Adviser Merl

The Ministry acts in the world to build a safer, more prosperous and more sustainable future for New Zealanders.
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- Kia hangai ake e te Manatu he ao-haumaru, _ao-tonui, ao-pumau, ki te oranga tonutanga _mo Aotearoa whanui._

**Advisor Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL)**
- Join a team of dedicated team of Monitoring, Research, Evaluation and Learning (MERL) professionals.
- Contribute to the Pacific and Development Group (PDG) and wider Ministry, especially New Zealand's International Development Cooperation.
- Collaborate with variety of internal and external stakeholders
- Parental cover - till end of October 2025
- Wellington based Fixed term contract

The Adviser MERL will contribute to the team that assures, supports and enables the delivery of impact through New Zealand's International Development Cooperation.

**About the role** - **Korero mo te turanga**

The Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Adviser is primarily responsible for the effective delivery of a portfolio of monitoring, evaluation, research and learning work and for supporting and coordinating activity level evaluations. They will also actively contribute to building an evaluative culture and support good monitoring, evaluation and research practice within the Ministry.

The MERL team manages the delivery of PDG's Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) work programme. The overall aim is to help strengthen the New Zealand International Development Cooperation (IDC) Programme, and our partners' ability to make evidence informed decisions and policy.
- Manage and deliver a portfolio of activity and strategic evaluation and research work
- Provide expert advice and support for building evidence informed activity level business cases (this involves problem analysis and intervention logic)
- Develop, review and refresh activity level MERL frameworks
- Provide expert advice, support and training for monitoring, evaluation and research work to PDG and our partners which is contextually and culturally appropriate
- Support the continuous improvement of the monitoring, evaluation, research and learning system, policy, process and practice
- Disseminate and promote learning from monitoring, evaluation, research and learning work to ensure it is utilised by PDG and our partners
- Actively participate in building an evaluative and learning culture across the Ministry

The salary range for this role is $104,670 to midpoint $123,141 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. We expect to appoint depending on your level of experience.

**Who are we looking for? - Ma wai te mahi nei?**

We'd like to hear from you if you have the following skills and experience:

- Sound knowledge of monitoring and/or evaluation and/or research theory and practice
- Understand at a strategic level, the key opportunities and risks for New Zealand in its Aid relationships
- An in-depth knowledge and understanding of Pacific development issues and trends
- Understanding of the Machinery of Government and the Government decision making process
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Proven ability to convey complex information logically and concisely
- Proven ability to prioritise issues and activities and to delegate work effectively
- Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to work successfully with a diverse range of people
- An ability to build, maintain and leverage relationships with key internal and external contacts
- A high level of judgement and decision making skills
- Ability to work effectively with colleagues across the group and wider Ministry
- Good negotiation and contract management skills
- Strong qualitative and quantitative analytical skills
- Excellent policy development skills
- Ability to influence new ideas, coach, share knowledge and work cooperatively within and across teams
- A strong understanding of the Machinery of Government and the Government decision making process
- Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Maori and Maori customs and protocols would be beneficial.

**Why** MFAT? - Nga hua o te mahi i te Manatu Aorere**

We are committed to a focus on leadership, talent, training and development, and flexible work options consistent with guidance from the Public Service Commission. Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

**About us - Mo matou**

Our people represent New Zealand on and offshore, and in doing so make New Zealanders safer and more prosperous. By building connections with and influencing other countries and international institutions, we advance New Zealand's interests and pursue New Zealand's values. We provide advice to the Government on the implications for New Zealand of what is happening in the world.

**Me pehea te tuku tono -**To Apply/Interested?**

To be considered for this position at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a NZ Citizen or NZ Permanent Residen