Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Specialist [Open to Tier 0, 1 & 2 applicants]

Tiered Approach

In line with the commitment to safeguard capacity and support personnel already in the Organization, a majority of UNDP UNCDF/UNV vacancies are advertised using a tiered application process whereby:

• Tier 0: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV IP staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments, whose posts will be abolished, or contracts will be terminated or not renewed during 2026.
• Tier 1: Other UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding permanent (PA) and fixed-term (FTA) appointments
• Tier 2: UNDP/UNCDF/UNV staff holding temporary appointments (TA), personnel on regular PSA contracts, and Expert and Specialist UN Volunteers
• Tier 3 or no tier indicated: All other contract types from UNDP/UNCDF/UNV and other agencies, and other external candidates

Please make note of the Tier(s) indicated in the vacancy title, if any, and ensure that you satisfy the eligibility to apply.

Background

The Pacific region is facing considerable economic and social development challenges due to the increasing impact of climate change and geo-hazards. At the same time, development in these countries is potentially increasing this vulnerability to climate change and disasters. The Framework for Resilient Development in the Pacific (FRDP), endorsed in 2016 by Pacific leaders, demonstrates a clear recognition that managing climate change and disaster related risk must be undertaken in the context of economic development and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Governance for Resilient Development in the Pacific (Gov4Res) Project works with Pacific governments to ensure that countries adapt their decision making and governance systems towards more resilient development. The projects theory of change rests on a core assumption that Pacific Island people will be more resilient to the impacts of climate change and disasters if countries manage all development through a risk informed approach.

The Gov4Res Project, now in Phase 2, works across six Pacific countries and programs two interconnected but distinct outcomes for its work:
Outcome 1: PIC governance systems enable gender and socially inclusive resilient development.
Outcome 2: PICs weave learning to advocate for and communicate gender and socially inclusive resilient development.

UNDP is partnering with a range of partners to deliver this project across the Pacific including Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade (MFAT), Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA) and United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (UK FCDO). Furthermore, Gov4Res has mobilised additional funding from new partners including the Governments of Austria and Portugal and the V20 Group, as well as existing partners including MFAT and UK FCDO under new reporting arrangements. This support will commence in the second half of 2026 and will increase the MEL and reporting requirements of the portfolio significantly.

Under overall guidance and direct supervision of the Gov4Res Strategy, Innovation and Learning Specialist in UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji, the Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Specialist will work in close coordination with the Gov4Res MEL Analyst, to develop the MEL approach for Phase 2 of Gov4Res and to undertake Political Economy Analysis and Country Outcome Mapping for six partner countries. Additionally, the Specialist will support MEL strengthening in partner countries, based on specific requests aligned with the Gov4Res Country Strategies and strengthened national planning processes.

Duties and Responsibilities

The MERL Specialist will report to the Strategy, Learning and Innovation Specialist of the UNDP Governance for Resilient Development in the Pacific Project.

The MERL Specialist will be responsible for the following:

1. MEL Approach and Framework

• Work with the Gov4Res Learning and Advocacy team to develop, implement and review the Gov4Res Phase 2 MEL approach, which is based on MEL that brings value to all stakeholders
• Support the development and communication of the MEL framework and how it supports implementation and learning within a complex governance program
• Work with the MEL Analyst in setting up systems and processes to enable effective country outcome mapping across six countries and to assess progress through regional partnerships with the Pacific Island Forum and the Pacific Community
• Identify, adapt and implement tools and methods to support the team in data collection and analysis
• Support the review and update of Gov4Res country strategies in partnership with the Gov4Res Resilience Officers
• Ensure the integration of GEDSI in Gov4Res MEL systems including identification of relevant MEL indicators and collection of GEDSI data.

2. GEDSI Focused MEL

• Ensure the integration of GEDSI in Gov4Res MEL systems including identification of relevant MEL indicators and collection of GEDSI data
• Support ongoing updates to the Gov4Res GEDSI approach, including how to measure and assess Gov4Res GEDSI work as the GEDSI focal point within the Gov4Res Learning and Advocacy team
• Provide input where needed across the project design and work planning to ensure GEDSI is mainstreamed and measured according to the UNDP Gender Strategy 2026 – 2029, the Fiji Multi-Country Office GEDSI Strategy and the Gov4Res GEDSI Appraoch.

3. Country and Project Team Capacity Support for Pacific MEL

• Provide capacity support and technical assistance based on partner country requests for MEL strengthening
• Provide mentoring for new MEL embedded positions in Gov4Res project countries, such as Solomon Islands and Tonga
• Support in-country capacity for developing and implementing culturally contextual and GEDSI inclusive MEL practices and tools
• Provide technical support for Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning for the Gov4Res team
• Contribute to team mentoring around topics of MEL and especially GEDSI focused MEL
• Facilitate learning sessions with Gov4Res team members and Pacific partners.

