" \u003cdiv class=\"ja-job-details\"\u003e \u003ch2 class=\"title\"\u003eMEL Quality, Reporting and Capacity Building Adviser\u003c/h2\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"meta\"\u003e \u003cul class=\"classifications\"\u003e \u003cli data-id=\"18854\"\u003e Philippines \u003c/li\u003e \u003cli data-id=\"18855\"\u003e Active Project \u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003cp class=\"date-posted\"\u003e 9/10/2026 \u003c/p\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"description\"\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKEY INFORMATION\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Job Title: MEL Quality, Reporting and Capacity Building Adviser\u003cbr\u003e Reports to: MEL Lead, with dotted line to Deputy TL\u003cbr\u003e Direct Reports: None\u003cbr\u003e Location: Home-based, with travel to Manila and program locations as required\u003cbr\u003e Duration: Defined short-term advisory input of up to 35 days from October 2026 to June 2027, with any additional input requiring prior approval.\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSUMMARY OF PROJECT\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The DFAT (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade) Social Protection, Inclusion and Gender Equality (SPRING) program is Australia\u0027s flagship investment of support to the Philippine Government on Social Protection, Gender Equality, Disability, Social Inclusion and Indigenous Inclusion. It is an AUD 40 million investment over 5 years that will support the joint Development Partnership Plan (DPP 2024-2029) between the Government of Australia and the Philippine Government. The investment is DFAT\u0027s primary avenue in the Philippines for supporting poverty reduction and bilateral funding on gender equality and social inclusion at the national level and with some select Local Government Units (LGUs). SPRING supports efforts under Australia\u0027s new International Development Policy and DFAT\u0027s forthcoming new strategies on gender equality, disability equity, and rights, and translate these into implementation in the Philippines. \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e SPRING contributes to the goal that the social and economic transformation in the Philippines reduces poverty and provides equal opportunities to all Filipinos in line with the Philippine Development Plan.\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e The objective of SPRING is that Australia works in partnership with the Philippine Government to improve systems and structures that reduce poverty and inequality, and advance gender equality and the rights of people with disabilities.\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e SPRING has four mutually reinforcing End of Program Outcomes (EOPOs):\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003col\u003e \u003cli\u003ePhilippine Government social protection plans, policies and programs increasingly close gaps in the social protection floor.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eThe Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and select LGU systems increasingly deliver quality social protection that is inclusive, gender and shock responsive, and climate sensitive.\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eThe Philippine Government increasingly invests in gender responsive policies, plans, programs and systems.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eThe Philippine Government improves data, systems and targeting to enable people with disability and Indigenous Peoples improved access to targeted service.\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ol\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eSUMMARY OF POSITION\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The MEL Quality, Reporting and Capacity Building Adviser will provide a defined package of specialist technical and methodological advice, analytical support, quality assurance, reporting support and capacity building inputs to strengthen SPRING\u0027s MEL function MEL team as the program progresses from purely national implementation to subnational delivery and grants throughout FY2026-27. The assignment will focus on providing technical and quality assurance support for the six-monthly report due in February 2027, contribution narratives, case studies, political economy and learning products, and practical updates to the SPRING MEL Framework required to reflect evolving subnational and grants activities. Working under the leadership of the national MEL team, the Adviser will provide specialist advice to strengthen the quality, coherence and usefulness of evidence, while mentoring the MEL Lead and MEL Officer to lead future synthesis, reporting, framework maintenance and quality assurance processes. This is a time-bound advisory so responsibility for this work can be fully carried forward by the MEL team after the assignment ends. This is not intended to provide supplemental MEL staffing capacity or to establish an ongoing draw-down or rolling advisory role.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The Adviser\u0027s role is to provide specialist technical advice, analytical challenge and independent quality assurance while strengthening the MEL Team\u0027s capacity in selected areas. Advisory inputs should be delivered through collaborative review, coaching and knowledge transfer, with direct drafting limited to agreed products where specialist input is required. The Adviser\u0027s inputs will complement the SPRING MEL Team\u0027s ongoing responsibility for the MEL Framework, evidence synthesis, reporting and routine MEL processes.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKEY RESPONSIBILITIES\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e1. Six-monthly reporting and evidence synthesis (8 days)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eSupport the MEL Lead and MEL Officer to plan, structure, draft and finalise agreed inputs to the SPRING six-monthly report due in February 2027, synthesising evidence from July-December 2026.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eSupport the MEL Team to strengthen contribution narratives explaining SPRING\u0027s progress and contribution to policy, systems and practice change across social protection, gender equality, disability, social inclusion and Indigenous inclusion.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eReview and provide analytical input on the MEL Team\u0027s synthesis of quantitative and qualitative evidence, outcome stories, implementation learning and partner perspectives, with a focus on strengthening the quality and clarity of results reporting. Provide quality assurance to ensure reporting is analytically sound and aligned with SPRING\u0027s theory of change, End of Program Outcomes, MEL Framework and DFAT requirements.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eProvide practical feedback and coaching to further strengthen the MEL Team\u0027s analytical and reporting capacity.