MEL Adviser

MEL Adviser

WE’RE HIRING: MEL Adviser

Help build a practical monitoring, evaluation and learning system for climate-resilient development in Kiribati

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 Program
KORAKORA, Kiribati
Support locally led, evidence-based and climate-resilient development across Kiribati’s outer islands.
KORAKORA is Australia’s flagship climate-resilient rural development investment in Kiribati. The program supports locally led improvements in water, food and energy security and climate resilience through grant-making, early works and broader implementation investments.

A practical Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning system is central to supporting adaptive management, accountability, reporting and learning across the program’s activities.

About the Role
As the MEL Adviser, you will lead the design and establishment of a practical, fit-for-context MEL system that supports program delivery in Kiribati’s remote island environments. The system will align with DFAT standards and reporting requirements while remaining practical and sustainable for the KORAKORA team to manage over time.
This is a short-term advisory role, undertaken remotely with intermittent travel to Kiribati as required, reporting to the KORAKORA Team Leader.

• What You Will Do
  Develop the KORAKORA MEL framework and plan. Lead the development and implementation of the MEL Plan, including refinement of the program’s Theory of Change, results framework and indicators.
• Ensure alignment with DFAT reporting requirements, Climate Resilient Communities indicators and relevant program performance frameworks.
• Establish practical MEL systems and processes. Design a fit-for-context MEL system for Kiribati and outer island environments, including data collection, verification, quality assurance, data management, indicator tracking and reporting processes.
• Strengthen monitoring of grants and program activities. Establish monitoring arrangements for KORAKORA grants, early works and other program investments, with tools and processes that can be applied consistently by staff and delivery partners.
• Develop reporting and learning tools. Prepare practical templates, guidance and tools for activity and grant monitoring, progress and completion reporting, beneficiary feedback, consultations, case studies, success stories, outcome reporting and lessons learned.
• Support learning and adaptive management. Develop KORAKORA’s Learning Framework and Learning Agenda, facilitate periodic reflection and learning activities, and help integrate evidence and lessons into program decisions and future programming.
• Build staff and partner capability. Mentor the Communications and Reporting Officer and strengthen the capacity of KORAKORA staff and grantees to collect, manage, analyse and report reliable performance information.
• Provide technical advice and quality assurance. Provide periodic advice and quality assurance across data quality, program reporting, MEL tools and systems, supporting credible and timely reporting to DFAT and other stakeholders.

What You Will Bring

You will bring demonstrated experience designing MEL systems for DFAT-funded programs, together with a strong understanding of DFAT MEL standards and reporting requirements.

You will also have:

• Experience developing MEL frameworks, plans, indicators and reporting tools.
• Experience supporting grants programs and community development initiatives.
• Strong facilitation, mentoring and capacity-building skills.
• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills.
• Experience working in Pacific Island countries.
• Experience in Kiribati or comparable atoll environments will be highly regarded.
• Experience working in climate resilience, infrastructure, water, food or energy programs, and with localisation or community-led development approaches, is also desirable.

Additional Requirements
While this role may not involve direct work with children, the successful candidate will be required to complete a police check and relevant due diligence checks as part of Palladium’s commitment to being a child-safe organisation.
Applications will be reviewed in accordance with Palladium’s recruitment requirements. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

How to Apply
This is an opportunity to shape the MEL foundations of a major climate-resilient development program and help ensure that evidence, learning and community feedback inform program delivery across Kiribati.

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role.

The terms of reference can be accessed here: ToR KORAKORA MEL Advisor.docx

Applications close: 23 November 2026

Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Palladium is committed to embedding equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. We welcome applications from all sections of society and recognise that a diverse workforce supports innovation, creativity, success and good practice. Applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of their background or personal characteristics.

Safeguarding
Palladium is committed to protecting our people, the communities in which we work and our clients from harm. We have zero tolerance for child abuse, sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, trafficking, or inaction in preventing, responding to and reporting harm. Successful candidates will be subject to safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process