Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Adviser

DescriptionThe Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.The Statistics for Development Division (SDD)’s goal is to help the Pacific Island Countries and Territories achieve “highly competent and sustainable national statistics systems that meet national and international statistics needs for evidence-based policy, planning and monitoring.” SDD has a regional statistical system leadership and coordination role; and also supports the region directly in data infrastructure, collection, statistical methodology, analysis and dissemination.The role – Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Adviser is responsible for coordinating planning and monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) for the Statistics for Development Division and its priority projects, as well as for supporting implementation of the Strategic Framework for Pacific Statistics 2022-2030. This role is also responsible for supporting a priority project named Pacific Statistics and Data (phase 2) which supports the Pacific Data Hub (PDH) to work collaboratively to implement strategic data management, capability strengthening, and capacity building projects that support the production, improve access and enhance the utility of data for sustainable development in the PacificThe key responsibilities of the role include:Monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) for SDD and priority projects* Collaborate with stakeholders, including project steering committees, donors, MERL teams and SPC members. * Monitor the implementation of projects and activities to ensure planned results and milestones are being met. * Collate and deliver results reports and project reports to meet donor and sponsor needs, in coordination with managers, project leads, team members, finance and procurement. * Strengthen and support evaluation and learning processes for priority PDH and SDD projects / activities. * Ensure MEL systems in SDD and priority projects effectively capture evidence of outcomes of work with members, using quantitative and qualitative evidence. * Results and learning-focused M&E frameworks are developed and institutionalised in SDD in accordance with donor/SPC procedures and in consultation with stakeholders.Manage SDD’s contribution to SPC-wide Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation, Reflection and Learning* Facilitate SDD results reporting, including consolidating data from multiple teams and projects for results reporting at the divisional level. * Review and update divisional KRAs and results framework, in line with the SPC Strategic Plan. * Deliver high-quality performance reports for SDD for external and internal accountability and learning needs, including annual reporting to CRGA. * Actively participate in SPC’s MELNET community of practice, including contributing to a shared work programme. * Provide training and capacity development to SDD staff on monitoring, evaluation and learning.SDD planning and priority project planning and coordination* Undertake planning related to priority SDD projects / activities in consultation with Project Steering Committees and key stakeholders to ensure planned activities lead to better development outcomes in line with each project’s Theory of Change. * Develop and maintain a multi-year business plan in collaboration with SDD Director and Managers in line with NSO priorities. * Track and coordinate the annual work planning and workplan tracking for SDD and priority projects. * Provide sound and timely advice to the SDD Director, Managers, and technical project and programme leads as required. * Support steering committees and governance groups by preparing agendas, papers and minutes.Programme, project development, design, and resource mobilisation* Develop and incorporate quality, results-focused and rights-based MEL practices into new project design and funding proposal development, including developing Theory of Change, Programme Logic, Programme Key Performance Indicators, and MEL plans. * Ensure that relevant learnings from past and current projects/programmes are incorporated or inform designs of new initiatives * Contribute evidence towards resource mobilisation efforts. * Collaborate with external partners where appropriate to develop regional approaches and MEL frameworks for regional and international strategies.For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.Key selection criteriaQualifications* A post graduate qualification in a relevant field such as business administration, international development, evaluation, statistics, public sector policy or equivalent body of knowledge and experience.Technical expertise* At least 10 years of experience in monitoring and evaluation, with an understanding of international best practices in a wide range of quantitative and qualitative evaluation methods and data analysis. * Experience in facilitating design, reflection, learning and planning processes. * Experience doing “systems level” MEL for complex projects and programs. * Knowledge of the design and implementation of MEL frameworks, data collection tools, and reporting and consolidating data. * Experience using databases and systems for visualising, entering, processing/cleaning and extracting data, including experience with web based monitoring and reporting systems. * Strategic and systemic thinker with well-developed analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail. * Experience in planning, consultation processes, and the development of monitoring systems.Language skills* Excellent English communication skills (oral and written) with a working knowledge of French being an advantageInterpersonal skills and cultural awareness* Ability to work in a multicultural, inclusive and equitable environmentSalary, terms and conditionsContract Duration – Until 31 October 2027 – subject to renewal depending on funding and performance.Remuneration – The Planning, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Adviser is a band 11 position in SPC’s 2026 salary scale, with a starting salary range of 3,245‒4,057 SDR (special drawing rights) per month, which currently converts to approximately FJD 10,028–12,535 (USD 4,349–5,436; EUR 3,924–4,905). Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Fiji; Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will be subject to income tax. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will normally be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration given to experience and qualifications.Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews. Remuneration of expatriate SPC staff members is not subject to income tax in Fiji; Fiji nationals employed by SPC in Fiji will be subject to income tax.Benefits for Staff in a position advertised internationally (EPAI) whose duty station is Suva – SPC provides a housing allowance of FJD 1,500–5,200 per month. Establishment and repatriation grant, removal expenses, airfares, home leave travel, health and life and disability insurances and education allowances are available for eligible employees and their eligible dependents. Employees are entitled to 25 working days of annual leave per annum and other types of leave, and access to SPC’s Provident Fund (contributing 8% of salary, to which SPC adds a 10% contribution).Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilingualism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals. If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s Privacy Policy.HOW TO APPLYApplication procedureClosing Date: 26 April 2026 at 11:59pm (Fiji time)Job Reference: JM000935Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:* an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees * a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position * responses to all screening questionsYour application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference. Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.For international staff in Fiji, only one foreign national per family can be employed with an entity operating in Fiji at any one given time. SPC may assist on a case-by-case basis with submissions to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their consideration and final approval. SPC cannot and does not make any guarantee whatsoever of approval for such applications to Fiji Ministry of Foreign Affairs and where an application is approved, the spouse or partner will subject to such terms and conditions as may be set from time to time by the Ministry.SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.Screening Questions (maximum of 2,000 characters per question):1. Can you please outline your Pacific or developing country work experience and your availability to travel frequently within the Pacific? 2. Please outline your Monitoring & Evaluation experience in developing capacity of work colleagues and project stakeholders. 3. Describe your understanding, experience and ability in designing and running monitoring, evaluation and learning (MEL) systems and databases using both qualitative and quantitative evaluation methods.