MERLA Adviser | APEP at Abt Global
Worldwide
<ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="background-color:white;color:#050404;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;"><strong>Commencement: May 2026</strong></span></span></li><li style="background-color:white;color:#050404;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;"><strong>Part-time role, up to December 2026 (with potential for extension)</strong></span></span></li><li style="background-color:white;color:#050404;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;"><strong>Location: Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea (or based remotely with preference for candidates in the region)</strong></span></span></li><li style="background-color:white;color:#050404;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;"><strong>Open to all applicants*</strong></span></span></li></ul><p style="background-color:white;vertical-align:baseline;"> </p><p style="vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><i><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;" lang="EN-GB">*Abt is committed to advancing women’s leadership in PNG’s economic development and are building an environment where women can lead progress and shape economic outcomes. Abt promotes an inclusive, respectful and safe working environment for women and encourages experienced and capable women, men and people with disabilities from PNG to apply.</span></i></span></p><p style="vertical-align:baseline;"> </p><p style="background-color:white;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;"><strong>About the Program</strong></span></span></p><p style="background-color:white;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">The <strong>Australia–Papua New Guinea Economic Partnership (APEP)</strong> is a flagship partnership supporting Papua New Guinea’s economic development priorities. Delivered by the Government of Australia in close collaboration with the Government of Papua New Guinea, APEP focuses on strengthening economic systems, institutions, and opportunities that support sustainable and inclusive growth through to 2028.</span></span></p><p style="background-color:white;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">Working alongside government, research institutions and development partners, APEP delivers coordinated and high-impact outcomes across four key engagement areas:</span></span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;"><li style="background-color:white;color:#050404;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;">Safeguarding Macroeconomic Stability</span></span></li><li style="background-color:white;color:#050404;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;">Supporting More Efficient and Inclusive Markets</span></span></li><li style="background-color:white;color:#050404;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;">Fostering Inclusive Growth and Expanded Livelihoods</span></span></li><li style="background-color:white;color:#050404;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;">Catalysing Economic Research and Dialogue</span></span></li></ul><p style="background-color:white;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">Gender equality, disability and social inclusion (GEDSI), women’s economic empowerment (WEE), and climate change are central to APEP and integrated across all engagement areas and activities.</span></span></p><p style="background-color:white;vertical-align:baseline;"> </p><p style="background-color:white;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;"><strong>About the Opportunity</strong></span></span></p><p style="margin:6.0pt 0cm;"><span style="font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">We are looking for a highly experienced and results-driven MERLA Adviser who is passionate about leveraging his/her skillets in MERLA to contribute to the success of the APEP program and positive economic development outcomes in PNG. He/she will be responsible for providing quality technical support and guidance to the APEP MERLA Unit. The role involves applying robust MERLA frameworks and helping the team to understand, monitor and report on key outcomes. This includes developing case studies, designing surveys and other data collection tools, conducting key informant interviews, qualitative and quantitative data analysis, outcome harvesting, and high-quality writing and reporting. </span></span></p><p style="margin:6.0pt 0cm;"><span style="font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">The MERLA Adviser is expected to be a seasoned professional able to work independently and deliver high-quality, client-oriented outputs. He/she is also expected to provide capacity building and mentorship guidance to APEP’s MERLA Officers, where opportunities arise.</span></span></p><p style="background-color:white;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:black;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">The role requires advanced technical capability in MERLA and experience with large and complex donor-funded programs in PNG or similar contexts. Direct experience working with the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) Design and MEL Standards will be a strong asset. </span></span></p><p style="background-color:white;vertical-align:baseline;"> </p><p style="background-color:white;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:black;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">This will be a part-time role, ranging from 25-50% time depending on the adviser’s availability and agreed upon outputs. If the adviser is based remotely, occasional travel to PNG will be expected. </span></span></p><p style="background-color:white;vertical-align:baseline;"> </p><p style="background-color:white;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;"><strong>Key Selection Criteria </strong></span></span></p><p style="background-color:white;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:black;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">Under guidance from the MERLA Lead, the MERLA Adviser will work collaboratively to: </span></span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;padding-left:20.67px;"><li><p style="background-color:white;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-top:6.0pt;tab-stops:list 18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;">Review adviser and partner reports, organise outcomes and qualitative data, and report on key program outcomes in line with the APEP Monitoring and Evaluation Framework (MEF). </span></span></p></li><li><p style="background-color:white;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-top:6.0pt;tab-stops:list 18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;">Support 6-Monthly and Annual Progress Report writing process by compiling, reviewing, editing and/or writing key sections, as directed by the MERLA Lead.