Lead the monitoring and evaluation strategy for the Australian-funded EQUIP program. DT Global is hiring a MERL Lead in Manila to drive evidence-based education reform. Apply by Feb 13.
Job Title: Monitoring, Evaluation, Research and Learning (MERL) Lead
| Organization | DT Global Asia Pacific |
| Program | Education Quality for Inclusive Prosperity (EQUIP) |
| Location | Manila, Philippines |
| Job Code | 4622 |
| Application Deadline | 13 February 2026 (11:59 PM Manila Time) |
Program Context
The Education Quality for Inclusive Prosperity (EQUIP) is a flagship Australian-funded program implemented in the Philippines. It represents a strategic partnership between the Governments of Australia and the Philippines designed to strengthen senior secondary education.
EQUIP supports the Philippine Department of Education (DepEd) in its 5-Point Reform Agenda. Our objective is to ensure senior high school learners possess the skills necessary to participate meaningfully in the labor force. By improving policy frameworks and skills pathways, we aim to support the country’s inclusive economic growth ambitions and facilitate smooth transitions from education to employment.
The Role
DT Global is seeking a strategic MERL Lead to direct the performance management architecture of EQUIP. This is a senior leadership position open to national applicants.
You will be responsible for operationalizing the MERL Plan in alignment with DFAT’s rigorous design and evaluation standards. Your mandate is to move beyond simple data collection. You must build a system that generates credible evidence for reporting, drives continuous learning, and informs high-level decision-making for the Program Steering Committee and our government partners.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & System Design
- Establish and manage the Program MERL Team to ensure high-quality technical inputs and timely deliverables.
- Lead the development and implementation of the MERL system. You must ensure full compliance with DFAT Design and MEL Standards while producing evidence that supports communications and partnership opportunities.
- Operationalize a coherent MERL approach across all program workstreams. You will ensure that every activity has a clear line of sight to the end program outcomes.
Data Management & Reporting
- Collaborate with the Operations Manager to design and rollout a fit-for-purpose Management Information System (MIS). This system must generate robust financial and performance data.
- Lead the drafting and preparation of the EQUIP Annual Report, six-monthly updates, and executive dashboards for the Steering Committee.
- Ensure all reporting communicates the program’s performance narrative effectively to diverse audiences.
Learning, Quality Assurance & GEDSI
- Facilitate reflection processes with the EQUIP team to capture key learnings and evidence of achievement.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement by generating purposeful knowledge products in collaboration with the Communications and Learning Lead.
- Ensure that Gender Equality, Disability, and Social Inclusion (GEDSI) commitments are rigorously captured and mainstreamed throughout the MERL system.
- Support mixed-method evaluative activities, including case studies and activity evaluations.
Capacity Building & Stakeholder Engagement
- Provide guidance and training to colleagues, DFAT, and DepEd counterparts to ensure alignment with the MERL plan.
- Contribute to harmonious working relationships with key stakeholders to build the reputation of EQUIP as a high-performing program.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for a professional with a deep understanding of the development context in the Philippines and specific expertise in donor compliance.
Essential Qualifications
- DFAT Expertise: Proven experience working with DFAT policies and requirements. You must have a strong grasp of DFAT’s Monitoring and Evaluation Standards and Performance Assessment Frameworks.
- Sector Experience: Demonstrated understanding of the education sector within development programs.
- Communication: Exceptional ability to translate complex data into compelling communication products that socialize insights for diverse audiences.
How to Apply
Closing Date: 13 February 2026 (Friday)
To be considered for this leadership role, please submit your application via the DT Global career portal.
Required Documents:
- Current CV.
- Cover Letter addressing the selection criteria.
DT Global is committed to child protection, safeguarding, and the prevention of sexual abuse and harassment. We are an equal opportunity employer and encourage applications from women, people with diverse backgrounds, and people living with disabilities.