Job Description

About the Program

For Australia and New Zealand, the emergence of a peaceful, stable and prosperous Bougainville is a key national interest; supporting the Government of PNG and the Autonomous Bougainville Government (ABG) to implement the Bougainville Peace Agreement is an explicit commitment in the Australia government 2017 White Paper. An overriding interest is to maintain the peace that the Agreement brought about and enabled by political dialogue, within and outside Bougainville, and economic development. The Bougainville Partnership is the primary Australia and New Zealand-funded program supporting these strategic objectives.

The first phase of the Bougainville Partnership (2016-2022) had 3 overall outcomes under the headings of: Autonomy and Effective Governance (Pillar 1); Agriculture and Economic Development (Pillar 2) and; Peace, Stability and Community Cohesion (Pillar 3). During the second phase (2022-2026), the ‘3 pillar’ reference was retained and known under the headings of: Capable Institutions (Pillar 1); Economic Development (Pillar 2) and Stronger Communities (Pillar 3).

In the current phase (2026 – 2030), there are four (4) end-of-program outcomes (EOPOs), which correspond to four pillars:

• Governance and Institutions: The ABG is a more effective and capable autonomous government.
• Economic Development: More inclusive and sustainable growth in the Bougainville economy.
• Stronger Communities: Strengthened inter-community cohesion and resilience.
• Infrastructure: High-quality infrastructure is built and maintained.

The programming approach is based on the updated Bougainville Partnership Logical Framework (as developed and agreed with ABG, DFAT, and MFAT in 2026) and Abt Global’s considerable prior work and lessons learned in the Bougainville context. Furthermore, the Investment Design Document (IDD) and the BP have drawn on an extensive set of background data in developing its strategy including commissioned studies, past program reviews, learnings of the BP 2016-2026, case studies, market data, adviser reports and ABG policy documents.

In the latest phase Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) and Climate Change have been repositioned as cross cutting outcomes. In line with updated DFAT policy guidance and MFAT’s ongoing approach, GEDSI and climate change are repositioned from standalone EOPOs to cross cutting Intermediate Outcomes. This reflects a shift from aspirational, high-level statements towards outcomes that are more programmatically achievable, measurable and within the Partnership’s sphere of influence.

The BP is part of the Australia PNG Subnational Program (APSP), which is an enabling mechanism comprised of three separately designed programs including: BP, the Western Province Partnership (WPP), the Kokoda Initiative Partnership (KIP), and the Subnational Governance Implementation Plan (SGIP). Each program has its own outcomes, theory of change, operational approach and separate monitoring and evaluation systems.

About the Opportunity

The MERLA Coordinator will assist the MERLA Adviser and Bougainville Partnership Director to manage the monitoring, review, evaluation, and reporting of the BP in accordance with the program design and the monitoring, evaluation, research, learning and adapting (MERLA) Framework and Plan.

The MERLA Coordinator will support processes that build upon the BP MERLA Framework and Plan and develop and work with the BP program team to extend relevant baseline information, improve BP MERLA systems, processes and tools, and strengthen a culture of learning within the Partnership.

The MERLA Coordinator will assist the MERLA Adviser to ensure the quality and validity of program reports and performance data and support the delivery of evidence-based reporting.

Specific Responsibilities

The MERLA Coordinator will work with the MERLA Adviser to:

• provide overarching support and coordination of MERLA activities and deliverables against the M&E workplan.
• develop and update the M&E workplan;
• propose and develop some MERLA activities (e.g., surveys, case studies, and progress reports);
• develop the BP outputs and outcomes reports in alignment with the BP MERLA Framework and Plan;
• develop MERLA systems, tools and processes to support the BP program teams to collect data and monitor and evaluate the program activities;
• identify and, where appropriate, document case studies; and
• support the development and implementation of the M&E framework, and ensure GEDSI, Value for Money (VfM) and capacity building is embedded within.

