Job Attributes
* Location: Australia (Canberra or Brisbane preferred)
* Duration of contract: 12 months, ending 30 June 2027
* Open to candidates with full work rights in Australia
Job Description
The position will support the Australia Pacific Leaders Program (APLP), an Australian Government initiative that empowers Pacific leaders and builds relationships with Australian agencies. The role focuses on the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) and Management Information System (MIS) aspects of the program, ensuring robust data collection, analysis and reporting to support decision‐making and accountability.
About the Program
The APLP delivers study tours, high‐level visits, professional development and support for locally led projects. Activities include assisting governments, civil society and communities in the Pacific to design and implement community‐level initiatives.
About the Program Support Unit (PSU)
Abt Global Australia is contracted to deliver the PSU, which provides practical support for DFAT‐led study tours, training events and grant management. The PSU works closely with DFAT in Canberra and posts across the Pacific to ensure activities meet high standards.
Opportunity
Abt is seeking a MEL and MIS Lead to review and operationalise the APLP Monitoring Results Framework, build a MEL plan, manage the Program Delivery Hub, and guide data governance, analysis and reporting within the program.
Key Responsibilities
Inception and Transition
* Work with DFAT counterparts to establish or adopt MEL systems, reporting processes, data standards and governance arrangements.
* Co‐develop ways of working for MEL, reporting and evidence use.
* Ensure systems and processes are scalable and fit for ongoing delivery.
* Provide user‐focused guidance for the Program Delivery Hub, establishing a reliable information repository for coordination and transparency.
MEL Leadership
* Design, implement and refine the APLP MEL framework, including theories of change, indicators and learning questions.
* Introduce innovative data collection methods suited to senior government leaders.
* Ensure MEL supports adaptive management, accountability and value for money, aligning with DFAT standards.
* Lead analysis of MEL data to generate insights for DFAT, program leadership and delivery teams.
* Facilitate regular reflection and learning to inform program improvement.
Program Delivery Hub & MIS
* Design, establish and operate the Program Delivery Hub, collaborating with MIS, activity and operations leads to create an integrated information source.
* Provide strategic oversight of MIS functionality, data governance, quality assurance and system improvements.
* Ensure the Hub supports coordination, visibility for DFAT and evidence‐based decision making.
Reporting and DFAT Engagement
* Lead preparation of high‐quality MEL inputs for reports, briefs, tier 2 and performance reporting, ensuring compliance with ODA, non‐ODA and DFAT obligations.
* Ensure reporting products are accurate, timely and decision‐useful.
* Support DFAT engagement by providing credible evidence on performance, outcomes and learning.
Collaboration and Capability Building
* Embed MEL and MIS into day‐to‐day program delivery with team leads and DFAT counterparts.
* Build MEL and MIS capability within the PSU through guidance, tools and hands‐on support.
* Integrate cross‐cutting priorities such as gender equality, disability equity, inclusion, safeguarding, climate change and local development.
About You
Qualifications
* Relevant tertiary qualification in monitoring and evaluation, data/information systems, social sciences or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
Skills & Experience
* Experience leading MEL systems for complex programs, ideally in international development or government.
* Strong understanding of DFAT MEL standards and performance reporting requirements.
* Experience applying a Thinking and Working Politically approach to MEL.
* Proven experience in designing or managing management information systems and data governance.
* Experience developing and managing performance dashboards and visualisations using Power BI, Tableau or advanced Excel.
* High‐level analytical skills in qualitative and quantitative data analysis and synthesis.
* Understanding of data quality assurance, ethical data collection and governance.
* Proven experience embedding learning and adaptive management into program delivery.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to present insights to senior stakeholders.
* Strong stakeholder engagement skills with government counterparts.
* Ability to manage competing priorities, respond to short‐notice requests and work in a fast‐paced environment.
Commitment to Equity
Abt Global values individuality and celebrates difference with a strong commitment to diversity, equality, racial equity, gender, and disability inclusion. We strongly encourage people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply for this position. Flexible work arrangements and a culturally safe environment are offered. Reasonable accommodation for people with a disability is available.
Commitment to Safeguarding
Abt is deeply committed to safeguarding, protecting and preventing harm and abuse to individuals we work for and who work for us. Our recruitment and selection procedures reflect a commitment to protecting children and vulnerable adults from abuse and exploitation. Discrimination, harassment, child abuse, sexual abuse or exploitation in any form will not be tolerated, and we expect everyone to be treated with respect and dignity.
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