Monitoring Evaluation Research and Learning (MERL) Coordinator
- Francoise Nguyen
- Feb 9
- 3 min read
Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Program (VAPJP)
Applications close Sunday, 22 February 2026
● Exciting opportunity to join the Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Program (VAPJP)!
● Contract full-time position open to Vanuatu Citizens only
● Based in Port Vila with travel to the islands
The Organisation
The Vanuatu Australia Policing and Justice Program (VAPJP) is a collaborative initiative between the Governments of Vanuatu and Australia, aimed at strengthening law enforcement and justice institutions to improve safety, security, and access to justice.
The Position
The MERL Coordinator will work within VAPJP and collaborate with Government of Vanuatu (GoV) and program partners to progress MERL priorities related to data collection, cleaning and reporting and will contribute to the development and maintenance of a robust evidence base for adaptive program management.
This role will contribute to MERL training of MERL and non-MERL workforces to improve the collection of accurate and valid data from various parts of the Chain of Justice and support the growth/increase in MERL knowledge and appreciation of MERL processes and outcomes among sector agencies/stakeholders. The position will provide support to the revitalisation of the Sector MERL Network and contribute to sector MERL improvements for reporting against business and strategic planning documents, including contribution to NSDP goals.
The MERL Coordinator will support the MERL Manager and MERL Specialist with the establishment of the MERL Framework, MERL Plan and MERL System for VAPJP Phase 3, enabling VAPJP to meet DFAT’s reporting requirements as well as those of other stakeholders such as AFP.
Essential Selection Criteria
► Qualifications (e.g. Diploma) in MERL or a related discipline or equivalent level of experience;
► Prior experience of program logic and theory of change development and impact assessment;
► Relevant experience of performing MERL activities such as survey and interview design as well as data collection, entry, cleansing, collation, and analysis;
► Familiarity with quantitative and qualitative MERL tools/methods such as outcome harvesting, impact tracing, most significant change, and tracer studies;
► Proficiency in technical writing and verbal communication skills (English and Bislama);
► Experience in contributing to planning and delivery of MERL Professional Development trainings;
► Expertise in Microsoft Excel;
► Flexibility to travel to various locations throughout Vanuatu;
► Experience in DFAT or other similar donor-funded programs;
► Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, particularly in a multi-cultural environment.
► Proficient in organisation and multitasking with an ability to initiate and follow up tasks;
► Strong interpersonal and communication skills for engaging with diverse stakeholders.
► Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
► Demonstrated ability to work with diverse organisations (or various parts of organisations).
► Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully with people at all levels of an organisation, maximising cooperation and contributing in team environments to achieve collective goals.
► High level of integrity
► Must be a Citizen of Vanuatu
► Have no prior convictions or Police Record
Desirable Selection Criteria
► Familiarity and experience with dashboarding approaches to data visualisation, including software used for producing data visuals such as Excel, Power BI or Canva;
► Experience in MERL work within police, law and justice sectors;
► Experience of MERL in the context of Australian-Government (DFAT) programs.
Job Description
Please read the Job Description before applying. Download with this link:
Apply Online
Applications for this role must be submitted online using the link below.
Do NOT email your application.
Vanuatu citizens are strongly encouraged to apply
Applications close Sunday, 22 February 2026
Link-1072
