About the Program
The Australia PNG Subnational Program (APSP) is an enabling mechanism comprised of four separately designed programs including: Bougainville Partnership (BP), Kokoda Initiative Partnership (KIP), the Subnational Governance Implementation Plan (SGIP), and the Western Province Partnership (WPP). Each program has its own outcomes, theory of change, operational approach and separate monitoring and evaluation systems.
The APSP Facility has two End of Facility Outcomes (EOFO):
Efficient and effective programs delivered in selected provinces that achieve planned end of program outcomes. Australia recognized as a well-informed and constructive partner for investment and policy dialogue at subnational level.About the Opportunity
The APSP (MERLA) Adviser will:
Report to the APSP Performance, Learning and Communications (PLC) Lead to provide a range of essential, high-quality, and timely MERLA technical services that meet the Facility’s performance and learning requirements. Receive direction from and provide MERLA support to the Team Leader for the Kokoda Initiative Partnership (KIP) and KIP team member, and the Deputy Team Leader for the Subnational Governance Implementation Plan (SGIP) and SGIP team members.Key responsibilities
The APSP MERLA Adviser will provide technical guidance to the Kokoda Initiative Partnership (KIP) and the Subnational Governance Implementation Plan (SGIP) to establish/design, implement, support, and adapt monitoring frameworks, systems, plans, tools, and processes. Specifically, the adviser will:
Provide high quality and timely technical services for all aspects of MERLA in a way that balances accountability, rigor, ongoing improvement/adaptive management, and program flexibility. Build and maintain strong relationships with the KIP and SGIP teams, including its international and local advisers, and other APSP MERLA colleagues and stakeholders. Actively participate in the APSP MERLA CoP to establish and share ‘fit-for-purpose’ good practice. Ensure strategic coherence and timely iteration of KIP and SGIP’s MERLA and implementation plans. In coordination with the Team Leader for KIP, Deputy Team Leader for SGIP, and the PLC Lead, implement the KIP and SGIP MERLA Frameworks, and all supporting MERLA arrangements that will meet the program components’ accountability and learning needs. Liaise with the PLC Lead regarding use of appropriate existing APSP MERLA tools or the need to develop specific tools. These tools will include, but not be limited to regular MERLA plans that integrate with management plans, monitoring tools, report formats, survey designs, value for money reporting, databases, and other IT record management systems to be maintained etc. Finalise baseline assessments/surveys of beneficiaries’ socio-economic situation, organisational capacities, GESI analysis etc. Periodically update this data and conduct beneficiary survey/focus groups to provide objective evidence of progress and constraints. Establish and maintain data management processes, ensuring compatibility with relevant APSP-wide MERLA systems. Collaborate with the PLC Lead and program component leads to ensure all KIP and SGIP performance reports and data are provided on time, at a high quality and in accordance with DFAT/AHC requirements. Develop a collaborative rapport with other research stakeholders to ensure long-term evidence and research feeds into policy development and management. Consistent with the program components’ governance arrangements, and in liaison with the Team Leaders promote adaptive management by organising an annual review and reflection exercise involving key stakeholders, as an adjunct to the annual reporting obligations, to demonstrate both transparency and accountability to the key stakeholders. Develop and supervise ongoing analytical exercises and reviews aimed at both better understanding development constraints and assessing performance. Ensure this is linked to APSP-level systems and requirements, incase such analysis should be APSP-wide. Support partner compliance with DFAT policies on environmental and social safeguarding. Ensure personal compliance with all DFAT and Abt Policies. Implement any other reasonable instructions from management.Key deliverables
MERLA Implementation Plan and regular update process KIP and SGIP Baseline Assessments and two-yearly updates (including final survey before Completion Report) Annual and Six-monthly data to PLC Lead for DFAT reporting Annual and Six-monthly progress reports (within two-months of end of reporting period) Other analytical assessments and significant ‘activity’ reviews KIP and SGIP Completion ReportsKey working relationships
APSP Performance, Learning and Communications (PLC) Lead KIP Team Leader SGIP Deputy Team Leader KIP MERLA manager and program managers SGIP MERLA officer and program managers Australian High Commission (AHC)About You
For applications to be considered, a response to the key selection criteria below must be provided.
Demonstrated experience (minimum of 5-years’) preferably with minimum of 2-years international experience Demonstrated expertise in the application of performance assessment or monitoring and evaluation frameworks and review/evaluation design. Experience in identifying and delivering innovative approaches to MERLA for flexible and adaptive aid programs. Demonstrated ability to operate with innovation, adaptability, flexibility, and resilience to accommodate change in a complex, uncertain, high-energy environment – such as PNG or a comparable experience.How to Apply
Please ensure to address the Key Selection Criteria (About You) in your cover letter, and submit your application online, along with your CV as a single document. Applications must be submitted personally by individuals only. Applications submitted by a company or organisation will not be accepted. The successful applicant will be engaged through an employment agreement determined by Abt.We welcome and thank all applications; however only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.
Closing Date: Wednesday, 11 December 2024 (Midday, local time) #LI-AUSBRIT
Abt Global is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to upholding high standards of Child Protection, Anti-bribery and Fraud Protection.
We encourage applications from experienced and capable women, and people with disabilities