4. PEA and Research

• Undertake and update Political Economy Analysis for each Gov4Res partner country (Fiji, Kiribati, Tonga, Solomon Islands, Tuvalu and Vanuatu) and provide relevant insights back to broader Gov4Res team for country programming decisions
• Identify opportunities for publishing PEA and documenting PEA processes for learning and advocacy
• Support the Gov4Res MEL team in undertaking research and analysis that supports the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning outcomes of the project, with a GEDSI lens.

5. Pacific MEL Advocacy

• Present at national, regional and international fora on the Gov4Res MEL approach and the benefits of Pacific MEL approaches
• Support communication, visibility and advocacy on different MEL approaches that benefit all stakeholders

The incumbent performs other duties within their functional profile as deemed necessary for the efficient functioning of the Office and the Organization.

Competencies

Core competencies:

• Achieve Results: LEVEL 3: Set and align challenging, achievable objectives for multiple projects, have lasting impact
• Think Innovatively: LEVEL 3: Proactively mitigate potential risks, develop new ideas to solve complex problems
• Learn Continuously: LEVEL 3: Create and act on opportunities to expand horizons, diversify experiences
• Adapt with Agility: LEVEL 3: Proactively initiate and champion change, manage multiple competing demands
• Act with Determination: LEVEL 3: Think beyond immediate task/barriers and take action to achieve greater results
• Engage and Partner: LEVEL 3: Political savvy, navigate complex landscape, champion inter-agency collaboration
• Enable Diversity and Inclusion: LEVEL 3: Appreciate benefits of diverse workforce and champion inclusivity

Cross-Functional & Technical competencies:

Business Management

• Results based management: Ability to manage the implementation of strategies, programmes, and projects with a focus at improved performance and demonstrable results. Knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, concepts, methodologies, instruments, and tools
• Monitoring & Evaluation: Ability to systematically monitor results of strategies, programmes, and activities with a view to make sure that they are being implemented effectively; Ability to provide managers and key stakeholders with regular feedback and reporting on the consistency or discrepancy between planned activities and programme management and results. Ability to make independent judgment of the management and results of strategies, programmes and activities based on set criteria and benchmark, keeping in mind the needs and concerns of client, current and upcoming. Knowledge and understanding of monitoring and evaluation frameworks, concepts, methodologies, systems, processes, and tools. Ability to make independent judgements based on set criteria and benchmarks. Ability to anticipate client's upcoming needs and concerns

2030 Agenda: Engagement & Effectiveness

• Effectiveness: Performance analysis on programming, Systems and tools for managing risk

Business Direction and Strategy  

• Systems Thinking: Ability to use objective problem analysis and judgement to understand how interrelated elements coexist within an overall process or system, and to consider how altering one element can impact on other parts of the system

2030 Agenda: People

• Gender: Monitoring and Evaluation on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment

Required Skills and Experience

Education:

• Advanced university degree (master's degree or equivalent) in Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, Research, International Development, Social Sciences or related field is required, or 
• A first-level university degree (bachelor’s degree) in the areas mentioned above in combination with an additional two years of qualifying experience will be given due consideration in lieu of the advanced university degree.

Experience:

• Minimum 5 years (with master’s degree) or 7 years (with bachelor’s degree) of progressively responsible relevant experience at the national or international level in monitoring, evaluation and learning preferably in a developing country context.
• Demonstrated experience in developing MEL frameworks and translating complex data into actionable insights.
• Demonstrated experience in providing capacity building support for MEL processes.
• Demonstrated work experience in the Pacific region.
• Experience of integrating Gender Equality, Disability and Social Inclusion in their work
• Experience working in cross-cultural setting with a strong understanding of participatory approaches
• Experience working within multilateral agencies, UN agencies or Pacific regional organizations.

Language requirements: 

• Fluency of English language is required.
• Knowledge of another UN language is desirable.
• Knowledge of a Pacific Island language is an asset.

Equal opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, UNDP values diversity as an expression of the multiplicity of nations and cultures where we operate and, as such, we encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply for roles in the organization. Our employment decisions are based on merit and suitability for the role, without discrimination. 

UNDP is also committed to creating an inclusive workplace where all personnel are empowered to contribute to our mission, are valued, can thrive, and benefit from career opportunities that are open to all.

Sexual harassment, exploitation, and abuse of authority

UNDP does not tolerate harassment, sexual harassment, exploitation, discrimination and abuse of authority. All selected candidates, therefore, undergo relevant checks and are expected to adhere to the respective standards and principles. 

Right to select multiple candidates

UNDP reserves the right to select one or more candidates from this vacancy announcement.  We may also retain applications and consider candidates applying to this post for other similar positions with UNDP at the same grade level and with similar job description, experience and educational requirements.

Use of AI by candidates

Applicants are invited to read UNDP’s guidance for candidates on using AI responsibly in UNDP recruitment and selection

Scam alert

UNDP does not charge a fee at any stage of its recruitment process. For further information, please see www.undp.org/scam-alert.