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 Dialogue.

Gender 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 Unit 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 Officer - Fostering Inclusive Growth and Expanded Livelihoods will support the MERLA Unit Lead to deliver a strong MERLA system for APEP. The MERLA Officers will be embedded within a strategic pillar, working closely with the technical team to monitor and evaluate progress at the pillar level and contribute performance data towards broader APEP objectives. 

The Officer will conduct routine monitoring and work closely with: the Unit’s Evaluation Specialist, who leads on evaluations across the facility; and the MELRA Lead, who oversees the APEP MERLA system. They will also support the pillar-led activity design, implementation and close-out process, ensuring that activities align with the Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (MEF) and outcomes are tracked. The MERLA Unit Officer must demonstrate understanding of DFAT’s Design, Evaluation and Learning Standards and DFAT’s Performance Assessment Framework for facilities.

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 conducting MERLA on agriculture or livelihood development 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 monitoring and evaluation, international development or other related field.

For more information on the role and how to apply, please click on ‘GO TO PROVIDER WEBSITE’