About the Program 

The Australia-Cambodia Cooperation for Equitable Sustainable Services – Phase 2 (ACCESS 2) builds upon a decade of Australian support to Cambodia to improve service delivery for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and people with disabilities. The investment gives effect to Australia and Cambodia’s shared commitment to advancing gender equality, disability, and social inclusion. 

ACCESS 2 focusses on accelerating access to quality and inclusive services with greater reach for people with disabilities and survivors of GBV in Cambodia. The program addresses the demand- and supply-side barriers to essential service delivery, with increasing focus on sub-national levels to complement national-level support and concerted efforts to address the priorities of indigenous peoples. The program will support efforts to deepen understanding of the intersectional needs of survivors of GBV and people with disabilities, and to translate this into the delivery of services that responds to their needs. 

ACCESS 2 will also support more inclusive policy, planning, and coordination mechanisms to ensure the needs, priorities, preferences, and experiences of survivors of GBV, people with disabilities, and indigenous peoples contribute to systems strengthening for GBV and disability services. This includes facilitating opportunities for the Royal Government of Cambodia (RGC) to meaningfully engage with people with disabilities, survivors of violence and indigenous people, and the organisations that support their representation and advancement.

The program supports key components of Cambodia’s third National Action Plan for the Prevention of Violence against Women (NAPVAW III) and second National Disability Strategic Plan (NDSP II). It provides a shared commitment to improving service delivery for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and people with disabilities in Cambodia. ACCESS 2 has two end of investment outcomes (EOIO):

1. By 2028, select service providers deliver higher quality GBV and disability services to increasing numbers of people in the target provinces

2. By 2028, select national and sub-national policy and planning processes respond to the priorities of survivors of GBV and people with disabilities.

About the Opportunity

The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager will be responsible for the Program’s monitoring, evaluation, research and learning (MERL) functions, and for ensuring continued flexibility, responsiveness, and relevance of MERL processes throughout the Program. This includes supporting the implementation of the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Framework and Plan; the Research, Learning and Policy Influencing Strategy; and the Performance Assessment Framework (PAF) where program results will be aggregated. The frameworks, plan and strategy will be aligned with DFAT’s Standard for M&E Systems. 

The role will actively promote learning, continuous improvement, and adaptive management, provide oversight to the MERL Monitoring Information System (MIS) and, in collaboration with program staff, provide MERL technical services to ACCESS 2 Strategic Implementing Partners (SIPs). Based in Phnom Penh, the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager will report directly to the Team Leader.

The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Manager will:

• MERL Frameworks and Strategies:   Implement and regularly update the ACCESS 2 MEL Framework and Research, Learning, and Policy Influencing Strategy to show performance against the EOIOs. Lead and manage the implementation of the ACCESS 2 MEL plan. Build ownership and understanding of the program team regarding the Theory of Change and MEL, and their roles in achieving program results. Manage MEL processes, including review, data collection, learning activities, and reporting to DFAT. Report every six months against the MEL Plan and Performance Assessment Framework. Drive the learning agenda within the program and among partners, ensuring adherence to DFAT M&E guidelines and Abt’s MERLA principles. Daily manage, develop work plans, and mentor the ACCESS 2 MEL Officer.

• Data Collection, Analysis and Management:   Collect data for monitoring and evaluation using innovative and participatory methods based on the approved results framework. Oversee all primary data collection activities in the field, including monitoring service availability and quality, as well as conducting interviews with partners. Manage all secondary data collection and analysis, including government datasets. Conduct or commission evaluative studies as per the MEL Framework and Plan. Ensure M&E processes follow ethical standards, including ‘do no harm’ and ‘nothing about us without us’. Oversee and improve ACCESS 2’s Management Information System, assist with data entry, and provide technical advice. Conduct ongoing political economy analysis and participate in M&E meetings to showcase ACCESS 2’s successes.

• Technical Assistance and Capacity Building of Program Partners:   Work closely with the MEL Officer to identify and/or develop appropriate and realistic technical assistance and capacity building approaches and strategies for partners. As needed, provide technical assistance to support target ministries and sub-national authorities in reporting progress and results of program-funded activities. Contribute to facilitating and providing technical assistance support to SIPs to strengthen and ensure consistency of systems for data collection, analysis, and use.

• Program Learning, Reporting and Dissemination:   Lead regular ACCESS 2 reflection workshops to enhance program learning and adaptation. Prepare progress reports (every six months and annually), Investment Monitoring Reports (IMRs) for DFAT, and additional reports for the RGC and target ministries, as needed. Develop ACCESS 2 Annual Workplans and use MEL findings for policy advocacy with RGC and SIPs. Support MEL reporting for various meetings and provide data for DFAT evaluations, incorporating findings into program activities. Identify risks to the TL, develop stories of significant change, and focus on effective communication in Program MERL. Facilitate events for idea transfer and use collected data for policy influence.

About You 

We are seeking an individual who: 

• Tertiary qualification in a relevant area such as monitoring and evaluation, economics, statistics, development studies, or any other relevant field. 
• At least 10 years of experience in the field of monitoring and evaluation in the international development sector. 
• Knowledge of evaluation concepts and methodologies, in particular the use of evaluative methods that generate evidence for learning. 
• Demonstrated experience in research, data collection, analysis, and management. 
• Demonstrated experience in working with government and donors, including meeting the diverse reporting requirements of each. 
• Experience with or demonstrated understanding of issues relating to disability and/or gender-based violence in Cambodia as well as the broader political economy context and constraints. 
• Understanding of governance, institutional strengthening, and public financial management in a developing context. 
• Ability to manage multiple demands and prioritize tasks, work effectively and collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, and support other team members. 
• Ability to understand and respond to the data needs of a broad range of users. 
• Ability to support a broad range of actors in enhancing program monitoring, evaluation and reporting functions. 
• Extensive relevant work experience in Cambodia. 
• Fluency in Khmer and strong written and spoken English skills. 
• Knowledge of data visualisation tools and graphics software an asset

How to Apply

Please submit your application online; attach your cover letter and CV as a single document, addressing how you meet the requirements of this role.

Remark: 

Only candidates who have been shortlisted will be contacted for an interview. Abt Associates will not provide email notifications to all candidates or applicants regarding the outcome of the recruitment process.

Closing Date:  Midday AEST, 14 April 2025   #LI-AUSBRIT