Senior Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) Specialist |PA at Abt Global

Port Moresby, National Capital District, Papua New Guinea -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

17 Sep, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

19 Jun, 26

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Monitoring and Evaluation, Qualitative Evidence Collection, Data Analysis, Reporting, Adaptive Management, GEDSI Integration, Capacity Building, Information Management Systems, Stakeholder Engagement, Technical Writing

Industry

Business Consulting and Services

Description

* Location: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea * Position type: Fixed term | Level 6 * Reporting to: Performance and Learning Lead * Commencement date: August 2026 * Contract end date: 30 June 2027 * Applications close: 5 July 2026 * Open to PNG Citizens ONLY About the Program The Papua New Guinea (PNG) Australia Transition to Health (PATH) is a six year (2020-2026) health sector program funded by the Australian Government. PATH works with the Government of PNG (GoPNG) to improve coverage and quality of health services for the people of PNG through effective, equitable, efficient, and inclusive interventions. PATH is guided by the National Department of Health (NDoH). Provincial Health Authorities (PHAs) and the Bougainville Department of Health (BDoH) are responsible for the delivery of health services across PNG. PATH assists NDoH, PHAs and BDoH to strengthen systems for health service delivery targeting infectious diseases, and reproductive, maternal, newborn child and adolescent health. PATH’s end of investment outcomes (EOIO) are: 1) PHAs more able to lead provincial health reform and manage effective, efficient, equitable and quality essential health services in selected provinces. 2) DFAT-funded health services are demonstrating efficient and effective models of service delivery, influencing PHA performance; and building sustainability by transitioning to PHA management in selected provinces. PATH’s intermediate outcomes (IOs) relate to 1) PHA Leadership 2) Enhanced GEDSI Capacity 3) Essential Health Services. PATH is a locally-led, adaptive, and politically-informed program that seeks to maintain flexibility to respond to changing and local circumstances over the life of the program. The Opportunity As the Senior MERL Specialist, you will play an important role in supporting PATH to demonstrate results, strengthen accountability and foster learning across the program. Working closely with the Performance and Learning Lead, you will help ensure high-quality evidence is collected, analysed and used to inform reporting, decision-making and adaptive management. * Lead and support the collection, synthesis and use of qualitative evidence, including case studies, outcome harvest stories and learning products. * Contribute to major program reporting for the Australian Government, Government of Papua New Guinea and other key stakeholders. * Provide technical guidance to implementing service providers and colleagues to strengthen MERL systems, frameworks and data quality. * Facilitate learning, reflection and collaboration across the program, including support for high-profile events and knowledge products. * Promote the integration of gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) in monitoring, evaluation, reporting and learning activities. What you will do In this role, you will: * Deliver high-quality reporting content for key PATH reporting products, including six-monthly updates, annual reporting and completion reporting. * Lead the development, review and quality assurance of qualitative evidence products such as case studies, outcome harvest stories and learning materials. * Provide practical guidance and capacity building support to implementing service providers and PATH colleagues on MERL approaches, frameworks and data quality. * Support learning and reflection processes, high-profile program events, and the development of briefs, presentations and communications content. * Support the maintenance and strengthening of information management systems to improve the quality, accessibility and use of performance information. * Embed gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI) considerations into data collection, analysis, reporting and learning activities. Why this role matters * Your work will help generate credible evidence of PATH’s contribution to improved health outcomes and system reform. * You will shape high-quality reporting and learning products that influence government and stakeholder understanding of results and impact. * You will strengthen partner capability and support the effective use of data for decision-making, learning and adaptation. * You will help ensure GEDSI is meaningfully reflected in how the program measures and communicates progress. * You will contribute to a collaborative and high-performing team working on one of Australia’s major health investments in Papua New Guinea. Key working relationships * Performance and Learning Team * PATH Executive Leadership Team and Senior Management Team * Relevant Australian High Commission representatives What you will bring You will bring strong technical MERL capability, excellent writing and analytical skills, and the confidence to work with diverse stakeholders in a collaborative, adaptive and results-focused program environment. * Tertiary qualifications in monitoring and evaluation or a related discipline such as public health, research, statistics, epidemiology or international development. * Demonstrated experience designing and implementing monitoring, evaluation and learning systems and contributing to performance assessment frameworks. * Strong skills in data collection, management and analysis, with proficiency in tools such as Excel, SPSS, and Stata. * Excellent understanding of GEDSI and health equity principles and how to apply them in aid programming and performance monitoring. * Excellent analytical, coordination and writing skills, including experience preparing reports, briefs and evidence-based narratives for government and stakeholder audiences. * A collaborative and proactive approach, with the ability to build capability, facilitate learning and contribute to a positive team environment. Apply now * Submit your application online and include your CV and a cover letter addressing the key selection criteria as a single document. * Applications must be submitted by individuals directly. Applications from companies or organisations will not be accepted. * The successful applicant will be engaged under an employment agreement determined by Abt Global. Applications close: 5 July 2026 (Midday, local time) #LI-AUSBRIT

Responsibilities

Lead the collection and synthesis of qualitative evidence and high-quality reporting to demonstrate program results and foster learning. Provide technical guidance to service providers to strengthen MERL systems and integrate GEDSI principles into performance monitoring.