Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Assistant

• Pohnpei-based position
• Join the principal development organisation in the region

Description

The Pacific Community (SPC) is the principal scientific and technical organisation in the Pacific region, supporting development since 1947. We are an international development organisation owned and governed by our 27 country and territory members. In pursuit of sustainable development to benefit Pacific people, our unique organisation works across more than 25 sectors. We are known for our knowledge and innovation in such areas as fisheries science, public health surveillance, geoscience, and conservation of plant genetic resources for food and agriculture.

The Micronesia Regional Office (MRO) situated in Kolonia, Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), is the main hub for SPC's projects and partnerships with the Micronesian members of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands (RMI), the Republic of Palau, and the United States territories of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), and Guam. The MRO opened in January 2006.

The role – the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Assistant will provide essential support to the EDA Programme in implementing its Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning framework. This role focuses on assisting with data collection, verification, organization, and reporting to ensure accurate tracking of programme results. The MEL Assistant will help maintain monitoring schedules compliant reporting requirements. Working as part of the EDA Programme Coordination Unit, the MEL Assistant also collaborates closely with State Facilitating Agents and Grantees to ensure that data and documentation are well-managed and readily available for programme decision-making and reporting.

The key responsibilities of the role include the following:

Results Monitoring

• Assist in implementing the MEL Plan for the EDA Programme by providing coordination and administrative support
• Help with data collection and updates on implementation progress for strategies such as the MEL Plan, Gender Action Plan (GAP), Environmental and Social Safeguards Management System (ESMS), and Stakeholder Engagement Plan (SEP), including documenting lessons learned to support timely and accurate reporting
• Support basic review and analysis of data for Quarterly Progress Reports, Annual Performance Reports (APRs), and evaluation reports
• Coordinate and assist in organizing internal reflection sessions, learning discussions, and workshops to document and verify progress against outcomes and lessons learned
• Support Teams collaboration and coordination with other GCF Projects and related/relevant initiatives in FSM
• Support participatory monitoring and encourage all Facilitating agents and Sub-grantees to document and record their progress

Training and Capacity Building

• Assist the EDA Programme Coordination Unit in preparing and sharing templates for monitoring, evaluation, and learning activities
• Provide logistical and administrative support for staff training sessions on MEL concepts and processes
• Help colleagues review data collection efforts to ensure reliability, consistency, and quality, under the guidance of the Technical Officer
• Support the development and application of MEL tools and processes by gathering inputs/update from grantees and maintaining documentation
• Assist in strengthening sub-grantees’ capacity to integrate MEL into pre- and post-grant phases by coordinating sessions and tracking progress

Evaluation and Learning

• Support external reviews or evaluations to ensure high-quality MEL deliverables.
• Support the implementation of recommendations of external reviews and recommendations by consultants which are aimed at improving delivery
• Support the distribution of timely relevant information to team members, facilitating agents and other stakeholders to ensure that M&E findings are regularly discussed and integrated into decision-making processes.
• Support grantees to align workplans and reporting outputs with the EDA Programme’s MEL framework and APR requirements
• Contribute to reflection workshops, case studies and documentation of results and lessons learned.
• Provide assistance in identifying/jointly developing and disseminating case studies, stories and publications, through local newspapers and social media platforms

For a more detailed account of the key responsibilities, please refer to the online job description.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• A diploma in a relevant field such as development, social sciences, evaluation or equivalent body of knowledge and experience

Technical expertise

• At least 2 years relevant experience in MEL.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to collect, organize, and maintain data and documentation systematically.
• Good communication skills for coordinating with multiple stakeholders.
• Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word) and willingness to learn new tools.
• Ability to follow procedures and meet deadlines consistently.
• High level of Professional Integrity and Ethics.

Language skills

• Good communication skills with fluency in verbal and written English to communicate with member country governments and other regional and international organisations.

Interpersonal skills and cultural awareness

• Knowledge of Pacific Island countries and territories is an advantage.

Salary, terms and conditions

Contract Duration – This position is budgeted until 29 February 2028.

Remuneration – the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Assistant is a Band 6 position in SPC’s 2025 salary scale, with a starting taxable salary range of USD 28,047–35,058 per year, plus local staff benefits. An offer of appointment for an initial contract will be made in the lower half of this range, with due consideration being given to experience and qualifications. Progression within the salary scale will be based on annual performance reviews.

Benefits for Staff in a position advertised internationally (EPAL) whose duty station is Pohnpei –– SPC provides medical and life insurance for eligible employees. Employees are entitled to 25 days of annual leave. Provident Fund and/or Social Security will be according to FSM’s local legislation.

Languages – SPC’s working languages are English and French.

Recruitment principles – SPC’s recruitment is based on merit and fairness, and candidates are competing in a selection process that is fair, transparent and non-discriminatory. SPC is an equal-opportunity employer, and is committed to cultural and gender diversity, including bilinguism, and will seek to attract and appoint candidates who respect these values. Due attention is given to gender equity and the maintenance of strong representation from Pacific Island professionals.  If two interviewed candidates are ranked equal by the selection panel, preference will be given to the Pacific Islander. Applicants will be assured of complete confidentiality in line with SPC’s private policy.

Please note that applicants must be FSM Nationals currently residing in the country, or hold the proper work permit for salaried employment there.

Application procedure

Closing date: 11 January 2026 – 11:00 pm Noumea time

Job Reference: CR000529

Applicants must apply online at http://careers.spc.int/

Hard copies of applications will not be accepted.

For your application to be considered, you must provide us with:

• an updated resume with contact details for three professional referees
• a cover letter detailing your skills, experience and interest in this position
• responses to all screening questions

Your application will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed at shortlisting stage if all the above documents are not provided. Applicants should not attach copies of qualifications or letters of reference.

Please ensure your documents are in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.

SPC does not charge a fee to consider your application and will never ask for your banking or financial information during the recruitment process.

Screening questions (maximum of 2.000 characters per question):

1. Describe an experience where you supported a project’s monitoring and evaluation. What steps or processes did you follow to ensure this was successfully undertaken?
2. The Enhancing Direct Access Programme will provide grants to Municipalities and State Governments for their climate adaptation priorities. Why is Monitoring and Evaluation important, and how does it support achieving the Programme’s objectives?
3. Grantees under the Enhancing Direct Access Programme must submit quarterly reports. What are at least three challenges a MEL Assistant may face in obtaining these reports on a timely basis?