KEY INFORMATION

Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer  
Reports to: Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Lead
Direct Reports: None
Location: Manila, Philippines
Employment type: Full time
Work arrangement: Possibility of hybrid (in office and remote)
Duration: One year with possibility of multiyear extension
  
SUMMARY OF PROGRAM
  
The DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) Social Protection, Inclusion and Gender Equality (SPRING) program is Australia’s flagship investment of support to the Philippine Government on Social Protection, Gender Equality, Disability, Social Inclusion and Indigenous Inclusion. It is an AUD 40 million investment over 5 years that will support the joint Development Partnership Plan (DPP 2024-2029) between the Government of Australia and the Philippine Government. The investment will be the DFAT’s primary avenue in the Philippines for supporting poverty reduction and bilateral funding on gender equality and social inclusion at the national level and with some select Local Government Units (LGUs). SPRING will support efforts under Australia’s new International Development Policy and DFAT’s forthcoming new strategies on gender equality, disability equity and rights, and translate these into implementation in the Philippines.  
  
SPRING will contribute to the goal that the social and economic transformation in the Philippines reduces poverty and provides equal opportunities to all Filipinos in line with the Philippines Development Plan.
  
The objective of SPRING is that Australia works in partnership with the Philippine Government to improve systems and structures that reduce poverty and inequality and advance gender equality and the rights of people with disabilities.
  
SPRING has four mutually reinforcing End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs):
 

1. Philippine Government social protection plans, policies and programs increasingly close gaps in the social protection floor.
2. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and select LGU systems increasingly deliver quality social protection that is inclusive, gender and shock responsive, and climate sensitive.
3. The Philippine Government increasingly invests in gender responsive policies, plans, programs and systems.
4. The Philippine Government improves data, systems and targeting to enable people with disability and Indigenous Peoples improved access to targeted services.

SUMMARY OF POSITION
  
The Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer will be engaged full-time. They report to the MEL Lead and assist the Lead in the regular quantitative and qualitative monitoring and reporting of SPRING’s activities, as per the MEL system. They will ensure baseline data collection is conducted as planned and that data is collected regularly against SPRING’s logical framework indicators. The MEL Officer will assist in data collection, data handling, protection, and analysis, as well as in producing regular monitoring and evaluation reports, evidence-based case studies, and success stories for dissemination. Additionally, they will support SPRING Program partners to ensure application of performance monitoring, and evaluating the success in all planning, budgeting, implementation, reporting and knowledge management activities of the program.
  
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Data Collection, Analysis and Management
 

• Assist in the development and maintenance of SPRING’s databases to ensure that information is accurate and current.
• Monitor the implementation of all activities on an ongoing basis through site visits, receiving reports from implementing partners and obtaining feedback from the recipients of assistance.
• Establish processes for tracking participation in program activities and achievement of outputs.
• Oversee all data collection activities in the field (e.g. monitoring of service availability, access, and quality) to support monitoring and evaluation.
• Conduct annual collation and analysis of selected data in coordination with the SPRING MEL Lead, the sub-national Planning & MEL Officers and the Knowledge and Communications Officer.
• Coordinate with the SPRING technical team members, including the technical leads, Program Specialist, and SP and GEDSI officers across the activity planning, delivery, and reporting cycle.
• Conduct or commission evaluative or research studies, as prescribed by MEL Framework.
• Undertake field visits to confirm and triangulate reported findings, as necessary.
• Ensure a strong emphasis on information analysis and use, balancing the need for regular accountability and contract compliance focused information with the time required to collect, analyse, and use meaningful information.
• Support knowledge management and contributions to evidence that are relevant to advocacy and informing social protection policies and programs. 
• Ensure M&E and data collection processes accord with ethical standards.

Platform Learning, Reporting and Dissemination
 

• Contribute to facilitation of regular reflection workshops to support learning and adaptation.
• Contribute to the preparation and on-time delivery of reports, in an agreed format and to a high level of quality for DFAT (such as six-month Progress Reports and Annual Reports against the MEL Framework, input to DFAT’s annual performance reporting, input into Annual Work Plans, revisions as needed to the MEL Framework, the Completion Report, etc., ), ad hoc reports to the Philippines government, progress reports for the Steering Committee and other governance bodies, and any external reporting, as required.
• Lead on data analytics and visualisation to support the team in reporting and presentations to DFAT, Philippines government, the Steering Committee and other stakeholders, as required.
• Provide data, as required, for DFAT-commissioned independent evaluations and ensure findings from the evaluations are incorporated into SPRING activities and policies as appropriate.
• Identify any risks to SPRING’s ability to report on its achievements.
• Ensure a strong communications focus in SPRING MERL, ensuring quality and accessible communications and knowledge products (e.g., program reports, stories of change, etc.) for a range of audiences, including the donor, program stakeholders and the wider public. 
• Contribute to the facilitation of events that support the transfer of ideas and experiences beyond SPRING.
• In coordination with the KMC Officer, ensure SPRING’s results and lessons learned are communicated ensuring high quality public reporting of program performance and accuracy in messaging of data, results and learnings.  

