MERL Strategy Lead: Evidence, Evaluation & Policy

New Zealand Government; Wellington; On-site; NZD 130,000 - 153,000; Full time

Job summary

MFAT in Wellington is seeking a Senior Development Adviser for Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) to strengthen development outcomes and lead strategic evaluation initiatives. You will provide technical leadership across the IDC Programme to inform policy and investment decisions.

This fixed-term role runs to June 2027 and requires a relevant graduate qualification with international development experience, plus strong stakeholder engagement.

Qualifications

• Relevant graduate qualification in international relations, development studies, economics, finance or public policy.
• Experience in international development policy, programme design, evaluation and/or research.
• Proven ability to lead strategic policy analysis and advice using evidence.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and leadership across complex environments.
• Understanding of The Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti and Māori customs beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Lead MERL's strategic evaluation and research work programme.
• Provide technical leadership and advice on monitoring, evaluation, research and learning across the IDC Programme.
• Develop MERL standards, frameworks and approaches to performance measurement.
• Represent MFAT in relevant domestic and international forums and engagements.
• Generate and promote evidence and insights to support policy, programme and investment decisions.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Communication

Education

Graduate degree

Job description

MFAT in Wellington is seeking a Senior Development Adviser for Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) to strengthen development outcomes and lead strategic evaluation initiatives. You will provide technical leadership across the IDC Programme to inform policy and investment decisions.

This fixed-term role runs to June 2027 and requires a relevant graduate qualification with international development experience, plus strong stakeholder engagement.