• Location: Port Moresby (domestic travel as required)

• Commencement: June 2025

• Open to PNG Citizens 

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.

Position Overview

• The Evaluation Specialist works in a team of 6 to support the MERLA Unit Lead in delivering a strong MERLA system for APEP. The Evaluation Specialist works across all pillars to identify and conduct evaluations as required to drive learning and continuous program improvement. The Evaluation Specialist should have an understanding of DFAT’s Design, Evaluation and Learning Standards and DFAT’s Performance Assessment Framework for facilities and have rich experience in conducing outcome-focused evaluations. This role will be supported by an Evaluation Support Officer 

• Assisting with written responses to DFAT requests for MERLA information and data.

About You 

For applications to be considered, a response to the key selection criteria below must be provided;

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification in international development, business, evaluation or other related field.

Knowledge 

• Demonstrated knowledge of MERLA principles, tools and processes including DFAT’s Design and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Standards.

Skills/Experience

• Demonstrated experience (10+ years desirable) developing and conducting nimble evaluations for a range of thematic areas, with a range of budgets

• Demonstrated experience in conducting evaluations for multi-investment MERLA on large programs

• Demonstrated commitment to the principles of capacity strengthening, inclusion, localisation and equity.

• Demonstrated ability to be resilient and adaptable in changing and challenging contexts.

• 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.

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