PDIHRD Programme Officer (MEL and Advocacy)

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Job Description

The Pacific Disability Forum (PDF) is a regional peak body on disability, provides leadership as well as supports national organisations of persons with disabilities (OPDs), donor and development partners as well as civil society and the private sector in the pursuit to ensure that persons with disabilities live in an inclusive, barrier-free and rights-based society in Pacific Island countries and territories.

The Programme Officer – MEL and Advocacy is responsible for delivering robust Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) systems and leading advocacy to embed disability inclusion across disaster risk reduction (DRR), climate adaptation, and humanitarian action initiatives. Evidence is translated into influence through policy platforms, partnerships, and regional engagement to advance the rights of persons with disabilities in the Pacific. Reporting to Manager, Humanitarian Resilience Development Unit.

Outcomes

Organisational Stakeholders
1. MEL Systems Are Strengthened and Strategically Aligned
Disability-inclusive MEL frameworks are designed and implemented to monitor progress against PDIHRD outcomes and 2035 vision. Disability-disaggregated data (e.g., gender, age, impairment type) are collected, analysed, and reported across DRR, climate, and humanitarian projects. Post-disaster evaluations are conducted to assess accessibility of emergency services and infrastructure. Alignment between PDIHRD MEL metrics and PDF KPIs, SDG indicators, and reporting standards is maintained in collaboration with the central MEL Officer.
2. Policy Advocacy for Disability Inclusion Is Effectively Delivered
Advocacy strategies are developed and executed to integrate disability inclusion into regional and national DRR, climate, and humanitarian policies. Evidence-based policy briefs and case studies are produced to highlight challenges and recommendations relevant to persons with disabilities. PDF is represented in regional forums (e.g., Pacific Resilience Partnership, COP29) to advocate for CRPD compliance and OPD participation. Partnerships with government bodies, UN agencies, and NGOs are strengthened to institutionalise disability-inclusive approaches in protocols and programs.
3. Capacity Building and Knowledge Sharing Are Facilitated
OPDs, government officials, and partners are trained on the application of disability-inclusive MEL tools (e.g., Washington Group Short Set). Learning workshops are facilitated to promote best practices in inclusive DRR and climate adaptation. OPDs are supported in using MEL findings to enhance advocacy efforts and secure resources.
4. Coordination with Key Stakeholders Is Strengthened
Disability inclusion within Australian Humanitarian Partnership (AHP) projects is ensured through close collaboration with the AHP Regional Coordinator. Advocacy and MEL messages are amplified in coordination with the PDF Communications Team through various platforms. Coordination is maintained with the Manager of Inclusive Development to ensure intersectional inclusion (e.g., gender, youth, indigenous PWDs).

Responsibilities - Critical Competencies

Competence	Description
Business
Risk Management	Analyse and manage risk.
Planning	Deliver results by developing, reviewing or following a work plan, action plan or operational plan.
Information Analysis	Make informed decisions by collecting and interpreting data and information
Documentation	Communicate using formal business writing.
Communication	Exchange information through verbal communication
Customer
Customer Commitment	Demonstrate a commitment to customer service - both internal and external customers.
Promotion	Promote the value of the products/services offered by the organisation.
Relationship Building	Build beneficial relationships with suppliers and stakeholders.
Social and Cultural Awareness	Respond respectfully and effectively to people of different cultural and social backgrounds.
People
Problem Solving	Develop practical solutions to a situation.
Innovation	Use original and creative thinking to make improvements and/or develop and initiate new approaches.
Professional
Technical Strength	Demonstrate knowledge of a specialist discipline.
Research	Apply formal research methodologies.
Technology Application	Apply technology.

Qualifications

Qualification	Discipline	Notes
Preferred
Degree	Social and Community Services, in Disability Studies, community development and or any other relevant discipline, Media, communications, advocacy, public relations
Desirable
Masters Degree	Social and Community Services, in Disability Studies, community development and or any other relevant discipline, Media, communications, advocacy, public relations

Work Knowledge and Experience

1. A minimum of 5 years’ experience in MEL and advocacy, preferably within the disability inclusion, DRR, or humanitarian sectors.
2. A proven track record in influencing policy, including drafting inputs for frameworks such as the Sendai Framework or Paris Agreement
3. Experience working with Organizations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) or other marginalised groups in the Pacific.
4. Proficiency in MEL platforms (e.g., KoBo Toolbox, NVivo) and data visualisation software (e.g., Power BI).
5. Strong understanding of the CRPD, Sendai Framework, and principles of climate justice.

Requirements

Language Proficiency
Excellent command of English

Interactions

Interaction	Comments
Internal
Humanitarian Resilience Development Unit
MEL Officer
Finance and Admin Teams
Other Programme Officers
External
Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs)
Pacific Resilience Partnership (PRP)
Donors (e.g. DFAT under AHP)
UN Agencies (e.g. UNDRR, UNDP, UNFPA)
NGOs and Humanitarian Actors
Academic and Research Institutions
Regional Bodies (e.g. SPC, SPREP)
Media Outlets	Disseminate advocacy messages and promote public awareness on disability rights and inclusion.

Attributes

Attribute	Definition
Behavioural Styles
Accountable	Assumes full responsibility for own actions and identifies with the success or failure of own part of the overall work/goal.
Detail oriented	Attends to the small elements of a task/activity, ensuring completeness and accuracy.
Innovative	Devises new and creative ways to do things comes up with original ideas.
Punctuality	Completes a required task or fulfills an obligation before or at a previously designated time
Interpersonal Styles
Perceptive	Shows keen insight and understanding of issues or situations.
Realistic	Shows concern for facts and reality, rejecting the impractical.
Self-sufficient and assured	Readily copes with situations without recourse/need of others, showing confidence and belief in oneself and one's own abilities.
Thinking Styles
Analytic	Able to separate things into their constituent elements in order to study or examine them, draw conclusions, or solve problems.
Decisive	Reaches conclusions, promptly and firmly.
Flexible/Adaptable	Readily accommodates changing circumstances, modifying own behaviour and/or views. Able to adjust easily to new conditions.
Holistic thinker	Considers issues/situations as a whole rather than analysing or dissecting the parts.