MERLA Coordinator – Program Support

Program Background

The Incentive Fund is a flagship program for the Australian Government that has delivered critical infrastructure to under-served communities across Papua New Guinea (PNG). The Incentive Fund Phase 5, commenced in July 2023 and runs for an initial four years, representing the next phase of Australia’s long-term investment in essential social and economic infrastructure in PNG, through a mechanism that has established its development effectiveness over two decades of operations. IF5 builds on the success of earlier phases, and is also piloting new, innovative infrastructure delivery approaches, based on learning and evidence. This phase has scaled up its gender, disability and social inclusion ambition; deploys a more explicit capacity strengthening focus, with dedicated resources that are tailored to Incentive Fund partner organisations; and are delivering a substantive public diplomacy strategy that enhances Australia’s reputation as a partner of choice in PNG. The governance arrangements for the program include the Incentive Fund Board, which provide strategic leadership and direction to IF5, particularly proposal assessment and awarding of grants. The Board consists of senior executive representatives from DFAT and the Government of PNG, as well as independent members from across business, government and civil society.

About DT Global Asia Pacific

At DT Global Asia Pacific, we aim to positively impact people’s lives through delivery excellence. As a leading implementing partner across Asia and the Pacific, we co-create locally led solutions in partnership with governments, communities, and stakeholders. We bring together talented teams and deep regional expertise to deliver initiatives that promote inclusive economic growth, essential services, and resilient, secure communities. With over 1,500 staff, experts in 22+ countries and more than 60 years of development experience, we tackle complex community, national and transnational challenges — from governance and justice systems to climate resilience, infrastructure and social equity — with innovative thinking and a commitment to long-term impact. For more information, please see www.dt-global.com

About the Role

• Under the direction of the MERLA Lead, the MERLA Coordinator will support Partner Organisations from grant making to project completion. As part of this work, the MERLA Coordinator will support the execution of MERLA Plans, creation of data collection tools, presentation of insights from collected data and evidence-based MERLA reporting for specific projects. Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:
• Support IF5 Partner Organisations design their Program Logic and implement their MEL Plans including other MEL support and capacity building
• Support the MERLA Lead with the implementation of the IF5’s Digital MERLA system
• Support the MERLA team with the management and implementation of qualitative data collection, using MS Forms, Sensemaking activities and Reflection and Learning workshops Click on the link or copy paste it to access the full Terms of Reference for this position: https://tinyurl.com/MERL-Coordinator-PS

About You

• The ideal candidate must have
• Bachelor level degree in international development, social science, natural science, mathematics, statistics, computer science, evaluation, or other relevant discipline
• At least five years’ overall work experience, with at least three years of direct application of MERLA in an international development context
• Excellent ability to collect, understand and manipulate quantitative data, and to quantify information gathered from various sources
• Ability to manage and develop MS Forms qualitative data collection tools and use the data collected to convey and visualise information in a manner easily understood by non- data experts Why join Incentive Fund program (IF5\]? By joining the Incentive Fund program (IF5), you will be part of an environment where you can collaborate with leading experts from diverse backgrounds, access development programs to achieve your career goals, and be challenged to take a global outlook

HOW TO APPLY

Click the link to apply Position Description

Please submit

• Your CV
• A cover letter addressing the selection criteria APPLICATIONS CLOSE Monday 12th October 2026 / 11:59pm / PNG Time. Should this role be of interest, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Kindly note only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. People with lived experience of the regions in which DT Global operates are strongly encouraged to apply. DT Global welcomes applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds including First Nations peoples, diverse Sexual Orientation, Gender Identity and Expression, and Sex Characteristics (SOGIESC), and people with disabilities. We take a zero-tolerance approach to sexual exploitation, abuse and harm of adults and children; fraud, corruption and bribery; modern slavery; and any form of exploitation across our operations, partnerships, and supply chains. We uphold the highest standards of integrity and expect the same of those we work with. Engagement with DT Global is subject to formal background screening, criminal record checks, employment verification, and periodic compliance checks. All DT Global staff receive safety, compliance, safeguarding and integrity training, and we expect our personnel and partners to always act in alignment with our company values