Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Coordinator - Australi at Abt Global

Suva, Central, Fiji -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

15 Oct, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

17 Jul, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Monitoring and Evaluation, Data Management, Results Framework, Project Management, Public Health, Data Collection Tools, Reporting, Training and Facilitation, Strategic Planning, Health Audit, Epidemiology, Biostatistics

Industry

Business Consulting and Services

Description

Fiji Program Support Platform (FPSP) * Locally engaged personnel: 1.5 year with possibility of 2-year extension. * Reserved for Fiji Nationals only * GoF Civil Service Pay Scale Band H Step 1-4 * Two (2) Vacancies * Based in Suva, Fiji * Please apply online by submitting a cover letter addressing how you meet the selection criteria of this role and up-to-date comprehensive CV. Program Overview: FPSP, also referred to as the ‘Platform’, a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) investment, will contribute to the delivery of Fiji’s national development priorities, in line with the Australia’s International Development Policy, the Fiji-Australia Vuvale Partnership and the Development Partnership Plan. The Platform will deliver key bilateral programs, such as health, education, scholarships, social infrastructure, governance, climate and emergency preparedness and response. Platform activities will identify and address climate risks, promote climate action, and gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) across and beyond the sector programs. The Platform has three functional Outcomes: 1. The Platform has delivered its sector program outcomes, including through supporting strategic coherence, planning, partnerships management, data and learning across the portfolio of investments. 2. The Platform has prioritised gender equality, disability-inclusive development, and climate and disaster resilience, in its systems and practices. This includes in how it undertakes sector programming and its engagement with selected Government of Fiji (GoF) agencies 3. The Platform administers timely and efficient programming that is: value for money; maximises use of local supply chains; and supports good governance, and public diplomacy, effective decision making and risk management. AFHP Overview: The Fiji Program Support Platform (the Platform) implements over fifty percent of Australia’s bilateral development support to Fiji across a range of sector programs in education, health, Australia Awards, disaster response, cyclone recovery, social infrastructure and technical assistance to improve public sector governance in Fiji. The Platform integrates cross-cutting themes, including gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), climate and disaster resilience, across sectoral programs. In particular, the Platform seeks to strengthen program outcomes by better addressing the needs of targeted beneficiaries including those who are often marginalised. The Australian Government is supporting Fiji’s health sector through the Australia Fiji Health Program (AFHP, the Program) working with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services (MHMS). The program’s high-level End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs) are: * Improved systems are used by MHMS and health workers for evidence-based planning and resource allocation (workforce and budget), clinical care, digital health and medical supply chains; and * Targeted healthcare facilities equitably deliver improved primary health services, with a focus on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and non-communicable disease (NCD) services. The funding for the program is approximately AUD 45million over 9 years (5 years, with an option to extend a further 4 years) and delivered through a range of activities (interventions) to achieve the program’s objectives where implementation modalities include technical advice, procurement of technical services and goods, minor works and infrastructure upgrades, capacity building and training support, support to Ministry led initiatives and innovations, and grants to civil society organisations (CSOs). AFHP is designed to support the MHMS achieve the goals and objectives in its Strategic Plan and Annual Operational Plans, and AFHP’s workplans are targeted to support specific components of the Ministry’s plans. Recent natural disasters such as cyclones, and public health emergencies in Fiji including COVID-19 have highlighted major challenges for pandemic preparedness and response during epidemics and other health emergencies. In this context, around 10% of program funding will be allocated for MHMS to assign to emerging needs and priorities as they arise. Funding may be allocated toward preparedness and responses to public health emergencies, or related opportunities for reform and innovation. Position Summary: The position is responsible for preparing, maintaining, advising, managing and reporting on the Ministry’s Monitoring & Evaluation (M & E) Competency framework requirements. The position will also provide support on monitoring and evaluation of key programmers, functions and activities as requested to guide decision making at the Ministry. Key Responsibilities: 1. Work collaboratively with the Ministry staff to collect and compile all data relating to the Results Framework for the M & E Competency Framework, evaluate results and provide the relevant performance information to the Permanent Secretary MHMS. 2. Provide monthly reports on state and progress of the projects M&E related work and strengthen the quality of Project progress reports including the provision f timely feedback and guidance. 3. Coordinate a national health audit of current M & E systems, identifying gaps and standardising practices. 4. Develop, implement and strengthen tracking systems for all related activities in collaboration with all relevant Heads including Head of Programmes, Administration, Finance, Human Resource and Divisions. 5. Assist in the review of current processes in place for monitoring and evaluation at all levels of the health system especially at divisional and sub-divisional levels. 6. Provide input and monitoring support for key functions in collaboration with Divisional Health Information Officers. 7. Develop key resource materials to support mainstreaming of M&E functions at all levels of the Ministry. 8. Organise and conduct Monitoring & Evaluation Training to staff at Divisional and Sub-Divisional levels on strengthening exiting monitoring and reporting functions. 9. Conduct assessment visits to the various health facilities in the divisions with the aim of identifying gaps and recommending solutions to strengthen tracking systems aligned to the Ministry’s overall approach. 10. Active contribution in the corporate activities of the Ministry Selection Criteria: Qualifications Degree qualification in any of the related fields (Monitoring and Evaluation, Economics, Statistics, Project Management, Public Health, Epidemiology, Biostatistics) or equivalent. Skills & Experience Essential * At least 7 years of progressive experience in the design and implementation of Monitoring and Evaluation systems within government or health sectors. * Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation activities, including data management, collation and reporting. * Broad knowledge and understanding of plans and strategies and their linkages towards achieving outputs and outcomes at different levels of an organisation. * Knowledge and experience in conducting assessments and analysis to support decision making. * Experience in developing data collection tools, surveys, templates and monitoring plans including in-depth understanding of types of indicators and setting realistic targets Desirable * Good and effective planning, prioritising and organisational skills. * Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and effectively within a team environment. * Demonstrated ability to communicate with a wide range of professionals to ascertain information and reporting needs. * Creative thinking skills with the ability to develop innovative approaches. * Effective training and facilitation skills. * Service oriented approach with a commitment to supporting the operational/corporate environment of the organisation. Applications close on 2 August 2026. Please apply online by submitting a cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of this role and an up-to-date comprehensive CV. #LI-AUSBRIT #LI-JR1 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply. Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.

Responsibilities

The role is responsible for managing the Ministry's M&E Competency framework and reporting on key health programs to guide decision-making. Key tasks include coordinating national health audits, developing tracking systems, and providing M&E training to staff at divisional levels.