Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Officer

KEY INFORMATION
Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) Officer
Sector: Gender-Based Violence Prevention
Duration/Level of Effort: Full-time
Position Location: Remote or on-site in Southeast Asia (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste or Vietnam)
Deadline to apply: 20/July/2025
 
SUMMARY OF THE PROJECT
The Southeast Asia Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention Platform is a pivotal initiative supported by a AUD20 million investment from the Australian Government over five years (2024 to 2029). The Platform aims to enhance GBV prevention efforts across Southeast Asia by fostering collaboration among governments, civil society organisations, international bodies, and other stakeholders. We are guided by the principles of being locally driven, evidence-based, inclusive and diverse, survivor-centred and trauma informed, adaptable, collaborative, minimising harm, accessible and innovative. We seek to build capacity, amplify evidence, and innovate in the prevention of GBV. 
  
SUMMARY OF THE POSITION
Reporting to the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Director, the MEL officer will support the efficient operation of the platform's MEL framework. The framework is designed to measure, evaluate, and continuously enhance the effectiveness of GBV Prevention Platform programs throughout Southeast Asia. The MEL Officer will be responsible for ensuring the MEL framework for the Platform initiatives functions effectively. This includes data collection, evaluation, and sharing of data to assess the effectiveness of interventions and to assist in the learning processes that result in continuous improvement. The MEL Officer will collaborate with Senior Program Officers, women's rights organisations, constituency-led organisations, policymakers, and other partners to fulfil the data requirements of the GBV Prevention Platform.
  
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
 
MEL System Support and Implementation:

• Support the implementation of the Platform’s MEL framework by ensuring adherence to MEL processes, timelines, and standards.
• Assist in the design, adaptation, and operationalisation of MEL tools, methods, and approaches that are contextually relevant and gender sensitive.
• Contribute to the development of indicators, data collection methods, and tools that align with the program’s objectives and strategic broader goals.
• Assist in the coordination and management of routine data collection processes, ensuring that data is gathered according to the guidelines and timelines.
• Monitor and track progress toward MEL framework indicators and targets for the Platform activities.
• Conduct regular field visits and/or surveys to gather stories of change, ensuring data is accurately recorded, analysed, and reported.
• Prepare regular MEL reports for internal and external stakeholders, including Secretariat, collaborators, donors, and partners, summarising progress, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative data collected through various methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, focus groups).
• Synthesise data and generate evidence-based insights to inform decision-making and programmatic adjustments.
• Ensure that data is disaggregated by gender, age, disability, and other relevant demographic factors to reflect the diverse needs of program participants.
• Provide technical support to Senior Program Officers, mentors and grantees in the use of MEL tools and systems, ensuring data quality and accuracy in line with best practices.
• Foster a culture of learning by facilitating the use of MEL data to enhance program effectiveness.
• Contribute to the preparation of annual, and other periodic reports for stakeholders, including donors and implementing partners.

Stakeholder Engagement and Feedback Mechanisms

• Support the establishment and maintenance of effective feedback mechanisms to capture input from program participants, local communities, and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with external evaluators when necessary to ensure high-quality [CP1]endline evaluation processes.
• Assist in the collection and dissemination of lessons learned and best practices to program partners and stakeholders.

Ethical and Safe Data Practices

• Ensure that all data collection activities are conducted in a manner that is ethical, culturally sensitive, and respects participants' privacy and confidentiality.
• Adhere to the Platform’s safeguarding policies and guidelines, ensuring that the voices and experiences of GBV survivors are collected and represented safely and respectfully.

JOB REQUIREMENTS
Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, social science, international development, business administration, etc. A post-graduate degree in a related field is desirable but not essential.
• Additional training and/or certification on monitoring and evaluation is an advantage.

  
Experience:

• At least 3-5 years [CP2] [TS3] of relevant experience in monitoring, evaluation, and learning within the context of development or humanitarian programs, preferably in GBV prevention or related sectors.
• Experience in designing and implementing MEL systems, tools, and methodologies for gender-focused programs.
• Familiarity with both qualitative and quantitative data collection methods and analysis techniques.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, Kobo Toolbox, Power BI or similar software.
• Knowledge of gender-sensitive approaches to data collection and ethical considerations in working with vulnerable populations.
• Ability to effectively communicate and engage with diverse stakeholders, including government bodies, NGOs, and civil society organisations.
• Strong report writing and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights.

  
Language:

• Proficiency in English and at least one Southeast Asian language, both written and oral.

 
APPLICATION PROCESS
This position is open for citizens of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Timor-Leste and Vietnam. We will not consider applicants from other regions/countries.
  
Candidates with the ability to live and work in Bangkok, where our regional hub is, or a willingness to undertake significant travel to Bangkok are strongly encouraged to apply. This position also has the option to work remotely from any country in Southeast Asia. Previous applicants will be considered in this round of recruitment. If you have previously applied, you do not need to reapply in this round.
  
Candidates are encouraged to apply on or before 20 July 2025.
  
For your application to be considered, please upload your documents as follows: Candidate Last Name, First Name, date, Title of the Position.
  
To apply, please submit:
- CV that highlights relevant experiences and achievements vis-à-vis this job description
- Cover letter outlining your interest and suitability in the role.
 
Equal Opportunity: 
Women, indigenous women and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply. 
Cowater International is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to hiring based on merit and qualifications. 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.  
 
Salary Information
This position offers a salary within the range of AUD 4.000 - AUD 5,000 per month  based on the successful candidate's experience and qualifications.

For More Information: 
For further details or to apply, please contact collaborate@prevention-platform.org or visit www.prevention-platform.org. Join us in driving impactful GBV prevention efforts in Southeast Asia!

 
ABOUT US
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’s Best Managed Companies since 2017.

We thank you for your interest in building a better tomorrow with Cowater International.