MEL Adviser – International Scholarship Program

MEL Adviser – International Scholarship Program

Fixed term contract up to 30 June 2029
Monitoring & Evaluation, Performance & Quality
Competitive salary and flexible work options
Australia based (Canberra preferred)

About Palladium

Palladium is a global leader in the design, development, and delivery of Positive Impact – the intentional creation of enduring social, climate and economic value. We work with governments, businesses, and investors to help 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, the environment, and, most importantly, people’s lives.

The program

The Australia Awards Global Support Mechanism (AAGSM) is a new initiative designed to enhance the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s (DFAT) international scholarship program delivery by providing operational, technical and analytical services. The AAGSM consists of the Program Support Unit (PSU) – responsible for operational and technical services to DFAT and the scho larship delivery network, and the Research and Analytical Support Unit (RASU) – responsible for analytical and research services for international scholarship programs. Palladium delivers the AAGSM PSU and cooperates with DFAT to ensure effective functioning with the RASU.

The role

As the MEL Adviser you will develop the PSU Performance Assessment Framework (PAF) and monitor PSU performance, promoting continuous improvement based upon collected evidence. You will provide technical support to the scholarship and fellowship delivery network in the implementation of M&E Frameworks.

Working with the PSU leadership team and DFAT to develop a shared understanding of success and review and refine the PSU functional logic, you will drive the following to achieve success:

Develop, review and update the PSU PAF and supporting MEL system according to DFAT’s accountability requirements.
Support development and implementation of the PSU Value for Money Framework and ensure integration in the MEL system.
Oversee implementation of the PAF and supporting MEL system to effectively manage PSU operational and technical performance, guide operational decision-making and promote continuous improvement based on collected evidence.
Provide MEL support to RASU’s research and analysis by delivering information and data, identifying key trends and issues to be further researched, coordinating qualitative enquiries, providing feedback on scholarship and fellowship MEL Framework implementation, and supporting reviews and evaluations as appropriate.
Provide technical assistance and ongoing support to DFAT Posts, Managing Contractors and institutions to develop and implement scholarship performance monitoring systems, data collection and reporting to facilitate implementation of scholarship program monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
Lead on demand MEL support to programs including for example development and review of country level strategies, MEL plans and products.
Facilitate knowledge sharing and localised best practice on MEL across programs, develop resources and facilitate peer-to-peer learning activities.

About you

You will possess:

Substantial experience in monitoring, evaluation, or performance measurement.
Specific, proven experience in performance assessment framework design and implementation.
Considerable understanding and application of DFAT development programming and M&E guidelines and procedures.
Outstanding analytical, qualitative and quantitative monitoring and evaluation skills. Proven ability to produce high quality written reports.
Excellent interpersonal and social skills including cross-cultural experience and communication skills, professional writing skills and the ability to influence a wide range of stakeholders.
Demonstrated excellence in stakeholder engagement with proven ability to coach and mentor across varying levels of capability.

To Apply

Please submit your application online, including your CV and brief cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining your suitability in line with the requirements of the position.

Established working rights required for suitable candidates, there is no visa sponsorship or relocation support available.

For further information please email HR.AAGSM@thepalladiumgroup.com

Closing date: Thursday 17 April 2025, 11.59pm AEST

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 ca ndidates will be subject to an enhanced selection process including safeguarding-focused interviews and a rigorous due diligence process.