to ensure shared understanding of the required roles and responsibilities of data collection and data quality, reporting and performance measurement across SEALP components delivered by Palladium and those delivered directly by DFAT.
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Work with universities to develop and implement a high-quality fit-for-purpose reporting approach for the forthcoming program.
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Provide technical input into guiding frameworks to ensure shared understanding of program monitoring, evaluation and reporting requirements among all stakeholders.
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Provide technical oversight to ensure indicators are measurable, relevant, and aligned to outcomes, providing clear justification for revised or new indicators.
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Ensure alignment with DFAT reporting requirements.
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Data management, quality and analysis
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Strengthen data management systems, including databases and MIS platforms.
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Guide the Program Officer to ensure accurate collection and storage of data.
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Establish fit-for-purpose and tailored participant and stakeholder surveys and other data gathering tools, ensuring relevance for audience and aligned with the MEL Framework.
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Lead development of analysis and qualitative case studies, ensuring fit-for-purpose for senior DFAT audiences.
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Ensure data quality assurance processes are in place and adhered to.
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Analyse MEL data to generate insights that inform program decision-making.
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Integrate performance information from Palladium, DFAT and other delivery partners to support whole-of-SEALP analysis and reporting.
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Reporting and performance monitoring
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Lead and/or quality assure program reporting (e.g., annual reports, activity progress reports, dashboards), ensuring inclusion of DFAT recommendations.
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Lead the development of whole of program performance stories, case studies, and learning briefs, ensuring fit-for-purpose for senior DFAT audiences.
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Contribute to DFAT reporting requirements including Program Completion Reports where relevant.
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Support reporting that presents a coherent picture of performance and outcomes across the full SEALP design, including DFAT-managed components.
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Evaluation, research and learning
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Lead program reflection workshops with staff, and other relevant stakeholders, including DFAT, to coordinate information sharing and engagement across stakeholders, identify lessons learnt and any required program adaptations.
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As relevant, design and support evaluations, reviews, and research activities.
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Promote use of evidence to inform adaptive management and program improvements.
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Cooperate with any independent reviews commissioned by DFAT.
This Short-Term Agreement (STA) opportunity is available for an immediate start and offers engagement through to 30 June 2029, with an estimated workload of up to 130 days over the term of the agreement. The role reports to the Team Leader, SEALP and ALP.
About You
You will bring substantial experience in monitoring, evaluation and performance measurement, along with proven capability in designing and implementing performance assessment frameworks. You’ll be confident analysing data and evidence, engaging with diverse stakeholders, and translating insights into clear, practical findings that support learning and continuous improvement. Experience on DFAT, especially Non-Overseas Development Assistant programs, will be highly desirable.
Qualifications and Experience
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Tertiary degree in research, MEL, social sciences, international development, or related field.
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Substantial experience in monitoring, evaluation, or performance measurement, including the development and implementation of Program Logics, MEL Frameworks and Plans.
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Experience designing and implementing innovative MEL approaches for complex, adaptive or tailored programs, including the use of qualitative and quantitative evidence to assess outcomes, identify learning and support program adaptation.
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Strong analytical and reporting skills, including the ability to collect and analyse quantitative and qualitative data and translate findings into clear, evidence-based reporting and recommendations.
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Excellent interpersonal and high quality, professional writing skills including cross-cultural experience.
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Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities across multiple programs, maintain attention to detail, and meet tight deadlines across multiple concurrent activities.
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Sound problem-solving and decision-making skills, with the ability to work independently and as part of a team in a dynamic program environment.
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Considerable understanding and application of DFAT development programming and M&E guidelines and procedures. Experience on Non-Overseas Development Assistance (non-ODA) programs is highly desirable.
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Experience and/or understanding of the political economy in Southeast Asia is highly desirable.
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Knowledge/experience working within the higher education sector and/or Australia Awards is highly desirable.
To Apply
If interested, please submit your CV and a brief Cover Letter (maximum of 2 pages) outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position, through the Palladium International Careerspage.
Closing date: Sunday, 30 September 2026, 11.59pm AEDT
Applications submitted through email will not be accepted. Please note of the following:
- We are only accepting applications from job seekers with full working rights within Australia
- The company does not offer visa sponsorship or relocation support for this role.
- We are not accepting resumes from recruitment agencies for this role.
For further information please email HR.AAGSM@thepalladiumgroup.com
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Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity and inclusion across all activities. We promote a diverse and inclusive workforce and ensure all applicants and employees are treated fairly and equally, regardless of background or personal characteristics. We encourage applications from all individuals and provide reasonable adjustments or accommodations where required.
Safeguarding - Palladium maintains a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of harm, including sexual exploitation, abuse, harassment, child abuse, and human trafficking. We are committed to protecting our people, partners, and communities and ensuring safe and respectful environments. All personnel are expected to uphold safeguarding standards, with successful candidates subject to enhanced screening, including safeguarding-focused assessments and due diligence, in line with Palladium’s Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies.