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="background-color:white;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-top:6.0pt;tab-stops:list 18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;">Design and conduct case studies and evaluations, including methodology, data collection tools, quantitative and qualitative data analysis, and report write-up. </span></span></p></li><li><p style="background-color:white;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-top:6.0pt;tab-stops:list 18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;">Review Project Activity Designs (PADs), Screening Notes, and other planning documents to ensure alignment with APEP Program Logic and MEF.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="background-color:white;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-top:6.0pt;tab-stops:list 18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;">Review the MERLA team’s data collection tools, templates, trackers and provide guidance on ways to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. </span></span></p></li><li><p style="background-color:white;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-top:6.0pt;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;">Support capacity building of MERLA Officers. </span></span></p></li><li><p style="background-color:white;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-top:6.0pt;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">Promote team behaviours of integrity, trust and respect in accordance with company values.</span></span></p></li></ul><p style="background-color:white;margin-left:18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"> </p><p style="background-color:white;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;"><strong>About You </strong></span></span></p><p style="background-color:white;margin:6.0pt 0cm;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;">For applications to be considered, a response to the Selection Criteria below should be provided. </span></span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;padding-left:23.8px;"><li><p style="background-color:white;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-top:6.0pt;tab-stops:list 18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">Demonstrated experience (10+ years desirable) in designing and implementing MERLA systems and frameworks for large and complex programs. </span></span></p></li><li><p style="background-color:white;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-top:6.0pt;tab-stops:list 18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">Demonstrated experience in developing performance indicators and assessment methodologies, </span></span><span style="color:black;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">analysing data using quantitative and qualitative approaches, translating findings into actionable opportunities, and delivering evidence-based reports and advice to varied audiences</span></span></p></li><li><p style="background-color:white;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-top:6.0pt;tab-stops:list 18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">Demonstrated experience working in a cross-cultural setting to build team capability and performance.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="background-color:white;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-top:6.0pt;tab-stops:list 18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">Outstanding verbal and written communications skills, including the ability to engage effectively with both internal and external stakeholders.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="background-color:white;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-top:6.0pt;tab-stops:list 18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">Experience working in PNG or similar international development context will be highly regarded.</span></span></p></li><li><p style="background-color:white;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-top:6.0pt;tab-stops:list 18.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">Experience working with DFAT or other donor organisations will be highly regarded.</span></span></p></li></ul><p style="background-color:white;margin-top:12.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><i><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">“We value capability and potential, and welcome applicants who believe they can succeed in this role. If you consider yourself qualified for the position, even if you don’t meet all selection criteria, feel free to apply.”</span></i></span></p><p style="background-color:white;vertical-align:baseline;"> </p><p style="background-color:white;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;"><strong>How to Apply</strong></span></span></p><ul style="list-style-type:disc;padding-left:47.6px;"><li><p style="background-color:white;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-top:6.0pt;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><i><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;">Please ensure to address the Key Selection Criteria (About You) in your cover letter, and submit your application online, along with your CV as a single document. </span></i></span></p></li><li><p style="background-color:white;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-top:6.0pt;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><i><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;">Applications must be submitted personally by individuals only. Applications submitted by a company or organisation will not be accepted. </span></i></span></p></li><li><p style="background-color:white;margin-bottom:6.0pt;margin-right:0cm;margin-top:6.0pt;tab-stops:list 36.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><i><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;">The successful applicant will be engaged through an employment agreement determined by Abt.</span></i></span></p></li></ul><p style="background-color:white;margin-top:12.0pt;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"inherit",serif;"><i><span style="font-size:11.5pt;">We welcome and thank all applications; however, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.</span></i></span></p><p style="background-color:white;vertical-align:baseline;"> </p><p style="background-color:white;vertical-align:baseline;"><span style="color:#050404;font-family:"Calibri",sans-serif;"><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;"><strong>Closing Date: Sunday, 29 March 2026 (Midday, PNG time) </strong></span><i><span style="border:none windowtext 1.0pt;font-size:11.5pt;padding:0cm;">#LI-AUSBRIT</span></i></span></p>
Apply Now