MEL & Inclusion Senior Specialist

Job Posting Organization:
Adam Smith International (ASI) is the managing contractor responsible for the delivery of the Australia-Pacific Partnerships for Aviation (P4A) program. Established to enhance aviation and tourism sectors in the Pacific, ASI operates in multiple countries and is supported by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Australia. The P4A program is a 5-year initiative headquartered in Nadi, Fiji, focusing on improving aviation management, safety, and regional cooperation.

Job Overview:
The MEL & Inclusion Senior Specialist is a pivotal role within the P4A program, tasked with operationalizing the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) plan and updating MEL systems. This position requires a highly experienced technical professional who will work independently to design program and country plans, update the MEL results framework, and manage the online data system and dashboard. The role involves delivering the Annual Workplan MEL activities, drafting MEL sections for various program strategies, and ensuring compliance with DFAT MEL standards. The Senior Specialist will also be responsible for integrating cross-cutting priorities such as climate change and gender equality into MEL systems, promoting continuous improvement, and capacity building within the program.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The MEL and Inclusion Senior Specialist will be responsible for updating the MEL Framework, supporting the design and delivery of the MEL Results Framework, developing reporting templates for progress tracking, and operationalizing the P4A Data Management System. The role includes developing a Community of Practice for MEL, providing technical support for new initiatives, coordinating regular learning processes, and integrating cross-cutting priorities into MEL activities. The Specialist will also conduct research and assessments to inform strategies and ensure compliance with DFAT reporting guidelines, while undertaking other tasks as directed by P4A.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a tertiary degree, preferably at the postgraduate level, in relevant fields such as economics, international development, evaluation, or social development. Significant practical experience (minimum of 8 years) in implementing MEL systems for international development programs or relevant private sector initiatives is essential. Experience in implementing Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) activities in development programs is also required, along with demonstrated expertise in performance monitoring, methodology design, qualitative and quantitative analysis, and report authoring.

Educational Background:
A tertiary degree in a relevant field is required, with a postgraduate degree being desirable. Fields of study may include economics, international development, evaluation, or social development, which are critical for understanding the complexities of MEL systems and their application in the Pacific context.

Experience:
Candidates should have a minimum of 8 years of significant practical experience in implementing MEL systems, particularly in regional or multi-country programs. This experience should include a strong background in GEDSI activities, stakeholder management, and the ability to work autonomously in developing and applying MEL systems.

Languages:
While the job description does not specify mandatory languages, proficiency in English is likely essential given the international context of the role. Additional language skills relevant to the Pacific region may be advantageous but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The position is a full-time role based in Nadi, Fiji, with an initial contract duration of 1.5 years, extending to 30 June 2027, with the possibility of further extension. The remuneration for this role ranges from FJD 120,000 to 160,000 per year, including benefits. Some travel within the Pacific region and to Australia may be required to support the delivery of the MEL Plan.