Adviser MERL (Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning)

• Join a team of dedicated team of Monitoring, Research, Evaluation and Learning (MERL) professionals.
• Contribute to the Pacific and Development Group (PDG), especially within New Zealand’s International Development Cooperation and it’s Climate Finance commitment.
• Collaborate with variety of internal and external stakeholders
• Wellington based Fixed term contract – till June 2026

The Adviser MERL will contribute to the team that assures, supports and enables the delivery of through New Zealand's International Development Cooperation. This role will be particularly focused on assisting with monitoring, research and evaluation of the impact of New Zealand’s International Climate Finance Strategy.

About the role - Kōrero mō te tūranga

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 especially decisions and policy relating to climate finance.

• 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 $115,000 total remuneration, inclusive of our 3% KiwiSaver employer contribution. We expect to appoint depending on your level of experience.  

For more details you can view the  position description here.

Who are we looking for? - Mā‎ wai te mahi nei?

We’d like to hear from you if you are an experienced with 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
• A general understanding of climate adaptation and mitigation
• 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
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti, Te Reo Māori and Māori customs and protocols would be beneficial.   

Why MFAT? - Ngā hua o te mahi i te Manatū 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.

MFAT is Rainbow Tick accredited. We value diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive culture where everyone feels supported, valued, and a sense of belonging.  We welcome applications from people from a diverse range of backgrounds. 

About us - Mō mātou

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. 

To Apply/Interested? - Me pēhea te tuku tono

Apply today with your CV and cover letter.

For a confidential discussion please email Cath Taylor on catherine.taylor@mfat.govt.nz

To be considered for this position at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade you must be a NZ citizen, or Permanent Resident. 

You must be able to obtain and maintain a Confidential security clearance. Ordinarily, to obtain this level of clearance candidates must have sufficient checkable background in countries where meaningful and reliable checks can be undertaken. Where requisite checks are unable to be made, the candidate application may not be able to be progressed.

Use this online tool to self-check your eligibility for a Confidential clearance . Please note that this tool is not part of the formal security clearance process: http://www.protectivesecurity.govt.nz/eligibility-tool

Please let us know if you need any support or have any access requirements that will help you through the recruitment process.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Sunday 13 July 2025.

Please note: This is not a Foreign Policy/diplomatic role.  This is a ‘Corporate’ role (known here as a specialist role based in central Wellington, NZ.  

While it is not usual for specialist staff to be ‘posted’ outside of NZ, from time to time a specialist role overseas becomes available at one of our embassies, high commissions, missions or consulates. To be considered for one of these positions you would need to apply and be considered via a competitive recruitment process.

If you do have an interest in an MFAT foreign policy/diplomatic career, you would be welcome to apply for this either via our graduate recruitment or mid-level foreign policy recruitment campaigns.