Accountabilities:

• The MERLA Coordinator will report and be accountable to the MERLA Adviser.
• The MERLA Coordinator will work collaboratively with BP staff and partners - across BP’s 3 Pillars as directed by the MERLA Adviser - to carry out approved activities in the M&E Workplan.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning and implementation of relevant MERLA activities in line with the BP Annual Workplan, ensuring that the principles of gender equity and social inclusion are reflected at all stages.
• In coordination with BP program team review and strengthen existing MERLA systems, tools and processes and develop new approaches where required.
• Provide and/or facilitate training for the BP team in effective MERLA methods.
• Contribute to on-going activity reporting processes, support drafting of quantitative and qualitative reports, respond to requests for ad hoc data and information, milestone reporting, six-month donor reporting and individual project reports and other MERLA documents as required.
• Quality assures MERLA activities, reporting and deliverables: providing feedback to ensure continuous improvement among BP staff
• Maintain record of supporting evidence.
• Identify and where appropriate document meaningful case studies.
• In collaboration with the BP Communications Coordinator, support the production of communications and public diplomacy materials.
• Promote and support a culture of knowledge sharing within the BP team.
• Identify where relevant, opportunities for MERLA collaboration with other Abt Partnerships.
• In Coordination with the MERLA Advisor, support the development and/or revision of the BP MERLA Framework and Plan, systems, processes, and tools.
• Any other duties as tasked by the MERLA Adviser

Specific Deliverables

• Support the planning and implementation of relevant MERLA activities in line with the BP Annual Workplan, ensuring that the principles of gender equality, disability and social inclusion are reflected at all stages.
• In coordination with the BP team review and strengthen existing MERLA systems, tools and processes and develop new approaches where required.
• Provide and/or facilitate training for the BP team in effective MERLA methods.
• Contribute to on-going activity reporting processes, support drafting of quantitative and qualitative reports, respond to requests for ad hoc data and information, milestone reporting, six-month donor reporting and individual project reports and other MERLA documents as required.
• Quality assures MERLA activities, reporting and deliverables; providing feedback to ensure continuous improvement among BP staff.
• Maintain records of supporting evidence.
• Identify and where appropriate document meaningful case studies.
• Coordinate the production of communications and public diplomacy materials.
• Promote and support a culture of knowledge sharing within the BP team.
• Identify, where relevant, opportunities for MERLA collaboration with other Abt Partnerships.
• In coordination with the MERLA Adviser, develop the BP MERLA Framework, systems, processes, and tools.

Key working relationships

Bougainville Partnership

• MERLA Adviser
• Performance and Learning (PL) Lead (Port Moresby)
• BP Director
• Team Leader Improved Governance (Buka)
• Team Leader Stronger Communities (Arawa)
• Team Leader Economic Development (Buka)
• BP Advisers & Managers
• Operations Manager

Primary external relationships:

• BP Grant Recipients
• Implementing partners (e.g. CARE, IFES)
• ABG Managers and Departmental Heads
• Private sector and civil society partners

About You:

Qualifications

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in monitoring and evaluation, project management, development, social science, economics, law, governance or another relevant discipline.

Knowledge

• Good theoretical understanding of MERLA, with the ability to develop practical data collection, monitoring and evaluation tools and processes appropriate for use in rural and remote program delivery.
• An understanding of the reporting requirements of government and donors.
• Ability to work effectively with internal BP stakeholders and BP team members to collect, clarify, collate and share data.
• An understanding of Bougainville history and culture is an advantage.

Skills/Experience

• Minimum of 3 years work experience in implementing MERLA and in writing reports and providing analysis, preferably in international development and for donor and Government audiences.
• High-level analytical, written, and verbal communication skills in English.
• Demonstrated analytical skills, preferably with IT skills in excel, database management and statistical analysis.
• Demonstrated interpersonal skills with an ability to motivate effective MERLA practices in teams.
• Strong written communication skills with demonstrated experience preparing high-quality evidence-based reports and professional documents for senior and executive audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate and promote principles of gender equity, disability and social inclusion in all aspects of this role including in program design, implementation, and evaluation.

How to Apply

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.

Applications must be submitted personally by individuals only. Applications submitted by a company or organization will not be accepted.

The successful applicant will be engaged through an employment agreement determined by Abt.

We welcome and thank all applications; however only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Closing Date: Friday 18th September 2026 (5pm, local time)

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Abt Associates is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse workforce. Abt Associates provides market-competitive salaries and comprehensive employee benefits. Local candidates strongly encouraged to apply.

Disclaimer: Abt Associates will never ask candidates for money in exchange for an offer of employment.

Abt Global is a mission-driven, global leader in research and program implementation in the fields of health, social and environmental policy, and international development. Known for its rigorous approach to solving complex challenges, Abt Global is regularly ranked as one of the top global research firms and one of the international development innovators. The company has multiple offices in the U.S. and program offices in more than 40 countries.