\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e2.\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eCase studies, learning products and contribution narratives (8 days)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eSupport the SPRING MEL Team to develop selected significant policy and systems change case studies for priority workstreams, including anticipated 4Ps Risk Analysis and UPLIFT examples.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eProvide technical and analytical support in the preparation of selected learning briefs and case studies that capture key changes, contribution pathways, implementation lessons and implications for adaptive management.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eReview and advise on the strength and sufficiency of evidence identified by the MEL Team and technical leads on progress, contribution, adaptation and learning for use in routine reporting, management decisions and future evaluation.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eReview and strengthen selected products for senior program, DFAT and partner audiences using clear structure, accessible language and strong analytical framing.\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e3. Political economy evidence and strategic learning inputs (4 days)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eSupport the refinement of agreed political economy analysis products that strengthen SPRING\u0027s evidence base.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eSupport translation of political economy findings into practical implications for reporting, adaptive management, reform pathway development and evidence-based innovation planning.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eIntegrate relevant political economy insights into agreed reporting and learning products.\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e4. MEL Framework review and updating (10 days)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eProvide technical advice and quality assurance to support SPRING\u0027s review of the MEL Framework and MEL Plan against the current SPRING Theory of Change, implementation context and DFAT reporting requirements.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eReview and quality-assure proposed updates prepared by the SPRING MEL Team to the MEL Framework, indicator reference information and related tools, maintaining a clear change record and consistency across national, subnational and grants MEL arrangements.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eProvide technical advice during SPRING-led validation of proposed updates with the program leadership and relevant technical leads\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eProvide practical guidance and coaching on technical or methodological issues identified through the review, strengthening the capacity of the MEL Lead and MEL Officer to maintain, apply and periodically update the framework\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e5. Cross-cutting quality assurance, coaching and handover (5 days)\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eProvide targeted quality assurance across agreed MEL, reporting and learning products, with clear, actionable feedback to the MEL Lead and MEL Officer.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eReview and provide practical recommendations on templates, checklists and guidance that improve consistency, evidence standards and reporting coherence.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDeliver structured coaching and a final handover note documenting completed work, outstanding actions, decisions and recommended next steps for team-led follow-through.\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eINDICATIVE DELIVERABLES AND LEVEL OF EFFORT\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e The assignment will be managed against agreed deliverables rather than as a general draw-down advisory bucket. Listed below are the\u0026nbsp;\u003cstrong\u003eDeliverable aligned to Key Responsibility, r\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eequired output and completion standard,\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIndicative timing, and i\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003endicative LoE*.\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e1. Six-monthly reporting and evidence synthesis package\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eRequired output: Agreed inputs to the February 2027 six-monthly report covering July-December 2026; contribution narratives; synthesis of quantitative and qualitative evidence; and a documented quality-assurance review.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eIndicative timing: Planning and drafting from Q4 2026; final inputs by February 2027\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e8 days\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e2. Case studies, learning products and contribution narratives\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eRequired output: Agreed priority case studies, including anticipated 4Ps Risk Analysis and UPLIFT examples, and concise learning or contribution products.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eIndicative timing: Q4 2026-Q2 2027, sequenced to evidence availability\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e8 days\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e3. Political economy evidence and strategic learning inputs\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eRequired output: Agreed PEA drafting or refinement and a concise note translating relevant findings into practical implications for reporting, adaptive management, reform pathways and evidence-based innovation.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eIndicative timing: As agreed during FY2026-27 planning and reporting cycles\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e4 days\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e4. MEL Framework review and updating\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eRequired output: A documented review and change record; agreed updates required during the assignment to the MEL Framework, indicator reference information and related tools; and a validated final version reflecting confirmed national, subnational and grants arrangements.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eIndicative timing: Initial review in Q4 2026; updates made and validated as implementation arrangements are confirmed, by Q2 2027\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e10 days\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003e5. Cross-cutting quality assurance, coaching and handover\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eRequired output: Targeted reviews of agreed MEL, reporting and learning products; practical templates, checklists or guidance; structured coaching for the MEL Lead and MEL Officer; and a final handover note recording completed work, key decisions, outstanding actions and recommended next steps.