MEL Manager - REnew Pacific

*Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM AEST on 12 August 2025. We encourage you to apply early as the position may close sooner if a suitable candidate is found.

*Candidates must have valid right to work in the country where they are based. Palladium cannot consider applicants who require work authorization sponsorship for this role.

Position: Long Term (Full Time)Classification: Level 15Reports To: Team LeaderLocation: Australia (Brisbane or Canberra preferred) or Pacific Island based

REnew Pacific

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to solve the world's most pressing challenges. With a team of more than 4,000 employees operating in 90-plus countries and a global network of over 35,000 experts, we help improve economies, societies, and, most importantly, people's lives. 

REnew Pacific is a $75m investment by the Australian Infrastructure Financing Facility for the Pacific (AIFFP) under the Pacific Climate Infrastructure Financing Partnership (PCIFP), that will help deliver off-grid and community scale renewable energy in remote and rural parts of the Pacific. It is to be delivered over a five-year period from 2024-2029. The goal of REnew Pacific is to demonstrate Australia's role as a climate infrastructure partner of choice in the Pacific. This will be achieved by increasing access to affordable and reliable electricity, which will create opportunities for improved human development.  

Through the program, Australia will also support Pacific Island countries (PICs) to achieve their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by electrifying rural communities and avoiding Global Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions commensurate with the program’s capacity. The program will run a grant application and management process for projects that will enable lighting, access to water, improved agriculture, better food security, quality education and health services, reliable communications connectivity and enhanced incomes. The program covers all Pacific Island countries eligible for overseas development assistance and Timor Leste. 

Purpose of Position

Reporting to the Team Leader, the MEL Manager will lead REnew Pacific’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) work to ensure operationalisation of the program’s MEL Framework. In doing so, the MEL Manager will lead on and be responsible for ensuring REnew Pacific is enabled to report on delivery performance and development impact and adapt and adjust strategy and approach in response to lessons and other performance feedback. This will include leading on project and program level data collection; evaluation and analysis; research and learning; and reporting for both internal and external audiences.  

Primary Responsibilities

Coordinate and implement the REnew Pacific MEL Framework, working closely with the REnew Pacific Team, as well as implementation partners and project partnersCoordinate the collection and collation of quantitative and qualitative data at individual project and whole of program levels.Develop and manage the implementation of monitoring and evaluation methodologies, as well as maintain and utilise the program management information system (MIS) as it relates to MEL data. Working with project partners including by providing guidance, coaching and other support for project partners to undertake monitoring and reporting.Working with and managing third party implementation partners engaged to undertake surveys and analysis for REnew Pacific.Working closely with other thematic leads including the GEDSI and Communications Advisers to package and disseminate a range of information, knowledge and lessons for a variety of REnew Pacific stakeholders including DFAT.Work with other team members to support design and delivery of internal, external and regional learning events.Identify and support delivery of research and analysis, including by drawing on program related data and information, to address key knowledge gaps and interests.Support the development of REnew Pacific reports, including Monthly, 6-Monthly and Annual performance reports.Update and maintain the REnew Pacific MEL Framework on an annual basis.Actively seek support and advice from across the team as needed, including by leading engagement with the REnew Pacific Senior MEL adviser who will provide short term advice and input as needed.Travel to Pacific Island countries as required.Other duties as required by the Team Leader.

Reporting Requirements

This role reports to the Team Leader. Reporting requirements may include but are not limited to:

Attendance at team meetings and other requested meetings.
Regular (minimum of monthly) one to one meetings with your line manager.
Reporting to the Team Leader during Partnerships and Portfolio Lead absences

Minimum Education and Experience Required

Qualifications

Advanced degree in a relevant field (for example environmental science, geography, international development, or other related disciplines); and/or
Relevant qualifications in monitoring, evaluation, research and data management desirable

Skills and Experience

Knowledge of, or experience with, the Pacific and/or international development.
Excellent research, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Highly developed communication and time-management skills.
Demonstrated experience designing and implementing monitoring, reporting research and learning strategies.
Knowledge and understanding of DFAT aid policies and strategies, and other relevant government policies.
Demonstrated experience in stakeholder consultation and engagement
Demonstrated ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and a professional commitment to promote a culture of gender equality and social inclusion.
An understanding of climate change and disaster risk resilience issues in the Pacific Islands context is desirable.

Personal Attributes

Responsive and committed team member with the ability to work confidently under pressure
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
Excellent attention to detail
A professional commitment to principles of gender equality and social inclusion, safeguards and anti-corruption