Research and Analysis 
 

• Manage research and analysis functions, including the commissioning relevant analytics, research, and learning, and providing input to methods proposed and quality assurance of implementation and findings, and final products.
• Ensuring that any relevant findings feed into SPRING’s implementation strategy and communications, are accessible to a broad audience and contribute to the achievement of program objectives.
• Monitor progress of research projects, manage corresponding contract milestones, compliance issues and reporting deadlines, and proactively seek the advice of technical colleagues as necessary.
• Review final research reports, engage with the thematic leads as required to help with the review and QA process, and negotiate revisions and/or additional research requirements.

Partner Level Activities
 

• Generate and monitor data on project progress and provide support to partners to improve MERL and data related issues throughout the project management cycle.
• Monitor and support partners to execute the partner level M&E plans.
• Contribute to development of project design, results chains and M&E plans for new activities and/or grants.
• Encode revised results chains, indicators, and updated work plan into the MEL MIS.
• Carry out data quality assessment and measurement for data quality assurance. 
• Collect necessary local data as required.

REQUIREMENTS
  
Education
 

• Bachelor’s degree in economics, statistics, data analytics, international development, public administration, social sciences, research methodology, or related discipline.

Minimum Experience
 

• Minimum of 3-4 years of experience working on a similar development program (DFAT-funded program an advantage) in a role that involved monitoring, evaluation, and/or research and data analysis.
• Demonstrated ability to use data analytics and visualisation tools and software. (Knowledge and experience with Tableau, Power BI, Stata, SPSS, etc. is an advantage)
• Demonstrated ability to process and analyze technical information from different sectors. 
• Demonstrated experience in quantitative and qualitative research methods, field data collection, analysis, and management.

Key Abilities
 

• Commitment to social protection, gender equality, and inclusion, as foundations of SPRING Program goals and objectives
• Exceptional organizational and planning skills
• Demonstrated strong computer skills including MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook, and SharePoint), MS Visio, or similar software
• Demonstrated experience with various approaches to program planning, monitoring and evaluation
• Strong monitoring and reporting skills with experience on development projects
• Experience maintaining relationships with stakeholders at all levels (government, international and local NGOs, and at community level)
• Experience facilitating participation of marginalized groups and strengthening their voice and input in community initiatives would be an advantage
• Ability to work productively as part of a team, while taking initiative and working independently
• Strong communication skills, including full professional proficiency in written and oral English and Filipino

Promoting Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) is a key focus of SPRING. Applicants with knowledge or experience in GEDSI issues will be highly regarded by the selection panel.

REQUIREMENTS
  
Education
 

• A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Social Development, Public Administration, Development Economics, or other relevant fields in social sciences.

Minimum Experience
 

• 3-5 years of professional experience in social development program implementation, with a focus on policy development, program management, capacity building, and monitoring and evaluation.
• Demonstrated experience in working with the Philippine government such as DSWD, DILG, and LGUs on social protection, social welfare and development programs and policies and of donor-funded programs, particularly DFAT-funded, would be an advantage.
• Proven experience in implementing programs on gender equality, disability and social inclusion particularly promoting inclusion of women, PWDs and IPs in programs, would be an advantage.

Key Abilities
 

• Demonstrated program management skills with an ability to plan, develop, and implement social protection programs, including governance strategies across sectors such as gender equality, disability, and social inclusion in the Philippine context.
• Proven ability to assess complex social protection issues and inform strategic decision-making through analytical and critical thinking.
• Demonstrated understanding of social protection policies, programs, systems, and social inclusion frameworks, with a strong focus on gender equality, disability, and social protection reforms would be an advantage.
• Effective collaboration skills, particularly with Philippine government officials and technical staff, ensuring successful engagement and partnership in social protection initiatives.
• Strong proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PPT, Outlook, SharePoint) and other relevant software tools.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment; adept at prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines while adapting to evolving needs.
• Highly developed problem-solving skills and the ability to analyze, plan, and respond to complex situations effectively.
• Strong communication skills, including fluency in written and oral English and Filipino.
• Knowledge or experience in promoting Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) is a key asset, especially for those engaged in the SPRING project.

APPLICATION PROCESS
  
This is a rolling recruitment. Applications will be reviewed and vetted sequentially as they are received. We encourage interested individuals to apply as early as possible.
  
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as follows: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.
  
Please send your cover letter addressing the position selection criteria and CV with name and contact details (phone and email) of three professional referees to hr@springphilippines.org mentioning the position you are applying for in the subject line “SPRING Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer” or apply online.
  
Women, persons with a disability and Indigenous Peoples are highly encouraged to apply.
  
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law. Persons with disabilities may send a request for reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment process to hr@springphilippines.org
  
Cowater International adheres to the highest standards of protection of children and vulnerable adults in the delivery of programs and services. Cowater is committed to the prevention of sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination. 
  
Cowater International upholds standards of ethical conduct and has zero tolerance against fraud and bribery.
  
Prior to any offer of employment, applicants will be subject to appropriate background checks.
  
We thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted.  
  
About Us
Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada’s Best Managed Companies since 2017. 
  
We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.