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eIndicative timing: Throughout the assignment; final handover by June 2027\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003e5 days\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTotal approved STA input:\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOctober 2026 - June 2027,\u0026nbsp;\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e35 days\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp;\u0026nbsp; \u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e *The indicative level of effort can be confirmed during contracting and may be adjusted throughout the assignment by agreement, provided the total approved STA days are not exceeded.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eQUALIFICATIONS AND Requirements\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eEducation\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eRelevant tertiary qualifications in monitoring and evaluation, social sciences, public policy, international development, research, statistics, evaluation or another relevant discipline. Postgraduate qualifications are desirable.\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eMinimum Experience\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eAt least 10-12 years of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation, learning, reporting, evaluation or applied research, preferably in DFAT-funded programs or comparable international development programs.\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eKey Abilities and Skills\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cul\u003e \u003cli\u003eDemonstrated ability to produce high-quality analytical reports, case studies, learning products and donor-facing written deliverables for complex development programs.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eStrong qualitative analysis, political economy analysis and evidence synthesis skills, including the ability to draw out contribution, learning and adaptive management implications.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDemonstrated understanding of MEL systems for adaptive, policy-oriented and GEDSI-focused programs, including experience working with program theories of change, results frameworks and mixed-methods evidence.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eDemonstrated commitment to and understanding of GEDSI principles, with knowledge or experience in promoting gender equality, disability, and social inclusion especially within adaptive programs like SPRING. This includes a clear understanding of and practical experience in safeguarding, particularly in the context of child protection (CP) and Sexual Exploitation, Abuse, and Harassment (SEAH), with the ability to integrate safeguarding measures into program implementation.\u003c/li\u003e \u003cli\u003eCompliance to DFAT policies on fraud control, financing terrorism, child protection and other social safeguards\u003c/li\u003e \u003c/ul\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eAPPLICATION PROCESS \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e This is a rolling recruitment process. Applications will be reviewed and vetted sequentially as they are received. We encourage interested individuals to apply as early as possible.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as follows: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.\u003cbr\u003e Please send your cover letter addressing the position selection criteria and CV with name and contact details (phone and email) of three professional referees to hr@springphilippines.org, mentioning the position you are applying for in the subject line \"\u003cstrong\u003eMEL Quality, \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReporting \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eand Capacity Building\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Adviser\u003c/strong\u003e\" or apply online.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWomen, persons with a disability and Indigenous Peoples are highly encouraged to apply. \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eCowater International is an equal opportunity employer, basing employment on merit and qualifications as they relate to professional experience and position expectations. Cowater does not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, religion, sex, gender identity, disability, age, or any other basis protected by law. Persons with disabilities may send a request for reasonable accommodation to participate in the recruitment process to hr@springphilippines.org.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eCowater International adheres to the highest standards of protection of children and vulnerable adults in the delivery of programs and services. Cowater is committed to the prevention of sexual abuse, exploitation and harassment, abuse of authority, and discrimination.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003eCowater International upholds standards of ethical conduct and has zero tolerance against fraud and bribery.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003ePrior to any offer of employment, applicants will be subject to appropriate background checks.\u003cbr\u003e \u0026nbsp;\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWe thank all applicants, however only those shortlisted will be contacted. \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout Us \u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Founded in 1985, Cowater International is a leading global development consulting company. Headquartered in Ottawa and with corporate hubs in Auckland, Berlin, Brussels, Helsinki, London, Madrid, Manila, Nairobi, Singapore and Stockholm, Cowater International has successfully delivered a portfolio of over 2500 projects and assignments in more than 95 countries. We work with governments, private sector actors and communities implementing projects that support socio-economic development, institutional strengthening, environmental improvements and advance equal opportunities for all. We are a diverse and experienced team committed to building a better tomorrow for the people we serve. Our adaptive approach to management has led to our yearly award-winning work and recognition as one of Canada\u0027s Best Managed Companies since 2017.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cstrong\u003eWe thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.\u003c/strong\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003cdiv class=\"apply\"\u003e \u003ca class=\"back-link\" href=\"#\" title=\"Back to search results\"\u003eBack to search results\u003c/a\u003e \u003cinput type=\"button\" class=\"ja-button\" data-job-id=\"616727\" value=\"Apply Now\" title=\"Apply Now\" /\u003e \u003c/div\u003e \u003c/div\u003e "