Monitoring and Evaluation (MEL)

The Specialist will be required to ensure timely, consistent delivery of the MEL plan, activities and reporting that meet good practice guidelines and DFAT standards. The position will support existing MEL interventions through quantitative MEL approaches including performance and impact stories including on cross-cutting themes.

The Specialist will contribute to the operationalization of the P4A Data Management and Information system. The position will design MEL tools and support the collection of baselines to establish clear targets against EOPOs. This position will play a lead role in collecting, analysing, interpreting and communicating data to inform program delivery and decisions. The Specialist will work closely with the CPIL to support integration of cross-cutting priorities including climate change, disaster resilience and localisation in MEL systems, processes and MEL activities. The Specialist will ensure MEL online data Information System monitors and tracks cross -cutting priorities and where possible, draws on existing data sets in close collaboration with partners.

Inclusion 

This role will require inclusive approaches in the delivery of MEL activities. This is expected to include consideration and integration of inclusive objectives related to GEDSI, climate change and disaster resilience, and other related inclusion and impact objectives of the program. Additionally, the Specialist will support the CPIL to deliver and report on the GEDSI Strategy and undertake GEDSI assessments and analysis to inform review and revisions of the GEDSI Strategy and MEL frameworks. 

The Specialist will support the CPIL to implement the GEDSI Strategy and Action Plan and ensure program activities and the country and regional engagement strategies follow the DFAT’s requirements and standards specific to GEDSI. Following ongoing mentoring and coaching by the CPIL, the Specialist will deliver the GEDSI mainstreaming interventions and delivery of targeted activities prioritized in the GEDSI Strategy and Action Plan.   

Duties and Responsibilites 

The Specialist will:

• Undertake their work under the direction and guidance of the CPIL with the support of expertise and/or outputs of a short-term MEL Adviser.
• Support effective delivery of the P4A Performance Framework, Support CPIP to implement the P4A GEDSI Strategy and Action Plan
• Deliver high quality and timely data and analysis for P4A deliverables including but not limited to baseline, GEDSI -cross cutting data collection, analysis, MEL workplans, 6 monthly and annual reports. 
• Develop a Community of Practice across P4A for MEL & Data Management and Information System 
• Support delivery of P4A GEDSI Strategy, Action Plan, Disability Inclusion and mainstreaming activities 
• Collaborate with P4A, DFAT and Australian High Commissions in the Pacific to report on program activities and achievements against the program logic, MEL and Performance Frameworks and Plans, and the P4A GEDSI Strategy.
• Support the establishment, operationalisation and ongoing implementation of the P4A Data Management and Information System. Preferably using power-bi tools to create and update data dashboards for 6 monthly and annual reports. 
• Contribute to good practice guidelines to drive consistent MEL design and implementation across P4A End of Program Outcome (EOPO) areas meeting DFAT Design, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Standards. 
• Provide technical support, quality assurance and coherence for P4A annual work planning, annual reflection and learning processes as well as delivery of analytical MEL activities including but not limited to: baseline analysis, consideration of MEL in new initiatives, evaluations and reviews, Value for Money analysis and MEL Community of Practice across P4A. 
• Coordinate regular learning including 6 Monthly Reflection processes, impact assessments and rapid reviews.  
• Integrate cross-cutting priorities of GEDSI, safeguarding and climate and disaster resilience, localisation throughout MEL activities and deliverables. 
• Provide support to the CPIL by undertaking research, assessments and GEDSI analysis to inform country and regional engagement strategies and GEDSI Strategy and action plan updates. 
• Assisting the CPIL to periodically review Communications and GEDSI Strategies (as required). 
• Ensure all reports are prepared in accordance with DFAT’s reporting guidelines.
• Undertake other tasks as directed by P4A.

Key Performance Indicators 

• Timely delivery of high-quality outputs.  
• Effective delivery of results as agreed in the program plans.   
• Identify opportunities for the program and assess and manage risk. 
• Responsiveness to requests from P4A Team 
• Effective stakeholder and partner engagement and coordination

Qualifications and Experience 

Proven experience in evaluating and communicating results in regional / multi-country programs in the Pacific. 

Qualifications

• Tertiary degree (post graduate level desirable) in relevant field- economics, international development, evaluation, sector policy; social development 

Required Experience

• Significant practical experience (5+ Years) implementing MEL systems for programs (international development or relevant private sector). 
• Experience implementing GEDSI activities in development programs
• Demonstrated expertise with MEL-related activities such as performance monitoring, MEL plan drafting, methodology design, sampling, qualitative and quantitative analysis, instrument design, field survey management and authoring reports. 
• Demonstrated experience in developing and applying MEL systems with high levels of autonomy. 
• Experience designing, leading, and facilitating learning events and advising on or operationalising learning processes in programs. 
• Experience with MS Office applications (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and working with PowerBI. 
• Experience in integrating gender equality, disability inclusion and/or social inclusion, climate change, disaster resilience, localisation in MEL systems and processes. 
• Experience in stakeholder management and working with GEDSI organisations.