Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning and Adaptation (MERLA) Manager

Program BackgroundDT Global has been engaged by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) to manage the next phase of Australia’s investment in strengthening the delivery of law and justice services in Papua New Guinea for a 4-year period to 31 December 2027.APLJ seeks to contribute to PNG’s law and justice sector capacity to provide inclusive, safe, secure and accountable law and justice foundations for peaceful and prosperous communities, equitable economic development and private sector growth.The program aligns with the Government of Papua New Guinea’s (GoPNG) law and justice sector goal of ‘building peaceful and prosperous communities together’. APLJ will focus on three End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs):EOPO 1 – Community Safety and Access to Justice at the Local Level: Communities in target locations, especially women, children, persons with disabilities, vulnerable people and those accused of sorcery, have improved access to selected justice and support services.EOPO 2 – Law and Justice Services Supply: Responsible law and justice sector agencies increasingly provide selected inclusive, responsive, and accountable essential law and justice services in target locations.EOPO 3 – Leadership, Coordination and Accountability: Responsible law and justice mechanisms demonstrate improved sectoral leadership and coordination of national and subnational law and justice services and improved sector integrity systems.About DT Global Asia PacificAt DT Global Asia Pacific, we aim to positively impact people’s lives through delivery excellence. As a leading implementing partner across Asia and the Pacific, we co-create locally led solutions in partnership with governments, communities, and stakeholders. We bring together talented teams and deep regional expertise to deliver initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth, essential services, and resilient, secure communities. With over 1,500 staff, experts in 22+ countries and more than 60 years of development experience, we tackle complex community, national and transnational challenges — from governance and justice systems to climate resilience, infrastructure and social equity — with innovative thinking and a commitment to long-term impact.For more information, please see www.dt-global.comThe RoleThe Program MERLA Manager will provide strong technical support to the MERLA team, to assist the MERLA Director implement and manage the APLJ MERLA strategy and methodology. The strategy aims to ensure efficient and effective monitoring and reporting of progress towards achieving end of program objectives (EOPOs).This role will manage program MERLA staff, when designated, and support GoPNG MERLA practitioners to improve knowledge, learning and embrace MERLA methodology for demonstrating program performance and outcomes.Click on the link or copy paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position: https://tinyurl.com/mr3853xmAbout YouThe preferred candidate will have:1. A tertiary MERLA or other relevant qualification and substantial experience leading MERLA in a development context. 2. Demonstrated expertise with MERLA activities such as performance monitoring, MEL plan drafting, methodology design, sampling, qualitative and quantitative analysis, instrument design, field survey management and completing reports. 3. Experience managing staff, working in partnerships and leading change, to implement new MERLA approaches. 4. Strong critical and analytical thinking capabilities with the ability to assess situational MERLA needs and develop problem solving strategies. 5. Experience using MS Office applications to implement MEL in low-data environments; creating baselines and innovative data collection methods; supporting development of new or improved systems with partner organisations. 6. Experience managing capacity development initiatives with a commitment to strengthening capabilities of MERLA staff, local counterparts and institutions. 7. Experience working in GEDSI with a strong understanding of gender equality concepts and issues in PNG; and incorporation of GEDSI into MERLA systems. 8. Demonstrated experience of building program management and quality systems, preferably for adaptive management programs. 9. Well-developed communication skills, with high-level interpersonal and facilitation skills. 10. Superior writing skills and familiarity with Australian Government writing conventions and standards.Why join the Australia-Papua New Guinea Law and Justice Partnership (APLJ)?By joining the APLJ, you will be part of a dynamic and effective team where you can collaborate with leading experts and professionals from diverse backgrounds, access development programs to achieve your career goals, and be challenged to take a global outlook.HOW TO APPLYHOW TO APPLYClick the link to apply: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, Learning and Adaptation (MERLA) ManagerPlease submit1) Your CV2) A cover letter addressing the selection criteriaAPPLICATIONS CLOSE Tuesday, 7 April 2026, COB Port Moresby TimeShould this role be of interest, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. This role is open to both PNG and international applicants, with a preference given to national candidates. Kindly note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.DT Global is committed to child protection and safeguarding the welfare of children in the delivery of our international development programs. We are committed to Safety and the Prevention of Sexual Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH), and bribery prevention. DT Global is an equal opportunity employer and we encourage women, men, people with diverse backgrounds and people living with disabilities to apply. This program is funded by the Australian Government and Managed by DT Global.