Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer

Job Overview

Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Officer

Australia Solomon Islands Partnership for Justice (ASIPJ)

Background

The Australia Solomon Islands Partnership for Justice (ASIPJ) continues Australia’s long-running support to the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) justice sector, being directly preceded by the Australia Solomon Islands Justice Program. Its goal is to work closely with SIG to enable justice agencies to maintain delivery of their existing, core activities while clearly identifying and engaging with fundamental problems and critical issues affecting their ability to contribute to stability and offer access to justice for citizens.

ASIPJ will be delivered through four key outcome areas: i). improving core service delivery capacity; ii). enhancing capacity for justice sector management and leadership; iii). enhancing collaboration with state and non-state actors to improve access to justice, and iv). increased sensitivity and responsiveness to those vulnerable to family and sexual violence. It is a four-year program, commencing in July 2022.

ASIPJ aspires to be locally led, problem-oriented and learning driven. It will be pragmatic, practical, and adaptable, and will mainstream gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI). Deloitte is the Managing Contractor, leading a coalition for change that includes Adam Smith International, providing the Operations Hub; Ninti One, for its indigenous expertise; and The University of Queensland, to support critical research and knowledge generation.

Role Dimensions

The MERL Officer will be responsible for supporting the implementation of the ASIPJ’s MERL framework. The officer will collect, collate and analyse data to inform ASIPJ’s programming in general and the MERL Framework in particular. The role will involve working closely with ASIPJ’s MERL Adviser on the design of monitoring tools as outlined in the framework, to deliver a robust evidence base from which to track activity progress and generate learnings to improve program performance and impact. The officer will also assist in the preparation of reports to evaluate performance against the MERL Framework.

Summary of Responsibilities

In collaboration and partnership with the MERL Adviser the MERL Officer will:

Support the implementation of ASIPJ’s MERL Framework

• Collect and analyse baseline data relating to identified indicators to measure longitudinal changes in ASIPJ’s performance.
• Review and analyse ASIPJ advisers’ periodic reports to ensure that they adequately capture and report on data against the MERL Framework and where necessary follow-up with advisers on information contained in their reports.
• Review and support the collection of data to inform indicators relevant to the recommendations contained in the Family Protection Act Review (2021) and the justice sector’s GESI Strategy, ‘Step-by-Step’ (2022).
• Monitor progress and report against the MERL Framework, including ASIPJ’s progress towards intermediate and end of program outcomes.
• Review quality of reporting against Cook Island indicators and support relevant justice data compliance, consistency and accuracy.

Support the production of key research deliverables

• Map and undertake desktop analyses of relevant research initiatives in Solomon Islands.
• Identify research/MERL networking opportunities both in Solomon Islands and internationally.
• Collaborate with the ASIPJ team and program partners, including the University of Queensland and external consultants/organisations, to produce analytical work and knowledge products to support the development of ASIJP’s and the justice sector’s evidence base and assist with future programming, policy and performance.
• Support externally-engaged local and international researchers in the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data, including organising stakeholder consultations in Honiara and/or the provinces.

Program administration and reporting relevant to MERL

• Support regular learning events with the ASIPJ team, SIG stakeholders, program grant recipients and/or DFAT, including ASIPJ program reflection and review workshops (or similar).
• Support ASIPJ reporting, including collecting and analysing necessary qualitative and quantitative data, collaborating on the drafting of key reports, including Six-Monthly and Annual Progress Reports, incorporating analysis of evidence and outlining progress towards intermediate and end of program outcomes.
• Support the design, production and knowledge management of relevant materials.

Other

• As agreed, undertake capacity-building for select SIG officials (particularly those involved in planning) on the MERL elements of their roles.
• Other tasks as agreed upon with either the MERL Adviser and/or the Team Leader or Deputy Team, ASIPJ.

In undertaking the above, the officer will work in a collaborative manner with the MERL Adviser, SIG counterparts, donors, advisers, civil society organisations and others who work on MERL issues. The officer will work closely with ASIPJ’s cross-cutting advisers, specifically, those working on professional development; communications; gender equality, disability and social inclusion; and the Justice Information Management System (JIMS).

Program Deliverables

1. Workplan: An individual annual workplan to reflect the contents of this TOR to be completed on a date to be agreed upon.
2. Exception reports: as required.
3. Regular Program Reporting and MERL Reports: as required, including contributing to weekly program updates and briefing DFAT/others as requested.

All reports will be provided to the Deputy Team Leader and MERL Adviser.

Reporting and Performance Management

 The MERL Officer will report to the MERL Adviser, ASIPJ, who will monitor performance and delivery of outputs in accordance with this TOR and with the officer’s approved workplan. On issues of contractual compliance and performance management the MERL Officer will report to the Deputy Team Leader.

Selection Criteria

Qualifications

Tertiary qualifications in a relevant area (i.e., law, sociology, research, governance/public policy, economics, monitoring and evaluation).

Skills and Experience

The MERL Officer will be a Solomon Islands citizen and will have MERL and/or research experience and credentials, bringing local research/evaluation experience to the role. Specifically, the officer should have:

• Experience working on international development programs.
• Sound understanding of the Solomon Islands’ research context.
• Monitoring, evaluation and/or research experience (preferably in the fields of governance, justice or similar).
• Demonstratable analytical skills, both qualitative and quantitative.
• Understanding of issues surrounding gender equality and social inclusion.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with a wide variety of stakeholders including cross-culturally and remotely.

How to Apply

Please submit your application before 10 May 2023 11:59pm Solomon Islands Time (SBT) to: [email protected].

Please use the following subject line in your email: ‘Application for MERL Officer, ASIPJ Program’.

Applications should include a cover letter of no more than two pages addressing the position selection criteria, a CV of no more than four pages and the contact details of two professional referees.

Salary level is negotiable, commensurate with experience and the Solomon Islands market. Applicable benefits and entitlements are in line with ASIPJ policies and applicable Solomon Islands’ laws.

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, we encourage you to reach out to ASIPJ HR Team via [email protected] or call the ASIPJ Office on +677 26530.

Note: This position is open to those with an existing, independent right to live and work in Solomon Islands.