Job Description

Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Coordinator – New Colombo Plan (NCP), Program Support Unit (PSU)

Join our purpose-driven team and use your monitoring, evaluation and learning expertise to strengthen evidence, reporting and continuous improvement. Help demonstrate the meaningful outcomes and impact of the New Colombo Plan while building sustainable MEL capability across the PSU.

• Location – Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Australia Preferred
• Contract till: 30 June 2029
• Applications close on Monday, 23 November 2026 at 11:59pm AEST

About Palladium

Palladium is a global development and consulting firm, part of the GISI Consulting Group, working alongside some of the world’s leading project management and engineering organisations. We partner with governments, businesses, investors and communities to design and deliver complex programs that create lasting impact. With a presence across more than 90 countries, Palladium offers the opportunity to work on meaningful challenges, alongside talented colleagues, in environments where your work can truly make a difference.

About The Project

The New Colombo Plan (NCP) plays a key role in supporting the Australian Government’s objectives in building Asia capability. It aims to lift the Indo-Pacific capability and Asia literacy in Australia by supporting Australian undergraduates to undertake study, language learning and internships in the Indo-Pacific. The goal of NCP is NCP alumni contribute their skills, knowledge and networks to Australia’s enduring engagement in the Indo-Pacific region. This is achieved through three complementary grants programs: the Scholarship Program, Semester Program and Mobility Program.

The NCP PSU is administered by Palladium on behalf of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) under the Australia Awards Global Support Mechanism (AAGSM). The AAGSM provides operational and technical support services to DFAT’s International Education and Scholarships Branch, with two End of Investment Outcomes (EOIOs):

• EOIO 1 - Operational Support: High quality and efficient administrative and standard business support services provided to DFAT.
• EOIO 2: Technical Support: High quality, coherent, consistent and fit for purpose technical support services that also promote gender equality, disability and social inclusion outcomes throughout DFAT’s international scholarship programs network.

The NCP Program Support Unit (NCP PSU) supports DFAT’s New Colombo Plan Secretariat (NCS) with high-quality grant administration and management consistent with the principles of the Commonwealth Grant Rules and Principles. Support service delivery includes end-to-end grants cycle and funds management, as well as technical support in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL), alumni engagement, communications, events management, business sector engagement and risk management.

About the Role

Provide dedicated MEL leadership and specialist capability to implement and maintain the NCP Results Framework and PSU Performance Assessment Framework, strengthen evidence of program outcomes and impact, improve reporting and learning, and build sustainable MEL capability within the PSU. The Manager, Impact & Reporting remains accountable for operational delivery, resources, staff management and reporting sign-off.

Primary Responsibilities

• Lead the technical content of the MEL strategy and annual MEL Plan, for approval by the Manager, Impact & Reporting. 
• Maintain the technical quality and practical use of the Results Framework and PAF, including indicators, baselines, data sources, and review arrangements. 
• Set appropriate evaluation standards and lead the design of agreed studies, including longitudinal and qualitative work. 
• Work with the Manager, MEL Coordinator and Data Quality Officer to improve data collection methods, reporting products, dashboards, and feedback processes. 
• Lead six-monthly reflection activities and turn evidence into practical recommendations for work planning and service improvement. 
• Provide MEL advice to DFAT and NCS when requested by the Manager, and prepare clear, decision-ready MEL products. 
• Provide oversight, technical design, delivery and management to relevant and agreed MEL studies with provided resourcing. 
• Build MEL capability through coaching, practical guidance and documented methods, without line-management responsibility. 
• Complete a structured handover from the STA within four weeks of onboarding and retain key methods, decisions and supporting material. 
• Apply relevant DFAT requirements for ethics, privacy, safeguarding, inclusion and value for money

Delivery Principles

• Work collaboratively as One Team, contributing to open communication, shared problem-solving and a positive learning culture.
• Deliver high-quality services that are client-focused, solutions-oriented and outcomes-driven.
• Respond flexibly to changing priorities and evolving program requirements.
• Proactively identify opportunities to improve quality, efficiency and program outcomes.
• Demonstrate professionalism, ethics and integrity in line with DFAT standards.

Key Working Relationships

The position of MEL Adviser will report into the Manager, Impact and Reporting. The role will also work closely with:

• MEL Coordinator and Data Quality Officer
• MEL STA until handover
• NCP PSU leadership and delivery teams
• DFAT and NCS representatives, as agreed with the Manager

Please refer to the Terms of Reference to learn more about the role: Terms of Reference

About You

The ideal candidate should have:

• Tertiary qualifications in monitoring and evaluation, evaluation, international development, or a relevant analytical field. 
• Substantial experience implementing performance frameworks and mixed-method evaluations. 
• Strong quantitative and qualitative analysis skills. 
• Knowledge of DFAT MEL standards and value-for-money principles.
• Clear written communication and the ability to prepare concise advice for senior and government audiences.

How to Apply

Click the "Apply Now" button

Please submit your application online, including your CV and a cover letter, outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position.

Closing date: Monday, 23 November 2026 at 11:59pm AEST

If this opportunity interests you, we encourage you to apply promptly, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please note that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

This is a Locally engaged role, people who have existing working and living rights in Australia are encouraged to apply.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion - Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity, and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and actively encourage diversity to drive innovation, creativity, success and good practice. We positively welcome and seek to ensure we achieve diversity in our workforce; and that all job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics. These include: (but are not limited to) socio-economic background, age, race, gender identity and expression, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, nationality, veteran, marital or Indigenous status.

Should you require any adjustments or accommodations to be made due to a disability or you are a neurodivergent individual or for any other circumstance, please email our team at accessibility@thepalladiumgroup.com and we will be in touch to discuss.

Safeguarding - We define Safeguarding as “the preventative action taken by Palladium to protect our people, clients and the communities we work with from harm”. We are committed to ensuring that all children and adults who come into contact with Palladium are treated with respect and are free from abuse. All successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.