This Opportunity  

The MERL Coordinator will work within VAPJP and collaborate with Government of Vanuatu (GoV) and program partners to progress MERL priorities related to data collection, cleaning and reporting and will contribute to the development and maintenance of a robust evidence base for adaptive program management. This role will contribute to MERL training of MERL and non-MERL workforces to improve the collection of accurate and valid data from various parts of the Chain of Justice and support the growth/increase in MERL knowledge and appreciation of MERL processes and outcomes among sector agencies/stakeholders. The position will provide support to the revitalisation of the Sector MERL Network and contribute to sector MERL improvements for reporting against business and strategic planning documents, including contribution to NSDP goals.  

The MERL Coordinator will support the MERL Manager and MERL Specialist with the establishment of the MERL Framework, MERL Plan and MERL System for VAPJP Phase 3, enabling VAPJP to meet DFAT’s reporting requirements as well as those of other stakeholders such as AFP. 

Location  

This is a full-time, fixed-term position with a contract running until 30 June 2028, and with the possibility of extension to 31 December 2028. The role will be based in Port Vila, Vanuatu with travel to the Islands as required. 

Reporting Lines 

This role reports to the MERL Manager (Technical) and Operations Manager (Administrative). 

Key Responsibilities 

Development and Implementation of MERL Frameworks 

• Support the development and implementation of the MERL Framework, MERL Plan and MERL System.
• Support the develop and implementation of appropriate data collection tools and methods in accordance with the MERL Framework, Plan and System.
• Ensure that MERL activities meet the program's ethical guidelines for research and evaluation.
• Collaborate with the MERL Manager, GEDSI and Community Engagement Manager and Disability Inclusion Support Officer to develop and implement consistent, accountable, and quality reporting against the GEDSI Action Plan (GAP), inclusive of VAPJP Disability and Social Inclusion initiatives. 

Technical Assistance and Capacity Development 

• Participate in and contribute to MERL Professional Development activities for VAPJP team members and stakeholders including trainings, mentoring and communities of practice.
• Support VAPJP and stakeholders to update (where necessary), develop and improve the use of MERL tools and the MERL Toolkit with the aim of improving reporting quality and reducing duplication.
• Seek out and take part in professional development activities for improvement of skills.
• Assist with the revitalisation and capacity development of established sector MERL Network, with efforts to strengthen local systems for operational and strategic reporting
• Take part in regular Palladium MERL Community of Practice meetings for sharing of knowledge 

Data Collection and analysis 

• Coordinate AFP, Police support staff, Justice & Community Support Staff, VPF, and MJYCS Agency contributions towards MELF data collection.
• Support VAPJP Senior Management team and the MEL Manager to collate and cleanse data as required for investment and ad-hoc DFAT, AFP and GoV reporting.
• Support MERL Manager and SMT report writing for DFAT investment reports.
• Support MERL Manager to conduct data and trend analysis
• Conduct qualitative information collection to support baseline surveys, annual surveys, and case studies in line with MERL Framework requirements
• Assist in the coordination, information capture and reporting of Political Economy Analysis (PEA) sessions and other joint planning or analysis sessions, for Program and in support of counterpart agencies.
• Contribute to MERL products (including reports, dashboards, and briefs) that meet both the information needs of the intended audience/s and DFAT's MEL standards.
• Enable improved use of evidence amongst VAPJP staff and stakeholder agencies. 

General Requirements 

• Collaborate as a member of a multi-disciplinary team with the collective responsibility of achieving the program’s EOPOs by demonstrating commitment and support for the Palladium Code of Conduct.
• Mainstream cross-cutting issues (Sustainability, Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion) consistently across communications for VAPJP activities
• Maintain a positive and effective working relationship with MERL Manager, MERL Specialists, Senior Management Team, VAPJP team members, client, and partner agency MERL teams
• Attend team meetings, other requested meetings, and regional meetings (e.g. townhalls).
• Take part in regular (minimum of monthly) one to one meetings with line manager on the status of personal KPIs/KRAs, career development discussions and any other matters.
• Other duties as deemed necessary by the program. 

Deliverables / Reporting Requirements 

• Attendance and verbal / interactive briefings at team meetings, other requested meetings, and regional meetings (e.g. townhalls).
• Regular (minimum of monthly) one to one meetings with line manager on the status of personal KPIs/KRAs, career development discussions and any other matters.
• MERL activity delivery in line with Strategic and Operational planning documents, including periodic progress reporting.
• MERL data reports and analysis in a timely manner to support DFAT investment reporting and other ad-hoc reporting requirements.
• A handover / completion report at the end of the contract term, in a format agreed by VAPJP Management and DFAT 

Key Selection Criteria 

Essential Qualifications and Experience 

• Qualifications (e.g. Diploma) in MERL or a related discipline or equivalent level of experience;
• Prior experience of program logic and theory of change development and impact assessment;
• Relevant experience of performing MERL activities such as survey and interview design as well as data collection, entry, cleansing, collation, and analysis;
• Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative MERL tools/methods such as outcome harvesting, impact tracing, most significant change, and tracer studies;
• Proficiency in technical writing and verbal communication skills (English and Bislama);
• Experience in contributing to planning and delivery of MERL Professional Development trainings;
• Expertise in Microsoft Excel;
• Flexibility to travel to various locations throughout Vanuatu;
• Experience in DFAT or other similar donor-funded programs;
• Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, particularly in a multi-cultural environment. 

Essential Skills and Attributes 

• Proficient in organisation and multitasking with an ability to initiate and follow up tasks;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse organisations (or various parts of organisations).
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with people at all levels of an organisation, maximising cooperation and contributing in team environments to achieve collective goals.
• High level of integrity 

Security and Work Requirements 

• Must be a Citizen of Vanuatu
• Have no prior convictions or Police Record  

Desirable Qualifications and Experience 

• Familiarity and experience with dashboarding approaches to data visualisation, including software used for producing data visuals such as Excel, Power BI or Canva;
• Experience in MERL work within police, law and justice sectors;
• Experience of MERL in the context of Australian-Government (DFAT) programs. 

Job Description  

Please read the Job Description before applying. Download this link:  

https://tinyurl.com/jssten97  

How to Apply 

Applications for this role must be submitted online using the link below:  

https://tinyurl.com/42upkxx9 

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Equity, Diversity & Inclusion 

Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success, and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.  

Should you require any adjustments or accommodation to be made due to a disability, or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.  

Palladium recognizes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the country throughout Australia, and we pay our respects to Elders past, present, and future.  

​​Safeguarding 

We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse.  All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.